The 2022 iPad Pro received minor updates, including the M2 chip, Apple Pencil hover support, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. The iPad Pro has seen limited changes recently, but rumors suggest the next-generation iPad Pro, anticipated in early 2024, will bring significant “fundamental changes.” These new models are expected to enter mass production in early 2024, with a spring or summer launch.
The Upcoming 2024 iPad Pro
Anticipated updates include design changes, possibly including a glass back, and a relocated front-facing camera, necessitating a different placement for the Apple Pencil due to wireless charging component conflicts.
The upcoming 2024 iPad Pro is expected to feature Apple’s M3 chip, likely based on the A17 Pro chip manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm node. The M3 chip is anticipated to deliver similar improvements to the A17 Pro’s 22% performance boost over the A15 Bionic, featuring a redesigned GPU with hardware-accelerated ray-tracing for enhanced gaming experiences.
Rumors suggest a 4TB storage option for next year’s OLED iPad Pro models, with base storage, potentially increased to 256GB. RAM configurations would vary based on storage capacity, ranging from 8GB to 16GB, although the exact specifications for a 4TB iPad Pro remain unknown.
One of the most anticipated upgrades is the introduction of OLED display technology, currently used in smaller Apple devices. OLED displays offer power efficiency, superior color accuracy, and consistent contrast compared to LCD displays. The new 2024 iPad Pro models are rumored to have slightly larger screens (from 11- to 11.1-inches and 12.9- to 13-inches), achieved through slimmer borders, creating a more modern “all-screen” appearance.
However, these advancements are expected to drive up the 2024 iPad Pro’s prices significantly. Current estimates suggest starting prices of $1,500 for the 11-inch model and $1,800 for the 13-inch model, in contrast to the existing $799 and $1,099 starting prices, respectively. Cellular versions will likely see an additional $200 charge on top of each storage tier.
Camera improvements are expected, both for the main rear camera and the front-facing camera. The current 12-megapixel main rear camera with a ƒ/1.8 aperture has remained unchanged since 2017, and similar upgrades to those seen in other iPad models are anticipated for the iPad Pro. This includes the possibility of an upgraded 12-megapixel front-facing camera with better aperture and autofocus, aligning with improvements introduced in the 2022 iPhone 14 models.
Reports also suggest the introduction of new connectors in the 2024 iPad Pro model, which could be used to power peripherals via the Thunderbolt port, leveraging the capabilities of iPadOS 16. Wireless charging is another feature in development, and while earlier reports mentioned a glass back design for this purpose, concerns about durability have prompted possible design revisions. It remains to be seen whether the iPad Pro will incorporate wireless charging.
Moreover, reverse wireless charging, allowing users to charge other devices like iPhones and AirPods by placing them on the back of the iPad Pro, is under consideration, contingent on the presence of standard wireless charging. Apple is planning to revamp its Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad Pro, incorporating a larger trackpad, premium materials, and a USB-C port. This redesigned Magic Keyboard is also expected to align with Apple’s sustainability goals.
Lastly, the third-generation Apple Pencil is a subject of speculation, with potential features including interchangeable magnetic tips for various drawing styles. In summary, the upcoming iPad Pro promises significant enhancements in performance, design, display technology, and overall user experience, though some details remain uncertain until its official release.
