Apple unveiled the latest iPad Pros at its Let Loose event earlier this week. The new models come in the familiar 11-inch and 13-inch sizes but with significant improvements under the hood, such as a Tandem OLED display, a powerful new M4 chip, and more.
These upgrades make the new iPad Pros a much better option for power users and creative professionals compared to the 2022 models. However, the previous generation still packs a punch with an M2 chip, mini-LED display, and more, which might suffice for many users.
But here’s the scoop: Apple has stopped selling the 2022 iPad Pro models. However, they might still be available through third-party retailers or as refurbished options for even lower prices now making it a more appealing deal.
So let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the 7th Gen iPad Pro (2024) and the 6th Gen iPad Pro (2022) to help you decide which one is best suited to your needs.
1. Display
The big improvement in this year’s Pro iPads comes down to the display. The 2022 iPad Pro already had a great Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology, delivering excellent contrast and brightness.
But the 2024 version takes things a step further with its all-new “Tandem OLED” display with Ultra Retina XDR. This translates to deeper blacks, better viewing angles, and a wider color gamut, making content look more realistic and immersive. Creatives working on photography, videography, and design will certainly appreciate this superior color accuracy and detail rendition.
2. Performance
The 2022 iPad Pro came equipped with the powerful M2 chip, a notable improvement over the M1. However, the 2024 iPad Pro takes it a notch higher with the introduction of a new M4 chip delivering even more processing muscle and improved graphics capabilities.
The M4 chips pack more neural processing power than any of Apple’s previous silicon processors, positioning these tablets as the future of AI performance.
Apple showed off various AI-powered features at the Let Loose event such as effortlessly removing the background around a moving person in a video clip with a single tap and automatically touching up images and videos, all thanks to the prowess of the new M4 chip.
In essence, if you’re currently using an older iPad Pro for any creative tasks, upgrading to the 2024 iPad Pro will be a significant leap forward.
3. Design
Besides display and performance, another standout upgrade of this year’s iPad is just how incredibly thin they are. The overall design philosophy remains largely unchanged between the two generations. Both iPads have a sleek, minimalist look and feel with top-notch build quality.
However, the 2024 iPad Pro takes thinness to a whole new level, making them the slimmest Apple products ever. The 11-inch model measures a mere 5.3mm thin, while the 13-inch model is even thinner at 5.1mm. They’re also lighter, making them even more comfortable to hold for long periods.
That’s not to say the 2022 models are bulky—they measure a respectable 6.4mm thin. But if you’re after an even lighter and slimmer form factor, the 2024 models will definitely catch your eye.
4. Camera
Both iPad Pro generations feature a dual-camera system on the back (12MP wide and 10MP ultrawide) and a 12MP TrueDepth camera on the front. Video recording capabilities remain the same at 4K resolution with ProRes support. So, in terms of pure camera specs, both should deliver a similar level of performance.
5. Battery Life and Connectivity
Apple also claims similar battery life for both generations, which should comfortably last through a workday on a single charge. Connectivity options also remain the same, with both iPads offering Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for super-fast wireless connections. Cellular models support the latest 5G networks.
6. Apple Pencil Pro and Functionality
Both iPad Pro generations support the Apple Pencil, but the 2024 model supports the new Apple Pencil Pro.
The new stylus has some cool features: a squeeze sensor that lets you activate menus and palettes, and a gyroscope that allows you to rotate the Pencil (like rolling a barrel) to control things like brush size or video playback.
You can also customize shortcuts for the Pencil to fit your workflow. And for those who frequently misplace their stylus, the Pencil Pro works with Apple’s Find My app, so you can track it down easily. At $130, it’s definitely an investment, but it adds some powerful new ways to interact with your iPad Pro.
7. Price and Availability
As aforementioned, the 2022 iPad Pro is no longer available through Apple’s official channels, but you might find refurbished or used models from third-party sellers. Prices for these devices will vary depending on the retailer.
The new 2024 iPad Pro lineup offers the Wi-Fi-enabled 11-inch model starting at $999 and the 13-inch model at $1,299. The cellular versions begin at $1,199 for the 11-inch model and $1,499 for the 13-inch model. Both base models also come with 256GB of storage as standard.
8. Verdict
So, what’s the best choice for you? Should you go for the latest model, or stick with the older but still capable 2022 version? The answer: it depends.
- If you’re a professional videographer, graphic designer, or 3D artist who demands the absolute best performance and display technology, the 2024 iPad Pro is the clear winner. The M4 chip and Tandem OLED display offer a significant edge for demanding workflows.
- If you’re looking for a powerful iPad for everyday tasks, entertainment, or light creative work, the 2022 iPad Pro (if found at a discounted price) is a no-brainer. The M2 chip is still highly capable, and the Liquid Retina XDR display is excellent.
Related:
- iPad Air 6th Gen vs iPad Air 5th Gen: Did Apple finally deliver a worthy upgrade?
- iPhones are getting a “Circle to Search” like feature thanks to a cool shortcut
- Top 5 Google Pixel 8a alternatives: Know why the Pixel 8a still holds an edge
- Apple Watch gets FDA approval for use in AFib clinical studies
