Apple’s latest iPad Pro, released in May 2024, introduces powerful new features like the M4 chip and a stunning OLED display, offering exciting possibilities for professional users and creatives alike. However, despite its technological advancements, some reviewers find this upgrade to be somewhat “awkward” due to the limitations of iPadOS. This blog post will guide you through the key features, strengths, and potential shortcomings of the iPad Pro 2024, helping you decide if this device is the right fit for your needs.
11-inch vs. 13-inch iPad Pro: Which Should You Choose?
Apple offers two sizes for the iPad Pro 2024—11-inch and 13-inch—and both have some distinct differences that may sway your decision based on your preferences.
| Feature | 11-inch iPad Pro | 13-inch iPad Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From $999 | From $1,299 |
| Display | 11-inch Tandem OLED (2420 x 1668 pixels) | 13-inch Tandem OLED (2752 x 2064 pixels) |
| Colors | Silver, Space Black | Silver, Space Black |
| Chip | M4 | M4 |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Cameras | 12MP front landscape, 12MP rear | 12MP front landscape, 12MP rear |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, 5G | Wi-Fi 6E, 5G |
| Size | 9.83 x 6.99 x 0.21 inches | 11.09 x 8.48 x 0.2 inches |
| Weight | 0.98 pounds | 1.28 pounds |
The main differences between the two models are the screen size, resolution, and weight. The 13-inch model is ideal for users who need more screen real estate for tasks like video editing or graphic design, while the 11-inch version offers a more portable experience for on-the-go use.
Performance Powerhouse: The M4 Chip
At the core of the iPad Pro 2024 is Apple’s newest M4 chip, which brings significant performance upgrades compared to the M2 chip used in previous models. Here’s what you can expect from the M4:
- 50% faster CPU performance, making multitasking smoother than ever.
- 4x better graphics processing power, perfect for demanding tasks like 3D modeling, gaming, or complex visual work.
- A revamped Neural Engine, supercharging AI-related functions like image recognition, object tracking, and more.
For professionals—whether you’re a video editor, a graphic designer, or a software developer—these improvements translate into faster processing, smoother workflows, and an overall more responsive user experience. Editing high-resolution video files or working on multiple apps simultaneously will feel seamless.
Breathtaking Display: A Shift to OLED
One of the most anticipated features of the iPad Pro 2024 is its shift to OLED technology in both the 11-inch and 13-inch models. The new Tandem OLED displays offer several advantages over the previous LCDs:
- Superior contrast ratios, producing deeper blacks and more vibrant, true-to-life colors.
- Higher peak brightness, making the display easier to see even in bright environments.
- Improved power efficiency, thanks to Tandem OLED technology, which enables better brightness without sacrificing battery life.
The move to OLED makes the iPad Pro’s display one of the best you can find in a tablet, whether you’re editing photos, watching movies, or sketching with the Apple Pencil. The colors are vivid, and the contrast is sharp, bringing any visual content to life in a way that few other devices can match.
Design and Functionality: Sleek but Fragile?
The design of the iPad Pro 2024 continues Apple’s tradition of sleek, minimalist aesthetics. It’s now the thinnest iPad ever, featuring a durable aluminum body available in two classic colors—Silver and Space Black.
However, some users express concerns about the fragility of such a thin device. While Apple has made efforts to enhance the structural integrity of the iPad, there are still apprehensions about potential bending or breakage, especially for users who frequently travel or carry their device without a case.
Camera System: A Minor Letdown?
For a device boasting significant advancements in other areas, the camera system feels like an afterthought. The iPad Pro 2024 uses the same camera hardware as the previous model:
- 12MP rear wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture.
- 12MP TrueDepth front camera, used for Face ID and video calls.
Notably, Apple has removed the ultra-wide camera that was present in earlier models, which may disappoint users who use their iPad for photography or video work. While the M4 chip enhances image processing, making the best of these sensors, the lack of a hardware upgrade leaves the camera feeling underwhelming compared to the latest iPhone cameras.
New Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
To complement the new iPad Pro, Apple also introduced an upgraded Apple Pencil Pro and a revamped Magic Keyboard.
The Apple Pencil Pro features several enhancements:
- A haptic motor that provides tactile feedback while drawing, offering a more immersive experience.
- A squeeze sensor, allowing you to trigger specific tools or functions within compatible apps.
- Rotation sensitivity, which offers more precise control for artists and designers.
However, this new Apple Pencil is only compatible with the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models, thanks to a redesigned magnetic charging system.
The Magic Keyboard also sees improvements:
- A lighter design, making it more portable for users on the move.
- A larger trackpad, improving navigation and usability.
- A new function row for quick access to essential controls like volume and brightness.
- Faster pass-through charging, now capable of delivering 60 watts to your iPad, minimizing downtime.
Software: The Awkward Wait
While the hardware on the iPad Pro 2024 is impressive, many reviewers have noted a disconnect with iPadOS. The current version of the software, iPadOS 17, doesn’t fully harness the power of the M4 chip, leaving users feeling like they’re waiting for future updates—particularly iPadOS 18—to unlock the device’s full potential.
This creates a sense of “awkwardness,” as the iPad Pro is clearly capable of doing more, but the software isn’t quite there yet. For users eager to tap into the power of the M4 chip, this waiting game might be frustrating.
Conclusion: Is the iPad Pro 2024 Right for You?
The iPad Pro 2024 is undeniably one of the most powerful and visually stunning tablets on the market. Its M4 chip and OLED display make it a dream device for professionals and creatives, offering unparalleled performance and visual quality. However, the lack of camera upgrades and the limitations of iPadOS 17 may leave some users questioning whether it’s worth the investment right now.
If you need a powerhouse tablet for professional creative work and are willing to wait for future iPadOS updates, the iPad Pro 2024 could be a fantastic investment. On the other hand, if camera quality or software that fully takes advantage of your hardware is a priority, you might want to hold off and see how iPadOS evolves in the coming months. Either way, Apple has set the stage for an exciting future for its flagship tablet lineup.