M4 iPad Pro review — yeah, I wasn’t expecting much either. I figured it’d just be another minor update with a shinier screen and a faster chip. But after spending a few days with it, let me tell you, this thing genuinely surprised me.
We’ve all seen Apple hype things up before — thinnest ever, fastest chip, best display. Same script, right? But something’s different this time. The M4 iPad Pro is not just an iteration. It’s a shift. It feels like the first iPad in years that’s actually aimed at people who do stuff, not just scroll and stream.
Let me break down what really stood out and, honestly, changed my mind:
It’s Ridiculously Thin… But That’s Not a Gimmick
At just 5.1mm thick, this is Apple’s slimmest device ever. You’d think that would make it fragile or awkward to hold, but nope — it’s light and sturdy. I actually forgot it was in my bag a couple times. It feels more like a notepad than a tablet.
The OLED Display Is Pure Eye Candy
Apple calls it Ultra Retina XDR, but all I know is: colors pop, blacks are inky, and everything looks buttery smooth. Whether you’re editing photos, watching movies, or pretending to be productive, it’s stunning.
The M4 Chip Is Seriously Fast
Apple claims it’s got desktop-class performance — and weirdly enough, they’re not exaggerating. I threw some heavy video editing at it, and it didn’t flinch. Plus, it runs cooler than I expected for something this thin.
It’s a Content Creator’s Dream
The new Apple Pencil Pro adds subtle haptics, rotation sensing, and barrel roll support, which sounds super nerdy — but when you’re sketching or designing, it actually feels more natural. Paired with that new Magic Keyboard, the iPad finally feels like a legit creative workstation.
Battery Life That Actually Holds Up
Despite the power, I got a full day’s use on a charge. Apple promised around 10 hours, and yeah, in real-life use — YouTube, note-taking, Slack, editing in LumaFusion — it held up pretty well.
The Front Camera’s in the Right Place Now
FINALLY, Apple moved the front camera to the landscape side. Zoom calls don’t feel awkward anymore. It’s a small fix, but for anyone working remotely, it’s a big quality-of-life boost.
It’s Expensive, But Weirdly Worth It
Starting at $999, it’s not cheap. Add in the Pencil and Keyboard, and you’re looking at laptop-level pricing. But here’s the thing — if you’re someone who works on the go, creates content, or just appreciates premium tech that actually delivers, it might be the best “iPad” Apple’s ever made. It finally feels like it knows what it wants to be.
M4 iPad Pro vs iPad Air 2024 (M2) — Spec Comparison Table
| Feature | iPad Pro 2024 (M4) | iPad Air 2024 (M2) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 | Apple M2 |
| Display | Ultra Retina XDR (Tandem OLED) | Liquid Retina (LCD) |
| Sizes | 11″ and 13″ | 11″ and 13″ |
| Brightness | 1000 nits (HDR 1600 peak) | 500 nits |
| Camera (Front) | 12MP Ultra Wide (Landscape) | 12MP Ultra Wide (Landscape) |
| Camera (Rear) | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Storage Options | 256GB to 2TB | 128GB to 1TB |
| RAM | 8GB (256/512GB) / 16GB (1/2TB) | 8GB |
| Weight (11-inch) | ~444g | ~462g |
| Thickness (11-inch) | 5.3mm | 6.1mm |
| Apple Pencil Support | Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil Pro |
| Magic Keyboard Support | New Magic Keyboard (Aluminum) | Older Magic Keyboard |
| Price (Starting) | $999 | $599 |
Final Thoughts
If you’re still on the fence, I get it. I was too. But this M4 iPad Pro review really made me reconsider what a tablet can be. It’s not for everyone — but if you’ve been waiting for the iPad to grow up and earn its place in your workflow, this just might be it.
Want to dive deeper into specs or just drool over the OLED display? Check out the official iPad Pro page here.
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