The iPad Pro is a line of tablet computers manufactured by Apple, targeted primarily at professionals and users who want high-performance capabilities in a portable device. The tablet features a sleek and premium design characterized by a thin profile, aluminum chassis, and a large touchscreen display.
The computer comes with a suite of useful applications written by Apple, and there are millions more available in the App Store. Apple sells two high-end accessories for the M4 iPad Pro: the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil Pro.
Plus, iPad Pro users can choose from a wide array of accessories made by third-party manufacturers. That includes multiple attachable keyboard cases with a trackpad to turn the tablet into a slim convertible notebook.
Overall, the tablet is positioned as a powerful and versatile computer suitable for a wide range of tasks, from content consumption to professional-level creative work, offering portability and convenience without compromising on performance.
Apple unveiled the first tablet in this product line on September 9, 2015. It featured an impressively large 12.9-inch screen. Apple released the original iPad Pro on November 11, 2015. A version with a 9.7-inch screen followed in early 2016.
Apple announced the second-generation model on June 5, 2017. Powered by an A10X Fusion processor, it came with three storage options: 64GB, 256GB and 512GB. A 10.5-inch model replaced the original 9.7-inch version; the 12.9-inch version stayed the same size. Both screen sizes employed better technology, with refresh rates up to 120Hz, better HDR and TrueTone white balancing. These were the last “Pro” models that came with a Home Button and a Lightning connector.
Apple announced the third-generation iPad Pro on October 30, 2018, in two screen sizes: 11-inch and 12.9-inch. Removing the Home Button enabled Apple to design the tablets with full-screen displays, with Face ID sensors on the top edge that worked in both landscape and portrait orientations. The third generation also replaced Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector with an industry-standard USB-C connector. These iPads worked with a new Smart Keyboard Folio as well as the previously launched Magic Keyboard.
Apple announced its fourth-generation premier tablets on March 18, 2020, with the same 11-inch and 12.9-inch screen sizes. A a redesigned camera module, with a LiDAR Scanner for capturing 3D objects and environments. Powered by an Apple A12Z processor, the iPad Pro 4 started at 128GB storage. Apple also sold a Magic Keyboard with a trackpad for this model iPad Pro.
Apple announced the fifth-generation model on April 20, 2021. It looked the same as the previous generation, but brought a powerful upgrade: Apple’s new M1 chip. It also offered Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 connectivity (up to 40 Gbps) and 5G capability for cellular models. The 2021 iPad Pro also supported external display output up to 6K resolution. The 12.9-inch model gained an XDR display with mini-LEDs that Apple dubbed “Liquid Retina XDR.”
Apple announced the sixth-generation iPad Pro on October 18, 2022. These models used the same design as previous generations, but the more-powerful Apple M2 chip offered a performance upgrade. These tablets also supported a new Apple Pencil Hover feature that let the display detect the stylus up to 12mm above the screen. The sixth generation also gained ProRes Video Recording (limited to 1080p for variants with 128GB storage but capable of up to 4K for 256GB-plus models). Plus, it supported Apple’s ProMotion adaptive display technology, which let the screen refresh at up to 120 images per second.
The latest model, the M4 iPad Pro released in May 2024, comes in two sizes: one with an 11-inch screen and a second with a 13-inch screen. Like all Apple tablets, it runs iPadOS. At its heart is a powerful Apple M4 processor. It also features what Apple calls a “tandem OLED” screen that delivers darker blacks and brighter colors. It’s maker says the tablet’s slim new design makes it the “thinnest Apple product ever.”
Apple guards its upcoming products with extreme secrecy. However, a major leak in October 2024 saw the Russian YouTuber Wylsacom unboxing the M4 MacBook Pro weeks before its official release.
The same story now unfolds with the upcoming M5 iPad Pro. Wylsacom unboxed and showcased the device a few days ago, again weeks before launch. And another Russian YouTuber did the same the next day. So how do Russian YouTubers manage to grab unreleased Apple products so early?
