iPad Pro 2024 is almost here – these are the expectations

Apple’s next-generation iPad Pro models are likely to be announced within weeks. This is what you can expect.

iPad Pro 2024: these are the expectations

The 2022 iPad Pro was just a minor update. The M2 chip, Apple Pencil hover function and upgrades such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 were added. The next generation iPad Pro is rumored to be the first major update since 2018, introducing fundamental changes. We list some of the most important expectations.

A thinner design

The iPad Pro has retained the same design for four consecutive generations since 2018. There are several rumors suggesting that the biggest change to the new models will be a significantly thinner design. The expectations are: from 5.9 mm to 5.1 mm and from 6.4 mm to 5.0 mm.

CAD renders show that the design of the new iPad Pro is not expected to change significantly. There are reports that there will be a landscape front camera, much like the 10th generation iPad. That’s a much more natural place for video calls when using a Magic Keyboard.

A fast M3 chip

The next generation iPad Pro is expected to be equipped with the M3 chip, which should provide better performance and higher efficiency. The M3 is based on the A17 Pro chip. In benchmark tests, the M3 performs about 17 percent better than the M2 in single-core tasks and about 21 percent better in multi-core tasks.

More storage space

The new iPad Pro is also expected to have a 4TB storage option. Since 2021, the iPad Pro is available with 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB of storage space. If Apple increases the maximum storage of the new iPads to 4TB, it will likely also increase the base storage to 256GB to keep five options.

Furthermore, the RAM of the iPad Pro is variable based on the storage capacity. iPad Pro models with 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB of storage have 8 GB of RAM, iPad Pro models with 1 TB or 2 TB of storage have 16 GB of RAM. Whether this means that an iPad Pro with 4 TB of storage will have 24 GB or 32 GB of RAM is unknown, but not unlikely.

Larger OLED screens

An OLED screen is perhaps the most anticipated upgrade for the new iPad Pro. The current 11-inch model has an LCD display, the 12.9-inch model has a mini LED display. OLED screens consume less power, have greater color accuracy and offer much better and more consistent contrast than LCD screens.

It is also expected that the new iPad Pro will have a slightly larger screen. For example, 11-inch goes to 11.1-inch and 12.9-inch to 13-inch, with slimmer bezels around the screen. The iPads themselves are not getting bigger, but the screens are.

Better cameras

The iPad Pro has had the same 12-megapixel main camera with an aperture of f/1.8 since 2017. The 12-megapixel ultra-wide angle with f/2.4 has also remained the same since its introduction on the 2021 iPad Pro. There are rumors of camera upgrades for other future iPad models, such as the seventh-generation iPad mini. That means the iPad Pro is expected to get similar improvements.

Since 2021, the iPad Pro also has a 12-megapixel front camera with an aperture of f/2.4. With the 2022 iPhone 14 models, Apple introduced an improved 12-megapixel front camera with an f/1.9 aperture and autofocus. It seems likely that this front camera could also come to the iPad Pro.

MagSafe for wireless charging

Apple is said to have developed iPad Pro prototypes with a larger Apple logo made of glass, which would enable wireless charging. One of the prototypes is said to be equipped with MagSafe with stronger magnets than on the iPhone to prevent damage. It is unclear whether there will be an iPad Pro with a glass back or Apple logo, but Apple is said to have in any case investigated a wireless charging solution for the iPad Pro.

It is expected that Apple is also working on reverse wireless charging for the iPad Pro. This makes it possible to charge iPhones, AirPods and other accessories by placing them on the back of the iPad. Apple has applied for several patents for this feature.

Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil

Apple is also planning to completely revamp the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, so that the tablet looks more like a laptop. That new version will have a larger trackpad and the area around the keyboard will be made of aluminum. The exterior of the keyboard retains the silicone cover material used on the current model.

There are also rumors that a new Apple Pencil will be coming alongside the next generation iPad Pro models. The current, second generation Apple Pencil is now more than five years old. Expectations include a shorter design, a glossy finish and interchangeable magnetic tips.

No Apple event

There will be no Apple event this month, so the new iPad Pro will probably be announced via a press release. It is still unclear when, but we expect at least this month.

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