Are you hesitant to treat yourself to the recent iPad Pro 2024? If the first press tests were released a week after Apple’s presentation of the tablet, we took our time to better perceive the improvements. The new double-layer OLED screen, the M4 chip and the new design are the main arguments of this version, but the Magic Keyboard is also an important part not to be overlooked.
Our review of the iPad Pro 2024
M4 chip and performance
You are probably aware that Apple has equipped its iPad Pro 2024 with the M4 chip, offering unprecedented power to its professional tablet, far exceeding the needs of the majority of users. Games and applications work perfectly, but it’s not a big change from the previous generation with the M2 chip (or even M1 which we compared).
However, in tasks like AAA games or video editing, we note increased speed, without this being revolutionary either. For example, resident Evil runs smoothly with the graphics on full blast, and software like iMovie has no trouble loading multiple streams at once. Likewise, juggling between the different active applications, particularly with Stage Manager activated, does not suffer from any hitches. In short, no worries, the iPad Pro M4 is a little bomb.
Game console
For those who use the iPad as a games console, here are some notes on the recent AAA titles we tried:
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage runs smoothly at a constant 30 frames per second, even in high graphics mode, overcoming performance issues seen on the iPhone 15 Pro where frame rates dropped significantly in action scenes. We often dropped to 20 fps on iPhone.
- Resident Evil 4 also runs at 30 frames per second, even in graphically intensive areas, while the iPhone version jerks frustratingly (not on iPhone 16 Pro though).
- Death Stranding also runs at 30 frames per second, proving the clear improvement of the CPU and especially the GPU.
The iPad Pro’s M4 chip actually has more CPU performance cores, a more powerful GPU, twice the RAM, and more than twice the memory bandwidth compared to the iPad Pro’s A17 Pro. the iPhone 15 Pro. Same story on the thermal management side, the iPad Pro M4 heats up very little.
It is therefore a true portable console, although there is still work to achieve the capabilities of the PS5 for example, which runs these games at 60 Hz. We are therefore far from exploiting the refresh rate of 120 Hz of the iPad Pro, although many other games run at this speed.
OLED screen
The other big new feature of the iPad Pro 2024 is its OLED screen, offering superior contrast thanks to deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. This development represents a clear improvement compared to LCD screen models, although the difference with previous mini-LED models is less striking. MiniLED backlighting had made it possible to offer more natural colors and above all improved contrast since the 2021 iPad Pro M1.
The good news is that you no longer need to get the big model to get the best display technology. The 11 and 13 inch models are in the same boat with what Apple calls theUltra Retina XDR.
Check out a photo comparing the iPad Pro M1 (left) and iPad Pro M4 (right):
miniLED on the left, OLED on the right. The photo doesn’t really show the difference.
In all cases, OLED is more pleasant, whether for watching a film, playing video games or simply for surfing. The brightness also seemed less aggressive to us on the 2024 model, and the HDR more impactful than ever. Watching Interstellar or All of Mankind again, for example, is a pure pleasure.
While the iPad Pro reaches 1,600 nits of peak brightness in HDR, the same amount as the sixth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the most notable difference is in SDR content: the processor-equipped iPad Pro M4 can reach 1,000 nits while its predecessor was capped at 600 nits. Apple’s iPad Pro outperforms even conventional OLED TVs in terms of accuracy.
We don’t price the nano-textured option which is only available on the higher storage models (1TB and 2TB). It reduces glare but is expensive and slightly affects the clarity of the display. It is only recommended for specific use cases such as outdoor work.
Design and ergonomics
The design of the iPad Pro 2024, while retaining lines similar to those of previous models, has undergone a major diet, with a thinner and lighter product, which significantly improves ergonomics. The gain in comfort is palpable, especially when used as a portable tablet. At just 5.1mm thick, it’s the thinnest product Apple has ever produced. But it is its weight reduction of around 100 grams which is most palpable in daily use. Whether you use it alone or with its keyboard case, your arms will thank you. And don’t worry, if it seems very fragile at first glance, torture tests have shown that it is very resistant.
However, despite this development, the iPad retains a single Thunderbolt 4 port, limiting its ability to connect external devices or charge at the same time without a dock.
Magic Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard 2024 has been extensively improved with a new row of function keys, a larger trackpad, and haptic feedback for a better experience. This is its strong point, just like its quick access to sound, brightness or even the ESC key (finally!). The first model was heavily criticized on this point, because the lack of an ESC (or ESC) key broke the workflow.
As mentioned last May, the Magic Keyboard allows you to transform the iPad into a real touchscreen laptop, with better stability and a lighter design. It is ESSENTIAL, despite a price of €399. Note that it sometimes remains a little unstable when you touch the top of the iPad screen.
Magic Keyboard 2021 on the left, Magic Keyboard 2024 on the rightApple Pencil Pro
We have not tested its compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro.
Camera, sound and battery life
The iPad Pro’s front camera has been moved to the long edge, allowing for better framing of video calls when the iPad is used with its keyboard cover. The repositioning thus provides a better experience for FaceTime calls, with sharp and clear image quality, just like using Face ID.
The speakers continue to deliver excellent sound, well suited to gaming and media consumption. They also seemed more powerful to us than on the M1 model.
Regarding autonomy, the iPad Pro 2024 still lasts around 10 hours in standard use, which is still more than enough for a day of work or leisure. If you need more, know that the M4 MacBook Pros, released earlier this month, offer up to 24 hours of battery life.
iPadOS Limitations
Despite all its qualities, the iPad Pro 2024 comes up against the limitations of iPadOS. Although it’s capable of handling a wide range of tasks, the operating system remains a hindrance for those who want to use the iPad instead of a Mac. Multitasking has made progress with the arrival of Stage Manager, but it remains insufficient for demanding users. iPad applications are also often less functional than their Mac equivalents, although Apple is working to port its flagship software like Logic Pro, Final Cut and others.
Buy iPad Pro 2024
If you have an old iPad (or not Pro) or you don’t yet have one, you can go for the iPad Pro 2024 from €1,219 for 11 inches and €1,569 for 13 inches. If you have the budget, you won’t regret it. Apple is not expected to evolve it substantially for at least three or four years, the tablet having inaugurated the M4 chip and OLED technology on the large screen.
Prices have increased on this generation, and we must add that of the Magic Keyboard at €349 for 11 inches, or €399 for 13 inches.
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