The Federal Communications Commission accidentally exposed Apple’s plans for several unreleased products, including an updated Vision Pro headset, new MacBook Pro models and refreshed iPad Pro tablets, on Tuesday. The FCC leaks of Apple products mark the latest in a series of premature disclosures from the regulatory agency that have frustrated Apple’s typically secretive product launch strategy.
We can stop wondering about the details of the M5 iPad Pro — a YouTuber apparently got hold of Apple’s next tablet and revealed nearly everything about it. That includes running benchmark tests on the unreleased processor and finding a huge jump in graphics performance.
His time with the tablet — assuming this is a legitimate leak — shows that Apple must consider the previous M4 iPad Pro to be an excellent device because all that changed seems to be the newer, faster M5 processor.
Apple’s September Awe Dropping event was only the beginning. There are so many new products coming out of Cupertino this fall that rumors point to an Apple October event.
And for some people, the best is yet to come: the Apple M5 processor, a new iPad Pro and (hopefully) the next MacBook Pro. And there could be more.
Don’t try to tell me an iPad can’t be someone’s primary computer. I’ve used an iPad Pro almost exclusively for a decade or more. And I love it.
If you’re interested in Apple’s most powerful tablet, you can pick one up for $200 off. And there are M4 iPad Pro deals on both the 13-inch and 11-inch versions.
Most Apple users end up holding on to their devices longer than they’d like. Not because they’re still fast, but because buying a new one means shelling out thousands, and reselling is a headache most people don’t have time for.
That’s why Upgraded has been taking off.
Apple Pencil Pro may have all the bells and whistles, but a lot of average users don’t really need those. For a solid premium iPad stylus that does all the basic tasks like signing documents, note-taking and sketching, Apple Pencil (USB-C) gets the job done just fine. And right now you can get the stylus on sale with a Apple Pencil (USB-C) deal at Amazon, making it even more affordable. It’s just $69.
Today’s featured Mac Studio setup may win the external display arms race — for bigger monitors and for more of them. A 4-display setup displayed on social media is not super rare, but one sporting such large screens is. This one pushes the limit of too much screen space with two stacked 57-inch curved ultra-wide Samsung displays bookended by two 32-inch Samsungs in portrait (vertical) orientation. Yikes, that’s a lot of screen.
Apple’s 2025 iPad Pro will reportedly sport dual front-facing cameras and Face ID scanners to address a major limitation in the previous version of the tablet: its struggles to work in portrait mode.
Last year, the company repositioned the front camera on the M4 iPad Pro to a landscape orientation, which solved some problems but caused others. Apple allegedly has a solution, though.
Good news for anyone in the market for an iPad: Amazon Prime Day brings low prices on every tablet Apple makes. But that’s underselling it — there are amazing deals here!
The budget iPad 11 is down to a rock-bottom price, and so is the iPad mini. And Amazon significantly cut the Price of iPad Pro and iPad Air, too. We’re talking deals as good as 24% off. You can save hundreds of dollars.
A growing number of people rely on iPad tablets — particularly iPad Pro — as their main daily driver. And with iPadOS 26 software currently in beta testing and available to all in September, this will become even easier to do. Today’s featured iPad-Studio Display setup doesn’t abandon Mac — in fact, it includes a hidden M4 MacBook Pro — but it makes the most of iPad Pro and looks damn good doing it.
The next-generation iPad Pro is on the horizon. Its OLED screen is reportedly already in production, and the launch is rumored for this autumn with a new Apple M5 processor on board.
The upcoming iPadOS 26 might do more to spur sales of the tablet than a faster processor or gorgeous screen, though.
I’d call it a rare sighting in setups featured on Cult of Mac, but I think it’s actually a first sighting ever — stacked dual displays held together by hinges. As such, they’re actually one product, the Uperfect Delta Dual Portable Monitor. To say the least, it’s unusual to see one in a home setup, driven in this case by an M4 MacBook Pro. And those two screens make up just half the setup’s total of four.
