On May 7, 2024, Apple released complete information about the latest iPad Pro model at the “Let Loose” Keynote. This new tablet comes after more than 1.5 years without releasing an updated model. As we expected, Apple took its time and introduced a groundbreaking tablet that is full of new features.
Which iPad Pro to choose?
The 2022 iPad Pro model brought modest updates, including an M2 chip, hover functionality for the Apple Pencil, and better connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. However, the 2024 version comes with significantly more extensive improvements.
Apple is no longer selling the 2022 models, but they are still available in refurbished form or last pieces from third-party sellers (smarty, iwant) at reduced prices. This raises the question of whether to buy an older model at a lower price or invest in a newer version.
iPad Pro Comparison: 2022 vs 2024
Display and display
- The 2022 model offered an 11-inch or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina or Liquid Retina XDR display, while the 2024 model switches to a 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display with Tandem OLED technology.
- Brightness has been increased from a maximum of 600 nits on the 2022 model to 1000 nits on the 2024 model.
- The newer model offers the option of nano-textured display glass for configurations with higher storage capacity.
Performance improvement
- The iPad Pro 2022 features an M2 chip, while the 2024 model brings an M4 chip with multiple cores and advanced 3nm technology.
- The new M4 chip is 1.5 times more powerful compared to the M2 chip
Camera
- The new iPad Pro 2024 has only one rear camera. He thus lost the ultra-wide-angle lens.
- iPad Pro 2024 brings True Tone adaptive flash.
- Both models have a 12MP ultra-wide-angle front camera. The new model has it placed on the longer side for use in landscape mode.
Dimensions, storage and connectivity
- The 2024 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, which can be a crucial factor for users who value compactness.
- Storage options on the newer model start at 256GB, eliminating the 128GB option available on the 2022 model.
- Connection options vary slightly; the new model lacks mmWave 5G support, but supports eSIM, which eliminates the slot for a physical SIM card.
Accessory support
- Both models support the Apple Pencil and various keyboard accessories, but the iPad Pro 2024 is compatible with the new Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard designed specifically for the M4 chip.
Specifications comparison chart
The following table covers all the differences between the iPad Pro 2022 and 2024.
| iPad Pro (2022) | iPad Pro (2024) |
|---|---|
| Display 11 or 12.9 inches | Display 11 or 13 inches |
| Liquid Retina or Liquid Retina XDR | Ultra Retina XDR |
| LED backlight or mini-LED with IPS | Tandem OLED |
| Maximum SDR brightness: 600 nits | Maximum SDR brightness: 1000 nits |
| Nano-textured glass option on 1TB and 2TB models | |
| M2 chip (5nm, N5P) | M4 chip (3nm improved, N3E) |
| 8-core CPU | 9- or 10-core CPU |
| Hardware acceleration for ray tracing | |
| Hardware acceleration for H.264, HEVC, ProRes and ProRes RAW | Hardware acceleration for 8K H.264, HEVC, ProRes and ProRes RAW |
| ProRes encoding and decoding engine | ProRes encoding and decoding engine with AV1 decoding |
| 100 GB/s memory bandwidth | Memory bandwidth 120 GB/s |
| Improved thermal design with graphite sheets and copper | |
| 2 lenses (plus: 10MP ƒ/2.4 ultra-wide lens) | 1 lens |
| 2x optical zoom and up to 5x digital zoom | Digital zoom up to 5x |
| ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60 fps with external recording | |
| True Tone flash | Adaptive True Tone flash |
| Rear light sensor | |
| 12MP ultra-wide front camera | 12MP ultra-wide-angle front camera on the longer side |
| 5G Sub-6GHz and mmWave support | Only support 5G Sub-6GHz |
| Slot for a physical SIM card | eSIM only |
| Thickness: 5.9 mm and 6.4 mm respectively | Thickness: 5.3 mm and 5.1 mm respectively |
| Weight: 466 grams and 682 grams respectively | Weight: 444 grams and 579 grams respectively |
| Support for Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) | Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and Apple Pencil Pro support |
| Support for Magic Keyboard for iPad and Smart Keyboard Folio | Magic Keyboard support for iPad Pro (M4 version) |
| Available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities | Available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities |
| Available in silver and space gray | Available in silver and space black |
Conclusion: Is the upgrade worth it?
The new iPad Pro represents a significant improvement over the previous generation. The transition to a high-quality OLED display, a thinner and lighter design, an adaptive True Tone flash and a 12MP wide-angle front camera in landscape are improvements that will be appreciated by almost all users. Features like the M4 chip, the option of a nano-textured display, and Apple Pencil Pro support can increase the efficiency of specific tasks and processes, which can be especially important for content creators and digital artists.
However, it is important to note that the new iPad Pro does not yet offer any software advantages over previous versions of the device. Upgrading to the latest model probably won’t dramatically change workflows, but it should offer a better overall experience.
Users with an older model iPad Pro, such as a 2018 model or earlier, have significantly more reasons to upgrade.
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