Apple announced its M4 iPad Pro on May 7, 2024, pairing an Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED technology and a thinner design in 11-inch and 13-inch models. Apple called it the thinnest Apple product at launch; that is a launch-era claim, not a comparison with products released later.
How thin is the M4 iPad Pro?
Apple specified a thickness of 5.3 mm for the 11-inch model and 5.1 mm for the 13-inch model. The larger model is thinner, while Apple said the 11-inch version weighs less than a pound and the 13-inch version is nearly a quarter pound lighter than its predecessor. These are Apple’s published specifications and comparisons, not independent measurements. The models come in silver and space black.
Apple’s May 7, 2024 announcement described the iPad Pro as its thinnest product at that time. The phrase “record-thin” should be understood in that dated context rather than as a claim about Apple products launched since.
Does the M4 iPad Pro have an OLED display?
Yes. Both sizes have Apple’s Ultra Retina XDR display, which uses tandem OLED technology. Apple says the system combines two OLED panels to deliver high brightness across the screen.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro is the ultimate iPad experience in an impossibly thin and light design. Featuring the breakthrough Ultra Retina XDR display, outrageous performance from the M4 chip, superfast wireless connectivity,* and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Plus powerful productivity features in iPadOS.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data—not even Apple.*
- 13-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — Ultra Retina XDR delivers extreme brightness and contrast and exceptional color accuracy and features advanced technologies like ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Plus a nano-texture display glass option is available in 1TB and 2TB configurations.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — Up to 10-core CPU in the M4 chip delivers powerful performance, while the 10‑core GPU provides blazing-fast graphics. And with all-day battery life, you can do anything you imagine on iPad Pro.* Up to 2TB of storage means you can store everything from apps to large files like 4K video.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* Stage Manager makes multitasking easy with resizable, overlapping apps and external display support. iPad Pro comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
Apple lists full-screen brightness of 1,000 nits for SDR and HDR content, and peak brightness of up to 1,600 nits for HDR. Those are manufacturer specifications, not independent test results. An optional nano-texture glass finish was available on supported configurations. Apple says the glass is etched at a nanometer scale to scatter ambient light while maintaining image quality and contrast, and positions it for challenging lighting conditions.
What chip is in the 2024 iPad Pro?
The tablet is powered by Apple’s M4 chip, which Apple says is built using second-generation 3-nanometer technology. Apple’s chip announcement lists a CPU with up to 10 cores, a 10-core GPU, hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, and a display engine that enables the display’s precision, color, and brightness.
Rank #2
- 13" Screen size
- iOS Operating System
- 256 GB Flash Memory
Apple says the M4 Neural Engine can reach up to 38 trillion operations per second. This is a stated capability, not an independent benchmark or proof of performance in a particular app.
What else changed?
- Camera: The rear 12MP camera has an adaptive True Tone flash. Apple says the flash can help when scanning documents with a shadow. The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage moved to the landscape edge.
- Ports and wireless: USB-C supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4, with wired connectivity up to 40 Gb/s according to Apple. The models also support Wi-Fi 6E; 5G is available on Wi-Fi + Cellular versions.
- Storage: Apple listed 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations.
Which size and configuration should you consider?
The launch lineup varied by screen size, connectivity, storage, and display glass. The right combination depends on portability, workspace, whether you need cellular data, storage requirements, and glare conditions; Apple’s announcement does not establish one configuration as best for everyone.
Rank #3
- 13" Screen size
- iOS Operating System
- 256 GB Flash Memory
| Choice | Options announced | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 11-inch or 13-inch | Portability versus a larger workspace. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular | Whether you need mobile data away from Wi-Fi. |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB | How much local space your files and apps require. |
| Display glass | Standard glass or optional nano-texture on supported configurations | Whether scattering ambient light is useful in your working environment. |
Which Apple Pencil and accessories work with this iPad Pro?
Apple named Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), the new Magic Keyboard, and Smart Folio as compatible or designed for this iPad Pro. Check the exact iPad Pro generation and screen size against the accessory listing before buying; compatibility can vary by model.
What did the M4 iPad Pro cost at launch?
Apple’s U.S. starting prices announced in May 2024 were:
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro with the Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance for effortless productivity on a stunning display. Take on pro workflows with Neural Accelerators for AI and a redesigned iPadOS with game-changing capabilities.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — iPad Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and the power of on-device AI to all your tasks.* Featuring up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of memory, and Neural Accelerators for next-level AI performance.*
- IPADOS — Run pro apps and get more done with iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and game-changing capabilities.* With an intuitive and flexible windowing system, you can control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 13-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — The world’s most advanced display, featuring extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Nano-texture display glass available in 1TB and 2TB configurations
| Model | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| 11-inch | $999 | $1,199 |
| 13-inch | $1,299 | $1,499 |
Apple also listed U.S. education starting prices of $899 for the 11-inch model and $1,199 for the 13-inch model. These are launch prices, not current quotes. Apple began taking orders on May 7, 2024, and announced in-store availability from May 15 in the listed launch markets. Current pricing, availability, and regional terms are not established here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Apple’s announcement and supporting details
Apple’s May 7, 2024 iPad Pro announcement provides the device specifications, launch configurations, and accessory details. Its M4 chip announcement describes the chip architecture and Neural Engine claim. Apple later announced availability of the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil Pro on May 15, 2024.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro with the Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance for effortless productivity on a stunning display. Take on pro workflows with Neural Accelerators for AI and a redesigned iPadOS with game-changing capabilities.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — iPad Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and the power of on-device AI to all your tasks.* Featuring up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of memory, and Neural Accelerators for next-level AI performance.*
- IPADOS — Run pro apps and get more done with iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and game-changing capabilities.* With an intuitive and flexible windowing system, you can control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — The world’s most advanced display, featuring extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Nano-texture display glass available in 1TB and 2TB configurations
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