Apple now offers tools and parts to repair your own iPad, but the instructions provided by Apple show that working on one of its tablets is not for the faint of heart.
Just removing the screen from an iPad Pro is a 32-step process that requires special tools to detach the glue, tape and screws holding everything together.
Logitech’s latest iPad accessory, Flip Folio, is a protective keyboard case specifically engineered for Apple’s iPad Pro and iPad Air models, the Swiss peripherals giant said Wednesday. Logitech Flip Folio promises to enhance the iPad experience at home or on the go with a unique magnetic storage system and multi-device connectivity. Those should appeal to users seeking versatility in their mobile computing setup.
“We’ve designed Flip Folio to make the iPad experience both fun and functional, helping you stay focused on what matters,” said Joseph Mingori, Logitech GM of mobile and audio solutions. “Flip Folio enhances everyday experiences — from binge watching to checking your social media or emails — by delivering portability and connectivity, setting people free so they can do what they love from anywhere.”
In Setups world, the struggle continues over display preferences, in terms of those who want bigger and those who want more. Today’s MacBook Pro user dwells on the “bigger” side an an ultra-wide monitor user, but they actually want to downsize from a mammoth 49-incher and get something with a higher refresh rate. Meanwhile, they’re thrilled their M1 Pro MacBook Pro still runs like a champ. And they conceived a way to have Touch ID while hiding the keyboard it comes with.
Apple just added iPad to its Self Service Repair program. All the tablets it introduced in 2024 and earlier this year are included.
The DIY program provides customers access to parts and tools they need to fix their own devices, and already includes many models of iPhone and Mac.
Rumors point to iPadOS 19 bringing the biggest improvements to iPad in years. The news is especially good for those who want their tablet to act more like a Mac.
With WWDC25 and the unveiling of iPadOS 19 mere weeks away, here’s what we already know about it.
What’s almost as popular as a dual-display computer setup? A 3-display setup, of course. Today’s Mac Studio workstation has rocked the same external display configuration for more than a decade, but with newer monitors swapped in multiple times. Check it and its gear out below.
Rumors point to iPadOS 19 blurring the line between the iPad and Mac. With Apple reportedly focusing on “productivity, multitasking and app window management,” we put together a very specific iPadOS 19 wish list for features that could unlock the full potential of Apple’s tablets.
With WWDC25 just around the corner, here’s what we want to see in iPadOS 19.
iPad shipments shot up 14% year over year during the first three months of 2025, according to a market analysis firm. That marks the fourth quarter in a row with an increase in iPad demand.
Replacing tablets bought years ago during the pandemic is only one of the reasons for the continuing strong growth.
You want the best iPad, but shopping for one can be overwhelming. Apple sells six iPad models in a wide range of sizes, prices and capabilities. Our iPad comparison explains the strengths and weaknesses of each model. You don’t want to get one that doesn’t have all the features you want, but you also don’t want to pay too much for features you won’t use.
Here’s some straightforward advice on picking the best iPad for you.
Careful mounting of devices is a hallmark of light and clean computer setups because it lifts most of the gear up off the desk, making room for other gear or simply creating clean, open space. In today’s setup, the MacBook Pro sitting open on a stand is just one of three small screens, including a portable monitor, that nicely complement and expand the Studio Display.
The turf war between standard displays and ultra-wide monitors continues — sometimes within one computer setup. Today’s M4 Mac mini user went back and forth multiple times before their Samsung ultra-wide OLED display retook the crown from their Studio Display, which is now “gone.” And that’s the case despite their acknowledgement that “Studio Display is the best monitor for Mac, no discussion.”
This Mac mini and iPad Pro setup shows off a great cable management effort, complete with “before” and “after” photos. And yet all commenters wanted to know about — and I don’t blame them — are the cool knick-knacks. Mostly mood-lighting-related, they’re functional decor. And maybe everyone should have these three items in their setup!