Since Apple transitioned its laptop and desktop computers from Intel to Apple Silicon a few years ago, the company has typically taken a PC-first approach toward launching new processors. But in a break from that tradition, the first device powered by Apple’s new M4 processor is an iPad.
The 2024 iPad Pro lineup includes 11 inch and 13 inch tablets that Apple says are its thinnest products ever, but also the most powerful tablets from the company to date thanks to the new Apple M4 processor.
The new tablets feature Apple’s new “Ultra Retina XDR” display, which consists of two OLED display panels for up to 1000 nits brightness or 1600 peak brightness. The 11 inch model measures just 5.3mm thick and weighs 0.98 pounds, while the 13 inch version is 5.1mm and 1.28 pounds. And the tablets are now designed to be landscape-first devices, with the front-facing 12MP camera and Face ID system positioned for use in landscape orientation.
Apple says the M4 processor that powers the new tablets features:
- CPU
- 3 x Performance cores (256GB or 512GB models) or 4 x Performance cores ( 1TB / 2TB models)
- 6 x Efficiency cores
- GPUÂ
- 10-cores
- Next-gen architecture
- AV1 decoding
- Neural Engine
- 16 cores
- 38 TOPs
- Display Engine
- Tandem OLED support
- 10Hz – 120 Hz ProMotion
- MemoryÂ
- 8GB (256GB / 512GB models) or 16GB (1TB / 2TB models)
- 120 GB/s
Apple says the new chip offers up to 50% faster CPU performance than the M2 chip used in the previous-gen iPad Pro, and up to 4 times the graphics performance.
Entry-level models also now ship with 256GB of storage, which is twice as much as the previous-gen.
The new iPad Pro is available for pre-order today with prices starting at $999 for the 11 inch model or $1299 for the 13 inch version. It should be available starting next week.
If you’re wondering what you’re supposed to do with all the extra horsepower in an Apple tablet with an M4 processor, Apple has just launched a new version of its Final Cut Pro video editing application that, among other things, brings support for external storage devices and Live Multicam recording to the iPad.
| iPad Pro 11 (2024) | iPad Pro 13 (2024) | |
| Display | 11 inch Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED 2360 x 1640 pixels 264 ppi 10 to 120 Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh 1000 nits SDR max 1000 nits XDR max 1600 nits HDR peak Apple Pencil / Pencil Pro support | 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED 2732 x 2048 pixels 264 ppi 10 to 120 Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh 1000 nits SDR max 1000 nits XDR max 1600 nits HDR peak Apple Pencil / Pencil Pro support |
| Processor | Apple M4 Up to 10 CPU cores ( Up to 4 Performance cores + 6 Efficiency cores)) 10 GPU cores 16 Neural Engine cores | |
| CPU / RAM / Storage | 3 P-cores + 6 E-cores/8GB RAM/256GB or 512GB storage 4 x E-cores + 6 E-cores/16GB RAM/1TB or 2TB storage) | |
| Cameras | 12MP rear (f/1.8, 4k/60fps video, LiDAR scanner) 12MP front (f/2.4 ultra-wide, 1080/60fps video) | |
| Audio | Quad speakers Four microphone array | |
| Wireless | WiFi 6E BT 5.3 5G & 4G LTE (optional) | |
| Battery | 31.29 Wh | 38.99 Wh |
| Charging | 20W | |
| Ports | USB4 (40Gb/s) | |
| Sensors | Face ID LiDAR Scanner 3-axis gyroscope Accelerometer Barometer Ambient Light Sensor | |
| Dimensions | 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.3mm 9.83″ x 6.99″ x 0.21″ | 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1mm 11.09″ x 8.48″ x 0.2″ |
| Starting Weight | 444 grams 0.98 pounds | 579 grams 1.28 pounds |
| Starting Price | $999 | $1299 |
Apple has also launched updated accessories, including a new Magic Keyboard made for the latest iPad Pro (priced at $299 for the 11 inch and $349 for the 13 inch model), and a new $129 iPad Pencil Pro that introduces new features including “Barrell roll,” and “squeeze” support for rotating objects while you’re moving them, or changing brushes or functions. There’s also now support for the Find My network, helping you locate a missing Apple Pencil.
The iPad Pencil Pro is also compatible with the 2024 iPad Air with an M2 processor, if you want to use the new pen with a lower-priced tablet.
