At long last, Apple’s newest iPad Pro and iPad Air are finally, officially real. Preorders opened May 7th, with the former tablet starting at $999 and the latter at $599. Both models come in 11- and 13-inch sizes and are set to arrive in stores on Wednesday, May 15th.
One of the most notable changes in the Pro models is the switch from LCD-based displays to OLED, which could be the killer feature for creatives. But there’s a lot more to like, such as the new M4 chip that is said to offer 50 percent faster CPU performance than the prior model’s M2 chip, plus a new 10-core GPU that supports mesh shading and ray tracing. The new iPad Pro also gets a slight camera shakeup, as it now only features two rear cameras (it ditches the ultra-wide from the previous model, but there’s an improved adaptive flash). There’s also a repositioned front-facing camera that now sits centered along the horizontal edge, which allows for less awkward video calls.
The new iPad Air, meanwhile, now comes in two sizes, both with Apple’s M2 processor. The new models support the Apple Pencil hover feature that was once exclusive to the M2 iPad Pro, and both include Wi-Fi 6E support. Neither size features an OLED screen, 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 iPad Pro vs. iPad Air breakdown for more granular details about how they differ.
As for accessories, both tablets support the new Apple Pencil Pro, which builds on the second-gen magnetic version with built-in Find My, a squeeze gesture with haptic feedback, and a gyroscope sensor. The new iPad Pros have a refreshed Magic Keyboard to match, now with a dedicated function row and a bigger trackpad with haptic feedback. (Those going for the iPad Air can use them with the original Magic Keyboards that are still available for older iPad Pro models.)
The newest iPad Air will be available in an 11-inch configuration and a second 13-inch configuration that makes it easier for fans of the bigger display size to have it without paying the premiums for an iPad Pro.
Right now, you can preorder 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, though you can also jump 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 Apple, Best Buy, and B&H Photo.
The 13-inch iPad Air is also available for preorder 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 crop 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 are accepting trade-ins of older models that you can apply instantly to your order. Amazon and B&H Photo also let you trade devices in, but you’ll have to wait until the inspection process concludes before receiving credit.
Like the latest Air, the new iPad Pro comes in 11-inch 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 at 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, only bigger. It’s available for preorder via 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 2TB. If you want to add 5G connectivity, those 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 an instant credit at Apple and Best Buy, and you can also trade devices in at Amazon and B&H Photo if you don’t mind waiting for an inspection.
It’s worth noting that the 2024 iPad Pro also comes with the option to add nano-textured glass at checkout, but only if you’re buying a 1TB or 2TB model. For a $100 premium, the upgraded glass is said to reduce screen reflectivity and scatter ambient light without a big impact on overall contrast and image quality, making it easier to do creative work in brighter conditions.
Potential performance upgrades are another reason you might want to consider going for a 1TB or higher 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 lesser storage configurations), you’ll also get a 10-core M4 chipset, whereas lower storage tiers come with a nine-core version.
Correction, May 8th: An earlier version of this article misstated the camera features on the new iPad Pro. The new model has one fewer rear camera; its rear cameras have not been improved.
