The new iPad Pro from Apple is slender and swift, but its software requires revision.

• The iPad Pro 2024 from Apple features a Tandem OLED display and the M4 processor.
• It's the first new iPad since October 2022.
• Although thinner and lighter than previous iPads, the device requires updated software.

The new iPad Pro and iPad Air models will be launched on Wednesday. I have been testing the new iPad Pro for several days, and I must say that it is an excellent iPad.

Apple's upcoming launch is crucial, as the company has not released a new iPad since October 2022 and reported a 16% year-over-year decline in iPad revenue for its fiscal second quarter earlier this month.

The latest iPad Pro is incredibly fast due to its M4 chip and boasts a stunning OLED display that offers more vibrant colors than previous models. Additionally, it's the slimmest product Apple has ever created.

The iPad software is still running, but the fully loaded model I tested costs around $2,499. This price does not include the $350 keyboard and $129 Apple Pencil Pro, which will help you maximize the device's potential.

iPadOS must match the capabilities of the iPad's hardware.

Here's what you need to know about it.

What's good

The newer 13-inch iPad Pro is $200 more expensive than the older models it replaced, while the 11-inch model costs $300 less.

Upon picking it up, the first thing I observed was its slenderness. In comparison to the M1 iPad Pro I've been using for several years, it stands out. Additionally, it is lighter. This is particularly advantageous with the 13-inch model, which has replaced the 12.9-inch version. Previously, I found it too heavy and cumbersome to use as a tablet. Although it still feels large, it is more manageable.

The new OLED screen is a standout feature. It's vivid and crystal clear, similar to the OLED screens used in Apple's iPhone Pro models. However, it's not found on iPads. The screen adjusts to the environment, becoming brighter in dark movies or displaying explosive scenes. Professional video and photo editors will appreciate its color accuracy. I thoroughly enjoyed using it for movies and while playing Diablo Immortal. Once Activision Blizzard releases an update that enhances graphics for the M4 iPad Pro, the game will look even better. The four stereo speakers produce a rich and powerful sound, but not a tinny one.

The camera is now positioned correctly on the iPad, along the landscape edge, making it ideal for FaceTime calls. Previously, it was located on the top of the iPad, causing an uncomfortable angle during video calls. During my tests, the camera provided excellent quality and clarity. Additionally, the Center Stage feature allowed the camera to follow me as I moved around the room.

The M4 chip in the latest iPad is more powerful than the M2 chip in the previous iPad Pro, with a 48% increase in performance on GeekBench multicore benchmark tests. Apple promises up to 4x faster rendering and 1.5x faster processor performance with the M4, making video editing in Final Cut Pro for iPad and rendering 3D models quicker for professionals. The M4 also has a special engine that powers the "Tandem OLED" displays, which are two OLED screens stacked on top of each other, requiring this unique part of the chip to function.

The iPad Pro was swift when I multitasked with two apps simultaneously, switching between Slack and the web browser, or loading into games. Apps switched seamlessly. My M1 iPad performed similarly for everyday tasks, such as browsing the web and opening apps, which is how iPads are typically used. I'll delve deeper into this in the next section.

The new iPad Pro models are compatible with Apple's updated $350 Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, with the 11-inch version costing $300. This keyboard is amazing and provides a Mac-like experience with a full function row above the number keys for switching apps, adjusting the volume or brightness, and more. Apple enhanced the trackpad and added an aluminum palm rest while maintaining the same soft exterior and "floating" screen mechanism that allows the iPad to be easily attached to the case using magnetic pins and tilted back and forth.

The updated Apple Pencil Pro is a fun tool for drawing, painting, and 3D modeling. It has a squeeze function that allows you to switch between different tools and colors, and a gyroscope that lets you tilt and twirl the pencil to change your stroke. The hover function previews where you'll touch the display, and the double-tap feature is convenient for switching between tools.

The new iPad Pro promises the same battery life as previous models, providing approximately 10 hours of web browsing or video watching, or nine hours when connected to a cellular network. My tests confirmed this. Despite being 1.3mm thinner and 103 grams lighter than the previous 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the new model still delivers a full workday of use.

What's bad

While I believe iPadOS works well, I believe the Pro models deserve a better operating system.

I believe Apple has a major announcement planned for the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, and I hope it addresses the issue of multitasking on the iPad Pro. Although I may not get my wish, I would love to see the iPad Pro function like a Mac when connected to the keyboard, with the ability to switch between a touchscreen and regular iPad usage. Given the newer processor in the iPad Pro, this is certainly possible if it is something Apple chooses to implement. Nonetheless, we require improved multitasking capabilities on the iPad Pro.

The "Stage Manager" feature in Apple's iOS 15 update was intended to simplify the process of running multiple apps and switching between them, but it remains confusing and clunky. Instead of opening apps in separate windows and minimizing like on a Mac, the feature currently behaves in a way that is difficult to navigate. Additionally, since the M-series processors also power Macs, it would be beneficial to allow users to run Mac apps on their iPads.

Apple discussed artificial intelligence extensively during the unveiling of the new iPads. However, most of the AI mentioned is what Apple has previously referred to as machine learning. This technology operates in the background and improves various features, such as the camera's ability to scan documents more accurately and the ability of Final Cut Pro to isolate backgrounds. Apple CEO Tim Cook has stated that he will discuss generative AI at WWDC in June, indicating that more features may be added.

I wish the iPad Pro had an always-on display like the iPhone Pro, which would allow me to quickly check notifications, music, and widgets without having to manually turn on the screen. However, the iPad's screen refresh rate is limited to 10hz, which would still refresh too frequently and consume more power.

Should you buy the 2024 iPad Pro?

Although I don't require a faster chip, my current iPad is my favorite due to its thin profile, lightweight design, and updated keyboard. While the new Apple Pencil Pro works well, it may be more useful for creatives than for me.

The 11-inch iPad is a better option for those who find the 13-inch model too big. If you prioritize speed over cost, the iPad Air with a 13-inch screen is worth considering. For basic web browsing, gaming, and email, the $350 iPad is sufficient.