Finally, Apple’s latest iPad Pro and iPad Air are finally officially real. Pre-orders opened on May 7, with the first tablet starting at $999 and the second starting at $599. Both models are available in 11 and 13 inch sizes and are expected to arrive in stores on Wednesday, May 15.
One of the most notable changes in the Pro models is the move from LCD screens to OLED screens, which could be the flagship feature for creatives. But there’s a lot more to love, like the new M4 chip that’s said to offer 50% faster CPU performance than the previous model’s M2 chip, as well as a new 10-core GPU that supports mesh shading and ray tracing. The new iPad Pro also gets a slight camera overhaul, as it now only features two rear cameras (it ditches the previous model’s ultra-wide, but there’s an improved adaptive flash). There’s also a repositioned front-facing camera that’s now centered along the horizontal edge, making for less distracting video calls.
The new iPad Air, meanwhile, now comes in two sizes, both powered by Apple’s M2 processor. The new models support the Apple Pencil hover feature that was once exclusive to the iPad Pro M2, and both include support for Wi-Fi 6E. Neither size has an OLED display, but you still get a vibrant Liquid Retina XDR display, and the 13-inch model has upgraded stereo speakers (in landscape orientation) that supposedly “double the bass” of the 11-inch model. You can read our iPad Pro vs iPad Air breakdown for more details on their differences.
As for accessories, both tablets support the new Apple Pencil Pro, which builds on the second-generation magnetic version with built-in Find My, a tap gesture with haptic feedback, and a gyroscope sensor. The new iPad Pros feature an updated Magic Keyboard, now with a dedicated function row and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback. (Those who opt for the iPad Air can use them with the original Magic Keyboards that are still available for older iPad Pro models.)
The latest iPad Air will be available in an 11-inch configuration and a second 13-inch configuration, making it easier for fans of larger screen sizes to get it without paying the premiums of an iPad Pro.
Right now, you can pre-order the 11-inch iPad Air directly from Apple and at Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H Photo. It starts at $599 for the base model with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage, but you can also upgrade to 256GB for $699, 512GB for $899, or 1TB for $1,099. You can get the 11-inch Air with 5G starting at $749 for a 128GB model, $849 for 256GB, $1,049 for 512GB, and $1,249 for 1TB. You can get the unlocked cellular model from from Apple, Best Buy and B&H Photo.
The 13-inch iPad Air is also available for pre-order from Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and B&H Photo and starts at $799 for a 128GB/Wi-Fi model. If you need more storage, you can get it with 256GB for $899, 512GB for $1,099, and 1TB for $1,299. The 5G-equipped model, meanwhile, starts at $949 for 128GB, $1,049 for 256GB, $1,249 for 512GB, and $1,449 for 1TB. You’ll find it at the same range of retailers: Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and B&H Photo.
Both sizes are available in blue, purple, starlight and space gray. Apple and Best Buy accept trade-ins for older models that you can instantly apply to your order. Amazon and B&H Photo also allow you to trade in devices, but you will have to wait until the inspection process is complete before receiving a credit.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25437161/iPad_Air_M2_Press_Image_2024.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25437161/iPad_Air_M2_Press_Image_2024.jpg)
$599
The latest iPad Air comes in an 11- or 13-inch configuration with Apple’s M2 processor. Both models also feature a Liquid Retina display, a new horizontal placement for the front camera, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro.
Like the last Air, the new iPad Pro is available in 11- and 13-inch sizes. The 11-inch iPad Pro in its base 256GB/Wi-Fi configuration is available from Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo starting at $999. You can also get it in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations for $1,199, $1,599, and $1,999, respectively. The 5G model is available from the same retailers: Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and B&H Photo. It starts 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, but bigger. It’s available for pre-order through Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo starting at $1,299 for a 256GB/Wi-Fi model, $1,499 for 512GB, $1,899 for 1TB, and $2,299 for 2 If you want to add 5G connectivity, these respective prices are $1,499, $1,699, $2,099 and $2,499 at Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and 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 you can also trade in devices at Amazon and B&H Photo if you don’t mind waiting for an inspection.
It’s worth noting that the iPad Pro 2024 also offers the option to add nano-textured glass during checkout, but only if you buy a 1TB or 2TB model. For a $100 premium, the upgraded glass would reduce screen reflectivity and disperse ambient light without major impact on overall contrast and image quality, making creative work easier in brighter conditions.
Potential performance improvements are another reason why you might consider going with a 1TB or larger iPad Pro. In addition to the usual RAM upgrade (you’ll get 16GB of RAM in a 1TB or 2TB model, compared to 8GB in lower storage configurations), you’ll also get a 10-core M4 chipset, while that lower storage tiers come with a new-build base version.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25437191/iPad_Pro_2024_Press_Image_M4.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25437191/iPad_Pro_2024_Press_Image_M4.jpg)
$999
Apple’s latest iPad Pro is the first Apple device to feature an M4 processor and an OLED-based Ultra Retina XDR display. It also has an improved camera system with adaptive flash and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro.
Correction of May 8: An earlier version of this article misstated the camera features of the new iPad Pro. The new model has one less rear camera; its rear cameras have not been improved.
