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Apple announced the 2024 iPad Pro on May 7, 2024, in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. Apple calls it the thinnest product it has ever made: the 11-inch model is 5.3 mm thick and the 13-inch model is 5.1 mm. Both use an Ultra Retina XDR tandem-OLED display and Apple’s M4 chip. A precision-etched nano-texture glass option is available on selected 1TB and 2TB configurations.
What Apple unveiled in May 2024
The 2024 iPad Pro is the M4 generation, not the current iPad Pro generation listed in Apple’s newer technical-specifications pages. Apple introduced two models:
| Model | Thickness | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| 11-inch iPad Pro (M4, 2024) | 5.3 mm, according to Apple | Greater portability while retaining the Pro display and M4 platform |
| 13-inch iPad Pro (M4, 2024) | 5.1 mm, according to Apple | More workspace for drawing, editing and multitasking; Apple says it is lighter than its predecessor |
The 13-inch version is slightly thinner despite being the larger tablet. Apple’s “thinnest product ever” wording is a launch-era company claim, not an independent measurement. No independent test results establish a different figure in the available material.
Ultra Retina XDR: tandem OLED in both sizes
Unlike products that reserve their highest-end panel for one size, both 11-inch and 13-inch M4 iPad Pro models use Apple’s Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED technology. Apple says the system combines light from two OLED panels to deliver high brightness and contrast.
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- 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
Brightness figures Apple quotes
- 1,000 nits full-screen brightness for SDR and HDR content, according to Apple.
- 1,600 nits peak brightness for HDR content, according to Apple.
Those are Apple’s product specifications rather than independent laboratory results. Actual viewing depends on content, settings and ambient light.
What the nano-texture glass option does
Nano-texture glass is an optional, precision-etched surface rather than the standard finish. Apple says the microscopic texture scatters ambient light to reduce reflections while preserving image quality and contrast.
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- 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
| Standard glass | Nano-texture glass |
|---|---|
| General-purpose glossy surface | Etched surface designed to reduce reflections from surrounding light |
| Simpler choice for mixed indoor use | More relevant for bright studios, offices or rooms with difficult reflections |
| Available across the normal configuration range | Launch announcement associates it with 1TB and 2TB configurations |
Reflection reduction is an Apple design claim; it does not guarantee the same result for every room, light source or viewing angle. If you need nano-texture, verify the storage configuration before ordering because it is not the default glass.
M4 chip: Apple’s stated specifications
Apple says M4 is built with second-generation 3-nanometer technology and adds a display engine designed for the Ultra Retina XDR panel. Its published headline specifications are:
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- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- CPU with up to 10 cores.
- 10-core GPU.
- Neural Engine capable of up to 38 trillion operations per second.
Apple also says M4 delivers up to 1.5 times the CPU performance of M2 in the previous iPad Pro. That is a vendor comparison, not an independent benchmark, so it should not be treated as a measured result for every workload.
Choosing between 11-inch and 13-inch
Choose the 11-inch model when portability matters most
At 5.3 mm, the 11-inch model is still exceptionally thin and takes less space in a bag. It suits reading, handwritten notes, travel and work where a smaller footprint is more useful than maximum canvas size.
Rank #4
- 11-Inch Ultra Retina XDR Display
Choose the 13-inch model for a larger working area
The 13-inch model provides more room for split-screen apps, illustration timelines, documents and spreadsheets. Its 5.1 mm thickness is marginally lower than the 11-inch model’s, but the larger body and matching accessories make the complete setup less compact.
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Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard compatibility
Apple announced support for Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) with the M4 iPad Pro. Apple Pencil Pro adds squeeze, barrel roll, haptic feedback and Find My support. Apple Pencil (USB-C) is the simpler option for writing, sketching and annotation.
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- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air with the Apple M4 chip packs even more performance into a beautiful design, and it comes in two portable sizes. It features Apple Intelligence* along with a stunning Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, advanced cameras, and Wi-Fi 7.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — Run apps and get more done with the game-changing capabilities and intuitive design of iPadOS. The flexible windowing system lets you control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you create, communicate, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
Apple also introduced a redesigned Magic Keyboard. The keyboard is model-specific: select the version made for the 11-inch or 13-inch iPad Pro rather than assuming one size fits both. A keyboard improves typing and laptop-style workflows but adds weight and cost to an otherwise very thin tablet.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is established—and what is not
The launch announcement establishes Apple’s dimensions, display architecture, brightness claims, M4 specifications and accessory support. It does not provide independent testing of sustained performance, battery life, glare reduction or real-world productivity. Launch prices and original availability were region-specific and historical; current retail pricing and inventory require a fresh check for your country.
Who the 2024 M4 iPad Pro suits
- Creative professionals: tandem OLED, high stated HDR brightness, Apple Pencil Pro support and M4-class performance target drawing, photo, video and 3D workflows.
- Mobile professionals: the thin chassis and optional Magic Keyboard support travel and desk work, especially when paired with the 13-inch screen.
- Buyers sensitive to reflections: nano-texture glass may be worth considering in controlled bright environments, provided the required 1TB or 2TB configuration fits your needs.
- Basic tablet users: the Pro display and M4 platform may be more capability than needed if your priority is casual media, browsing and note-taking.
Bottom line
The 2024 M4 iPad Pro combines Apple’s thinnest claimed product design with tandem OLED in both sizes, high stated HDR brightness and a powerful M4 platform. The key buying decisions are size, whether your lighting justifies optional nano-texture glass, and whether Apple Pencil Pro or the size-matched Magic Keyboard will be part of your setup. Treat Apple’s performance and brightness figures as company claims, and remember that newer iPad Pro generations now exist.
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