iPad Pro (2024) VS iPad Pro (2022): Expectations

Since Apple introduced the M-series processors to its iPad line, these little devices have become real powerhouses. Well, calling a 12.9-inch tablet small is a bit of a stretch, but it's not a MacBook, and you have a small 11-inch option that you can do a lot of things with.

It's already March and we're gearing up for the next generation of iPad Pro devices. Apple will most likely quietly launch the iPad Pro (2024) line sometime towards the end of the month, and we're here to walk you through all the differences with the last generation and ultimately answer the most important question. Should you upgrade?

All information below comes with the usual disclaimer. We still don't have anything official, and this article is based on leaks and rumors from industry insiders, as well as our extensive knowledge and experience that we have accumulated over the years.

Expected differences between iPad Pro (2024) and iPad Pro (2022):

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There have been rumors of a design overhaul since early 2023, but these have not materialized in the latest generation of iPad Pro models. Now we have another batch of rumors, some of which are backed by industry insider Mark Gurman.

We expect the iPad Pro (2024) to move to a glass back in order to enable MagSafe wireless charging. Another tweak could involve thinner bezels, especially on the larger 13-inch model, which may explain the slight increase in screen size.

CAD drawings revealed a possible change in dimensions:

• Current 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ – 247.6mm x 178.5mm x 5.9mm
• Next 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ – 249.7mm x 177.5mm x 5.1mm
• Current 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ – 280.6 mm x 214.9 mm x 6.4 mm
• Upcoming ~13-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ – 281.5mm x 215.5mm x 5.0mm

It's unclear how Apple will achieve this, as including wireless charging coils would make the devices thicker, not thinner, but we'll have to wait and see.

The biggest change seems to be in the display technology of the new iPad Pros. Fans of mini-LED will be disappointed, as Apple appears to have abandoned this technology in the iPad Pro (2024) lineup. The good news is that the smaller 11-inch iPad Pro and its 13-inch bigger brother will go OLED. time, according to the latest information. The new models will continue to support 120Hz ProMotion but will offer deeper blacks and a wider color gamut.

As for biometrics, the new iPad Pro models will use good old FaceID, so no big changes.

The autonerds among you may understand the pun above, but to put it in simple terms, the new iPad Pro models will come with the latest iteration of the M series chipset. The M3 chip will debut in the iPad Pro (2024), once again transforming these tablets into veritable powerhouses.

That being said, the M2-equipped 2022 models aren't slow, far from it, and the difference will most likely only show up in synthetic benchmarks.

The storage situation will also likely remain unchanged, although there are wild rumors of a 4TB version of the iPad Pro (2024). The current storage options are: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB. If Apple decides to include a 4 TB version, the base storage could also reach 256 GB. But since both models 2024 will be equipped with OLED screens (which are more expensive than LCD or mini-LED), a 4TB version will be enormously expensive.

Nothing unexpected software-wise, we expect new iPad Pro models to run the latest version of iPadOS, but this will inevitably carry over to older models as well, so there's no new features to separate 2022 models from 2024 models.

A new aluminum MagicKeyboard accessory is expected to launch with the new iPad Pro (2024), and it's rumored to feature a larger trackpad, making the new iPads much more comfortable and worthy of replacing your regular laptop.

The camera system has never been a selling point on an iPad device over the years. Judging by the leaks and rumors surrounding the iPad Pro (2024), this will continue to be the case. We expect the new models to retain the rear camera setup we know from the 2022 iPads.

We're looking at wide and ultra-wide cameras, 12MP and 10MP respectively, the latter offering a 125-degree field of view. We expect videos to be limited to 4K at 60fps and support for ProRes videos to remain onboard at 4K at 30fps.

What might change is the position of the front camera and FaceID sensor. Some lines of code and descriptions in iOS 17.4 Beta include indications that the camera could be positioned on top when the iPad Pro (2024) is in landscape mode. We're not sure if this will apply to the 11-inch and 13-inch models, but common sense tells us that this could be a feature reserved for larger devices.

We expect the iPad Pro (2024) to retain the quad-speaker setup from the previous generation, and that's not a bad thing. Audio quality has been excellent on the last two generations of iPad Pro, and we expect it to be the same for the latest models.

As for haptics, no major changes are expected either. The haptic motors from the 2022 models will most likely carry over, so there is no big difference here. As a final reminder, there is no 3.5mm audio jack on the 2022 models, and we don't expect it to appear in the new models either.

We have no information regarding the batteries of the new iPad Pro (2024) models. We might get a capacity increase, but Apple lists iPad batteries in watt hours, making it a little difficult to get a clear picture. What we can say is that the same “up to 10 hours” of web browsing or video watching should also apply to the new models, and judging from our testing, it's often a euphemism.

The expected glass backs coming to the iPad Pro line will allow for wireless charging support, but we don't have anything specific to share at the moment. If that's true and you like charging your gear wirelessly, the new models might have an advantage over older iPad Pros.

Here's a quick spec comparison. Keep in mind that the specifications for the 2024 models are based on current leaks and rumors.

So there you have it: our comparison between the iPad Pro (2022) range and the latest 2024 models. Should you upgrade? This is a difficult question. We don't know the prices of the new models yet, but if they stay the same, there might be something to entice people to upgrade.

You get the latest M3 chip, OLED displays and wireless charging. For some, these improvements might be enough to get their hands dirty, while for others, waiting a few generations will be a better option.

If you're from an older generation or are considering getting an iPad Pro, the 2024 models are definitely the better choice.