As expected, at its “Let Loose” event on May 7, 2024, Apple announced the next generation of iPad Pro tablets. Available in 11- and 13-inch versions, these tablets offer “Tandem OLED” displays, the latest M4 processors and an incredibly thin 5.1mm aluminum chassis.
The biggest change in the new iPad Pro models is the screens. Now, instead of IPS, the iPad Pro uses “Tandem OLED” technology that combines two OLED panels to create higher brightness. As a result, the new iPad Pro can produce up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness in SDR and 1,600 nits in HDR. Unlike the previous generation iPad Pro, which only featured a mini-LED display on the larger 13-inch model, the Ultra Reditna XDR is available in both sizes.
Additionally, users can spec the tablet with nano-textured glass, which reduces glare and reflections. It’s only available with 1TB and 2TB versions, and costs an extra $100.
The iPad Pro is powered by the new 3nm Apple M4 processor with four performance cores and six efficiency cores. Apple claims the processor delivers 50% more CPU performance than the M2. As for the GPU, it can run up to 4x faster than the M2. Finally, Apple promises a significant performance boost in AI tasks thanks to improvements in the M4’s neural engine.
As for storage, every iPad Pro now starts at 256GB and goes up to 2TB.
Some interesting changes have occurred on the back of the new iPad Pro. Now, instead of two cameras, the tablet has only one 12MP wide-angle camera. The ultra-wide lens is gone, leaving room for a LiDAR sensor and True Tone flash. As for the front camera, it now sits on the “correct” side of the tablet, providing a more natural view for video calls. All this without giving up the ability to charge the Apple Pencil on the side of the tablet.
All these upgrades have a significant cost. The base 11-inch iPad Pro now starts at $999, while the 13-inch version with 256GB of storage will set you back $1,299. If that’s too much for you, check out the updated iPad Air and its new 13-inch version.
Apple also announced new accessories to complement its latest iPad Pro models. The Magic Keyboard now features an aluminum palm rest, a larger trackpad with haptic feedback, and a dedicated row of function keys so you can use shortcuts to change volume, adjust brightness, and more. The new Magic Keyboard for the 11-inch iPad Pro costs $299, and its 13-inch sibling costs $349.
The $129 Apple Pencil Pro is now a thing. This is the next generation of Apple’s digital stylus, and it includes a number of key improvements, such as squeeze, twist, haptic feedback and find mine.
The new tablets and their accessories are now available for pre-order on the official website. Shipments start next week.