The iPad Pro has come a long way since the 2018 model was released nearly 6 years ago. While the 2018 iPad Pro was a powerful and capable tablet for its time, the newly announced 2024 iPad Pro offers massive upgrades in nearly every area that make it a compelling option for those looking to finally move on from their aging 2018 model.
Design and Display
In terms of design, the 2024 iPad Pro maintains the same general look as its predecessors with an aluminum chassis, slim bezels, and squared off edges. However, it's now even thinner and lighter than before, with the 11-inch model measuring just 5.3mm thick and weighing 444g (down from 5.9mm and 468g on the 2018 version). The 13-inch iPad Pro is an even more impressive 5.1mm thick and 579g. This makes them extremely portable and comfortable to hold for extended periods.
The front of the device is where you'll notice one of the biggest design changes - the front-facing camera has been moved from the short edge to the long edge, optimizing it for landscape usage like video calls. Speaking of the display, Apple has made a massive leap from the LCD panels on the 2018 model to new "Ultra Retina XDR" tandem OLED displays on both the 11-inch and 13-inch 2024 iPad Pros. These offer much higher brightness (up to 1600 nits peak), perfect blacks, and a wider color gamut. While the 2018 iPad Pro's display still looks great, it simply can't compare to the vibrance and contrast of these new OLEDs.
Performance and Software
Powering the 2024 iPad Pro is the Apple M4 chip, a huge step up from the A12X Bionic in the 2018 model. While the A12X is still a very capable mobile chip that can handle demanding tasks, the M4 puts the iPad Pro in a whole new category. It's essentially a laptop-class processor with up to a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU that enables the iPad Pro to breeze through even professional workflows like 4K video editing, RAW photo editing, 3D rendering, and more. The M4 is complemented by either 8GB or 16GB of RAM depending on storage capacity (up from 4GB or 6GB on the 2018 model).
Both iPad Pros run the latest iPadOS 17, so software isn't a major differentiator. However, the 2018 model is undoubtedly closer to the end of its software update lifecycle than the 2024 version which should be supported for many years to come.
Cameras, Battery, and Accessories
The 2024 iPad Pro's camera system also gets a nice bump, with an updated 12MP main camera and a new 12MP landscape-optimized ultra-wide front camera that enables "Center Stage" to automatically keep you in frame during video calls. Battery life is rated the same at up to 10 hours, but the 2018 model's battery has likely degraded over 6 years of usage.
Notably, the new iPad Pro supports more advanced accessories like the Magic Keyboard (with a built-in trackpad) and the new Apple Pencil Pro, whereas the 2018 model is limited to the 2nd gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio.
Price
Of course, all these upgrades come at a cost. The 11-inch 2024 iPad Pro starts at $999 (up from the 2018's $799 debut price) while the 13-inch starts at a very high $1299. And that's before adding accessories. But considering how long most people keep their iPads, it could be justified for those who want the very best tablet experience and desktop-level performance.
Comparison
| Specification | iPad Pro (2024) | iPad Pro (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 11-inch or 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED, up to 1600 nits peak brightness | 11-inch or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina LCD, up to 600 nits brightness |
| Processor | Apple M4 chip, up to 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | Apple A12X Bionic chip |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB | 4GB or 6GB |
| Storage | 256GB to 2TB | 64GB to 1TB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage | 7MP FaceTime HD |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
| Accessories | Supports Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro | Supports Smart Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil (2nd gen) |
| Starting Price | $999 for 11-inch, $1299 for 13-inch | $799 for 11-inch, $999 for 12.9-inch (at launch) |
Conclusion
In summary, the 2024 iPad Pro is a monumental leap over the 2018 model in virtually every way - display, performance, design, cameras, and compatibility with modern accessories. Even if your 2018 iPad Pro is still serving you well, the new model's unrivaled power, stunning OLED screen, and ability to serve as a true laptop replacement make it an extremely compelling upgrade for those ready to move on from a 5+ year old tablet. If you can stomach the high price tag, the 2024 iPad Pro looks to set a new standard for what's possible with a tablet.
