The iPad Pro is a line of tablet computers manufactured by Apple, targeted primarily at professionals and users who want high-performance capabilities in a portable device. The tablet features a sleek and premium design characterized by a thin profile, aluminum chassis, and a large touchscreen display.
The computer comes with a suite of useful applications written by Apple, and there are millions more available in the App Store. Apple sells two high-end accessories for the M4 iPad Pro: the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil Pro.
Plus, iPad Pro users can choose from a wide array of accessories made by third-party manufacturers. That includes multiple attachable keyboard cases with a trackpad to turn the tablet into a slim convertible notebook.
Overall, the tablet is positioned as a powerful and versatile computer suitable for a wide range of tasks, from content consumption to professional-level creative work, offering portability and convenience without compromising on performance.
Apple unveiled the first tablet in this product line on September 9, 2015. It featured an impressively large 12.9-inch screen. Apple released the original iPad Pro on November 11, 2015. A version with a 9.7-inch screen followed in early 2016.
Apple announced the second-generation model on June 5, 2017. Powered by an A10X Fusion processor, it came with three storage options: 64GB, 256GB and 512GB. A 10.5-inch model replaced the original 9.7-inch version; the 12.9-inch version stayed the same size. Both screen sizes employed better technology, with refresh rates up to 120Hz, better HDR and TrueTone white balancing. These were the last “Pro” models that came with a Home Button and a Lightning connector.
Apple announced the third-generation iPad Pro on October 30, 2018, in two screen sizes: 11-inch and 12.9-inch. Removing the Home Button enabled Apple to design the tablets with full-screen displays, with Face ID sensors on the top edge that worked in both landscape and portrait orientations. The third generation also replaced Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector with an industry-standard USB-C connector. These iPads worked with a new Smart Keyboard Folio as well as the previously launched Magic Keyboard.
Apple announced its fourth-generation premier tablets on March 18, 2020, with the same 11-inch and 12.9-inch screen sizes. A a redesigned camera module, with a LiDAR Scanner for capturing 3D objects and environments. Powered by an Apple A12Z processor, the iPad Pro 4 started at 128GB storage. Apple also sold a Magic Keyboard with a trackpad for this model iPad Pro.
Apple announced the fifth-generation model on April 20, 2021. It looked the same as the previous generation, but brought a powerful upgrade: Apple’s new M1 chip. It also offered Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 connectivity (up to 40 Gbps) and 5G capability for cellular models. The 2021 iPad Pro also supported external display output up to 6K resolution. The 12.9-inch model gained an XDR display with mini-LEDs that Apple dubbed “Liquid Retina XDR.”
Apple announced the sixth-generation iPad Pro on October 18, 2022. These models used the same design as previous generations, but the more-powerful Apple M2 chip offered a performance upgrade. These tablets also supported a new Apple Pencil Hover feature that let the display detect the stylus up to 12mm above the screen. The sixth generation also gained ProRes Video Recording (limited to 1080p for variants with 128GB storage but capable of up to 4K for 256GB-plus models). Plus, it supported Apple’s ProMotion adaptive display technology, which let the screen refresh at up to 120 images per second.
The latest model, the M4 iPad Pro released in May 2024, comes in two sizes: one with an 11-inch screen and a second with a 13-inch screen. Like all Apple tablets, it runs iPadOS. At its heart is a powerful Apple M4 processor. It also features what Apple calls a “tandem OLED” screen that delivers darker blacks and brighter colors. It’s maker says the tablet’s slim new design makes it the “thinnest Apple product ever.”
Apple temporarily stopped allowing access to the iPadOS 18 upgrade for the M3 iPad Pro. A bug apparently bricked some tablets during the installation process for the new version.
The problem only affects the iPad Pro M4. And if you already made it through the update process, there seems nothing to worry about.
Looking for a powerhouse tablet without the premium price? This grade-A refurbished 12.9-inch iPad Pro delivers pro-level performance and versatility for just $599.99. Whether you’re a creative professional, a multitasking pro or a casual user who craves performance, you can get it with this fourth-gen iPad Pro model from 2020.
