In its “Let Loose” virtual event on May 7, 2024, Apple officially unveiled its new iPad Pros, featuring the company’s thinnest design ever and the long-awaited switch to OLED displays. The new 11-inch and 13-inch models boast a fresh design, significantly improved internals, and a thinner profile, setting a new standard for Apple’s flagship tablets. As rumored, the move to OLED marks a major leap in display technology, offering deeper blacks, richer colors, and enhanced contrast.
Apple’s new iPad Pros are remarkably thin, with the 13-inch model measuring just 5.1 millimeters in thickness, while the 11-inch model is only slightly thicker at 5.3 millimeters. This sleek design is accompanied by powerful new internals, with the latest M4 chip promising a 50% increase in speed compared to the M2 chip in the previous generation. Additionally, Apple claims the M4 chip can deliver the same performance as the M2 while using just half the power.
The new iPad Pros’ OLED displays offer peak full-screen brightness of 1,000 nits and an astonishing 1,600 nits for HDR content, matching the performance of Mini LED screens while providing perfect black levels and no blooming. For those seeking a more premium finish, Apple is introducing a nano-texture glass coating option for the first time with these iPad Pros.
The new iPad Pros have a minimum storage capacity of 256GB, with prices starting at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model. Both models are available for pre-order, with in-store availability beginning May 15th. Fully loaded with all options, the 13-inch model can reach $2,599, placing it in the same price bracket as high-end laptops. This reinforces Apple’s vision of the iPad Pro as a capable laptop replacement.
Apple has also made improvements to the iPad Pro’s camera system, with the 12-megapixel f/1.8 rear camera now offering improved document scanning through image stitching and adaptive flash technology. Meanwhile, the front-facing camera has been relocated to the correct (landscape) position for video calls, addressing one of the common complaints of previous models.
Additionally, the new iPad Pros come with an updated accessory lineup. The Magic Keyboard now features an aluminum palm rest and a function key row, providing a more premium feel. The Apple Pencil Pro has been enhanced with squeeze gestures, Find My location tracking, and haptic feedback, making it a more versatile tool for artists and designers.
Overall, Apple’s transition to OLED technology is a significant upgrade, bringing consistent display quality across both iPad Pro sizes while providing a dramatic improvement in contrast and color saturation. This shift also closes the gap between the previous disparity in display technology between the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models.
For more detailed information on Apple’s new iPad Pros and their features, check out The Verge’s report.
