Apple’s latest iPad Pro and iPad Air are finally officially real. Pre-orders opened on May 7, with the former tablet starting at $999 and the latter at $599. Both models come in 11- and 13-inch sizes and are scheduled to hit stores on Wednesday, May 15.
One of the most notable changes to the Pro models is the switch from LCD to OLED displays, which could be the killer feature for creators. But there’s a lot to like, like the new M4 chip that’s said to deliver 50 percent 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 change, as it now only has two rear cameras (it gets rid of the ultra-wide camera from the previous model, but there’s an improved adaptive flash). There’s also a repositioned front camera that’s now centered along the horizontal edge, allowing for less awkward video calls.
Meanwhile, the new iPad Air comes in two sizes, both equipped with the Apple M2 processor. The new models support the Apple Pencil feature that was exclusive to the M2 iPad Pro, and both include Wi-Fi 6E support. Neither size has an OLED display, but you still get a vibrant Liquid Retina XDR display, and the 13-inch model has improved stereo speakers (in landscape orientation) that supposedly “double the bass” of the 11-inch model. You can read our breakdown of the iPad Pro and iPad Air to get more in-depth details on how they differ.
As for accessories, both devices support the new Apple Pencil Pro, which is based on the second-generation magnetic version with a built-in Find My feature, a tap gesture with haptic feedback, and a gyroscope sensor. The new iPad Pros have an updated Magic Keyboard to match, now with a dedicated function row and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback. (Those using an iPad Air can use them with the original Magic Keyboards that are still available for older iPad Pro models.)
Where to pre-order the new iPad Air
The newer iPad Air will be available in an 11-inch configuration and a second 13-inch configuration, making it easier for fans of the larger screen size to get it without paying the iPad Pro premium.
Now, you can Pre-order the 11-inch iPad Air directly from Apple And in Best buy, AmazonAnd B&H Photos. It starts at $599 for the base model with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage, though you can also jump up 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 the 128GB model, $849 for the 256GB model, $1,049 for the 512GB model, and $1,249 for the 1TB model. You can get the unlocked cellular model from apple, Best buyAnd B&H Photos.
The 13-inch iPad Air is also there Available for pre-order from Apple, Amazon, Best buyAnd B&H Photos It starts at $799 for the 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. 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 range of retailers: apple, Amazon, Best buyAnd B&H Photos.
Both sizes are available in blue, purple, starlight, and space grey. Apple and Best Buy accept trade-ins for older models that you can immediately apply to your order. Amazon and B&H Photo also let you trade in devices, but you’ll have to wait for the inspection to finish before you get the 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 is available in its base 256GB/Wi-Fi configuration Available from Apple, Amazon, Best buyAnd B&H Photos 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 at the same retailers: apple, Amazon, Best buyAnd B&H Photos. Its price starts at $1,199 for 256 GB, $1,399 for 512 GB, $1,799 for 1 TB, and $2,199 for 2 TB.
The 13-inch iPad Pro is the same device, but bigger. that it Available for pre-order via Apple, Amazon, Best buyAnd B&H Photos Starting at $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 Photos.
Both sizes are available in silver or space grey. You can trade in older models for instant credit from Apple and Best Buy, and you can also trade in devices from Amazon and B&H Photo if you don’t mind waiting for inspection.
It’s worth noting that the iPad Pro 2024 also 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 upgraded glass is said to reduce screen reflection and scatter ambient light without a significant impact on overall contrast and image quality, making it easier to do creative work in brighter conditions.
The potential performance upgrades are another reason you might consider purchasing an iPad Pro with a capacity of 1TB or higher. In addition to the usual RAM upgrade (you’ll get 16GB of RAM in the 1TB or 2TB model compared to 8GB in the lower storage configurations), you’ll also get a 10-core M4 chipset, while lower storage tiers come with Nine slides -basic version.
May 8 correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the new iPad Pro’s camera features. The new model has one fewer rear camera; The rear cameras are not improved.
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