At long last, Apple’s new iPad Pro and iPad Air are finally officially real. Pre-orders began on May 7, with the former tablet priced at $999 and the latter at $599. Both models come in 11- and 13-inch sizes and will hit stores on Wednesday, May 15.
One of the most notable changes in the Pro models is the switch from LCD-based displays to OLED, which could be a killer feature for creators. But the new M4 chip is said to offer 50 percent faster CPU performance than the previous model’s M2 chip, and there’s a lot to like, like a new 10-core GPU that supports mesh shading and ray tracing. The new iPad Pro gets a minor camera shake-up, as it now only has two rear cameras (it ditches the ultra-wide from the previous model, but has improved adaptive flash). There’s also a front-facing camera that now sits centrally on the horizontal edge, allowing for less awkward video calls.
Meanwhile, the new iPad Air comes in two sizes, both with Apple’s M2 processor. The new models support the Apple Pencil hover feature, which was once exclusive to the M2 iPad Pro, and both include Wi-Fi 6E support. There’s no OLED screen at either size, but you still get a vibrant Liquid Retina XDR display, and the 13-inch model has improved stereo speakers (in natural orientation), which are said to have “double bass” of the 11-inch model. For more details on how they differ, check out our iPad Pro vs. You can read the iPad Air section.
In terms of accessories, both tablets support the new Apple Pencil Pro, a second-generation magnetic version with built-in Find Ink, pressure gesture with haptic feedback, and a gyroscope sensor. The new iPad Pro features an updated Magic Keyboard to match, now with a dedicated function row and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback. (iPad Air users can use the original Magic Keyboards, which are still available for older iPad Pro models.)
Where to pre-order the new iPad Air
The new iPad Air will be available in an 11-inch configuration and a second 13-inch configuration, making it easier for fans of the larger display size to not pay the premiums for the iPad Pro.
Now, you can Pre-order the 11-inch iPad Air directly from Apple and at Best buy, AmazonAnd B&H photo. It starts at $599 for the base model with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage, though you can upgrade to 256GB for $699, 512GB for $899, or 1TB for $1,099. You can get the 11-inch Air with 5G for $749 for the 128GB model, $849 for the 256GB, $1,049 for the 512GB, and $1,249 for the 1TB. You can get an unlocked cellular model Apple, Best buyAnd B&H photo.
There is a 13-inch iPad Air Available for pre-order from Apple, Amazon, Best buyAnd B&H photo and starts at $799 for the 128GB / Wi-Fi model. If you need more storage, you can get 256GB for $899, 512GB for $1,099 and 1TB for $1,299. Meanwhile, the 5G-equipped model starts at $949 for 128GB, $1,049 for 256GB, $1,249 for 512GB and $1,449 for 1TB. You’ll find it in the same crop of retailers as: Apple, Amazon, Best buyAnd B&H photo.
Both sizes are available in Blue, Purple, Starlight and Space Grey. Apple and Best Buy accept trade-ins of older models that can be immediately applied to your order. Amazon and B&H Photo allow you to trade in equipment, but you have to wait until the inspection process is complete before getting credit.
Where to Pre-Order the New iPad Pro
Like the latest Air, the new iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. The 11-inch iPad Pro comes in its base 256GB / Wi-Fi configuration Available from Apple, Amazon, Best buyAnd B&H photo Starting at $999. You can get it in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB configurations for $1,199, $1,599 and $1,999 respectively. The 5G model is available at the same retailers: Apple, Amazon, Best buyAnd B&H photo. Starting at $1,199 for 256GB, $1,399 for 512GB, $1,799 for 1TB and $2,199 for 2TB.
The 13-inch iPad Pro is the same device, just bigger. Its Available for pre-order via Apple, Amazon, Best buyAnd B&H photo $1,299 for the 256GB / Wi-Fi model, $1,499 for the 512GB, $1,899 for the 1TB and $2,299 for the 2TB. If you want to add 5G connectivity, the respective prices are $1,499, $1,699, $2,099 and $2,499. Apple, Amazon, Best buyAnd B&H photo.
Both sizes are available in silver or space gray. You can trade in older models for instant credit at Apple and Best Buy, and trade in devices at Amazon and B&H Photo if you don’t want to wait for an inspection.
It’s worth noting that the 2024 iPad Pro comes with the option to add nano-textured glass at checkout, but only if you buy the 1TB or 2TB model. For a $100 premium, the improved glass is said to reduce screen reflection, disperse ambient light without major impact on overall contrast and image quality, and make it easier to do creative work in bright conditions.
Potential performance upgrades are another reason you should consider using a 1TB or larger iPad Pro. In addition to the usual RAM upgrade (16GB of RAM is available in lower storage configurations compared to 8GB on the 1TB or 2TB model), you also get a 10-core M4 chipset, while the lower storage tiers come with nine. – Major version.
Correction, May 8: An earlier version of this article misstated the camera features on the new iPad Pro. The new model has one less rear camera; Its rear cameras are not upgraded.