You can now buy refurbished M2 iPad Pro and M1 iPad Air from Apple’s online store in the US. They are available with up to 20% discounts on their retail price.
Apple unveiled these iPads in 2022, with the M1 iPad Air launching in March 2022 and the M2 iPad Pro in October.
M4 iPad Pro has been out a while, so some big retailers, like Best Buy, are offering bigger and better deals on the last models with the M2 chip (you know, to get rid of them). They’re still amazing tablets, and you can get up to $1,000 off M2 iPad Pro‘s regular prices. And that’s without having to be a Best Buy member (sometimes their best deals are reserved for members).
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Many users out there on social media can’t seem to get enough external displays into their computer setups. Sometimes we see as many as six big screens. But don’t forget a simple way you can always add another small screen. Namely, don’t just add your MacBook open on the desk or on a stand. Include your iPad, too. Today’s M1 MacBook Air user proudly has his M4 iPad Pro mirror on Studio Display as it sits in the mix on a Twelve South stand.
Macs have gained ground in the gaming world with the rise of Apple silicon chips, as those M-series chips massively boost performance. But sometimes you just want to play on a console rather than your computer. Today’s MacBook Air user switches to Xbox One for gaming. And he gave simple advice, below, to curious commenters who wanted to know how he gets the system to work with his Studio Display. He describes his method below.
We’ve seen a trend for some time of people using massive smart TVs as external computer displays because they want something even bigger than most purpose-built monitors. But regular monitors are catching up. We’ve seen a few 49-inch curved gaming displays out there, of course, and today’s MacBook Pro setup uses a giant 43-inch Dell flat panel with 4K resolution.
Not everyone keeps an iPad in their computer setup, especially when it’s not their main computer. But today’s M2 Pro MacBook Pro user does. And as commenters on his post noted, he may have found the perfect placement for his iPad Pro stand. He seems to get his laptop and tablet mounts working in perfect unison, within view and also within easy reach.
Some great deals on Apple gear only last for a day, like Woot’s nice discounts on 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) and Beats Solo3 headphones. Others may last longer, but for an unknown amount of time, like the price war we’ve been tracking between Amazon and Best Buy. Loads of M3 MacBook Pro models are on sale. See some sample below.
Some people prefer two or more displays in their computer setup, some go for just one — often a big one. Today’s outstanding MacBook Pro setup, run by an Apple admin no less, goes ultra-wide and then some with a 49-inch curved Samsung display. It’s massive.
The number of iPads shipped during Q2 2024 grew sharply when compared to the same quarter of last year, according to market analysts. It’s the first year-over-year increase in Apple’s tablet shipments since 2022.
The long-awaited launch of powerful new iPad models is credited for the improvement.
Amazon bargain site Woot! currently runs a sale with deals on iPad and MacBooks, including brand new, new (open box) and refurbished models, through August 6. Discounts range up to 31% off. So let it be Christmas in mid-summer with some new (to you) Apple gear.
“Jobs nods his head in approval from the Clouds,” Woot! says at the top of the sale page.
Are you ready for some football … with iPads? This upcoming college football season should see plenty of Apple tablets teaming up with coaches and players on the sidelines. Two powerhouse NCAA Division I conferences — Southeastern (SEC) and Atlantic Coast (ACC) — recently struck deals with Apple to use iPads in college football games.
iPad’s “unique capabilities and versatility make it the ideal solution to support coaches and student-athletes,” said Scott Brodrick, a manager in Apple’s worldwide iPad product marketing group. “With an unrivaled combination of advanced displays, powerful performance, portability, fast connectivity, all day battery life and versatile accessories, iPad will let coaches and players make in-game adjustments and empower athletes to compete at the highest level.”
The new Pitaka MagEZ Case 2 for iPad Pro fuses stylish design and tough protection for your tablet, the company said Wednesday. And what’s more, you can use it more like a desktop computer or laptop with a highly functional magnetic case like this one.
