The iPad Pros are for people who want the fastest and most powerful Apple tablets out there. It’s been over a year since the last update: Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch Pros received significant upgrades in April 2021, bringing the M1 chip to the platform. But is now a good time to buy one?
Update 22-05-2010: We expect updated iPad Pro models to be announced this month, or at least very soon, so our recommendation is to WAIT.
iPad Pro: Prices and Specifications
Last update: April 2021
Apple introduced the 12.9-inch iPad Pro in November 2015, followed by the smaller 9.7-inch Pro a year later. Since then, the series has gone through several overhauls, with the smaller device moving to an 11-inch panel in 2018. Now, having been announced in April 2021 and released the following month, the fifth-generation iPad Pros are incredibly powerful devices that Apple is positioning as a potential replacement for your laptop.
The two devices share most of their tech specs, including M1 processors, up to 2TB of storage, quad speakers, 120Hz refresh rate ProMotion displays, 12MP f/1.8 Wide and 10MP f/2.4 Ultra Wide cameras. , 4K/60fps video recording, 12MP f/2.4 Ultra Wide front-facing camera, Face ID, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5 and a LiDAR scanner, plus support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
Here’s how the two models are priced in the Apple Store:
iPad Pro 11-inch (2021)
- 128GB: $799 / £749
- 256GB: $899 / £849
- 512GB: $1,099 / £1,049
- 1TB: $1,499 / £1,399
- 2TB: $1,899 / £1,749
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021)
- 128GB: $1,099 / £999
- 256GB: $1,199 / £1,099
- 512GB: $1,399 / £1,299
- 1TB: $1,799 / £1,649
- 2TB: $2,199 / £1,999
However, you may be able to find them for a lower price if you buy from another retailer. Check out our roundup of the best iPad deals at the lowest prices now.
iPad Pro: why you should buy
These are the fastest and most capable iPads anyone can buy, so if you For real needs the fastest iPad out there straight away go ahead and buy. With an upgrade expected soon, unless you’re really desperate, you should probably stick with it.
iPad Pro: why you should wait
Rumor has it that new iPad Pros will be announced in October 2022 or soon after. We haven’t heard of any major changes in design or features yet, but the processor is said to get a bump from the M1 to the M2. Can you imagine spending $1,000 or more on an iPad Pro just for a faster model that comes out in two or three weeks? Best to wait for now.
Read more about the new iPad Pro for the latest rumours.
Macworld recommends: WAIT
Of course, we don’t know if an updated iPad Pro is For real coming until Apple officially announces it, but the rumors have been holding October for an M2 upgrade for quite some time now. And it’s been 18 months since the last iPad Pro update, so it’s about time.