Amazon Prime Day officially ran July 16 and 17, but it’s not over yet, as Amazon extended many big bargains on Apple products. Tons of goods from Apple and others are discounted. See our selection of the best deals on AirPods (and Apple subsidiary Beats), AirTags, Apple Watch, iPads, MacBooks, Mac mini and more below. Return to this page for updates (and beware that deals can change suddenly with supply fluctuations, so you may click through to find updated pricing or sold-out items in some cases).
UPDATE: Amazon extended a host of Prime Day deals on Apple products into Thursday and Friday and even into Saturday, so you can still shop many of the items below! Items with full strikethroughs represent deals no longer available.
Checking the health and maximum capacity of the battery in older iPad models isn’t as easy as it should be, but we can walk you through the process. Finding out how worn out the tablet’s battery is can help you decide if it’s time for a new model.
But for those who already upgraded to the latest iPad Pro or iPad Air, checking battery health is a snap.
Is there a doctor in the house? There is with today’s M3 MacBook Air setup. The good doctor finds the slender laptop covers all needs, especially with an assist from an 11-inch iPad Pro, an external monitor and an unusual choice for a desktop speaker.
UPDATE: The new versions of Final Cut Pro for iPad and Mac — and the new Final Cut Camera app — launched Thursday on the App Store.
Apple updated its video editing application Final Cut Pro with live multi-camera recording on iPad and powerful new AI color correction on Mac. Plus, Final Cut Camera, a free new app for iPad and iPhone, allows for professional video capture in multicam mode or on its own. These updates “take creativity to the next level,” said Will Hui, project manager for creative applications at Apple when they were announced in May.
The wait for them is now over.
Apple’s annual Back to School promotion went live Thursday in the United States. As a part of the deal, eligible students and faculty members will receive up to a $150 gift card on the purchase of select Macs and iPads. Apple also offers a 20% discount on AppleCare+, its premium support and repair service.
The back-to-school promo runs through September 30, so students and parents have ample time to take advantage of Apple’s discounts.
iPhone 15 Pro and 2nd gen HomePod are not the only Apple devices to ship with a Thread router. The company has secretly shipped all its recent iPad and Mac models with the smart home radio as well.
Unlike on the iPhones though, the Thread router is not active. This could explain why Apple has not advertised its inclusion in the specs page of its new Macs and iPads.
Some computer setups just seem to have it all. Today’s featured workstation sports a new M3 Pro MacBook Pro with hefty amounts of memory and storage, plus a speedy Thunderbolt 4 dock connected to a well-curated selection of peripherals. Even the gear stands and furniture are especially nice.
Apple’s recently released M2 iPad Air packs modest upgrades over its predecessor and the same processor as 2022’s M2 iPad Pro. How do the two Apple tablets with identical M2 chips compare? Find out in our M2 iPad Pro vs. M2 iPad Air comparison.
While the new midrange tablet seems tempting, an iPad Air is still an Air, not a Pro.
Thinking about getting an iPad? Maybe it’s your first one, or maybe it replaces an aging tablet. In any case, now’s the time to strike on Amazon. The retail behemoth offers multiple 10th-gen iPad deals, including the entry-level model with 64GB storage at the lowest price ever — $299.99.
And you can also get what looks like the lowest price so far on a 10th-gen model with more storage — 256GB — for $449.99. Just remember to click the coupon box to see the lowest price at checkout.
And if you’re got your heart set on an iPad Air or iPad Pro, Amazon’s got you covered. See below.
★★★★☆
With its cool cantilever design, Apple Magic Keyboard was a standout iPad Pro accessory even before its recent upgrade. Now that Apple fixed some of the original’s problems by adding a glass trackpad, a row of function keys and an aluminum palm rest, it’s even better. Especially with an improved USB-C port.
But does the functionality (and sheer coolness) justify the epic price of the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro? Read on to find out.
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: First we get into what makes the M4 iPad Pro so fabulous. Then we discuss the latest rumors about iPhone 16 and beyond. And then we ponder the unthinkable: A Siri that’s actually smart!
Also on The CultCast:
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.