iPad Pro 2024: A tablet that shines, but does it replace your laptop?

On May 15, the Apple iPad Pro 2024 hit the United States market. Its standout feature is the new M4 processor, engineered to accelerate neural network workloads. Yet the question remains: are tablets still relevant today, and can they serve as a laptop substitute for many users? This piece dives into that topic with clear, current perspectives for North American readers.

Why tablets aren’t as popular as they once were

Back in the early 2010s, tablet devices were a hot gateway to online content. They let people browse, stream, shoot photos, and more with a single device. Over time, smartphones grew into that role, and the extra screen size of a tablet stopped being a decisive purchase factor for many users.

Today, most people find smartphones sufficient for casual use, and for many tasks a laptop remains the preferred tool. Still, professionals such as artists and photo editors often regard the iPad as a powerful companion. The touch screen and stylus offer a different kind of precision that some creators value more than a mouse, much like how specialized cameras are now primarily the domain of professionals.

It should be noted that all iPad Pro peripherals, including the keyboard and stylus, are sold separately

Do you own a tablet?

iPad Pro 2024 features

The device immediately impresses with its display. The screen uses two OLED panels that deliver rich, vibrant colors and excellent outdoor visibility, with minimal glare in bright conditions. In HDR, the visuals rival those on premium MacBooks. The iPad Pro is offered in 11- and 13-inch options, differing only in size while maintaining screen quality.

The M4 processor is the latest generation, sharing a clock speed with its M3 predecessor but expanding core counts and introducing a Neural Processing Unit for AI tasks. The M4 can execute up to 38 trillion operations per second and supports ray tracing. It stands as one of the strongest processors found in mobile devices. However, its full potential is tempered by the still-narrow ecosystem of apps specifically tailored for the M4 at this stage.

The touch response latency has been slashed eightfold, now at about 5 milliseconds. That leap in responsiveness is noticeable in everyday use. The iPad Pro’s chassis is exceptionally thin, measuring around 5.1 millimeters.

iPad Pro 2024 price

In the Russian market, the price range starts around 134,000 rubles for the base model and climbs to about 345,000 rubles for the top tier. With that budget, many will find a capable modern MacBook or a high-end laptop option.

Articles about gadgets

Can the iPad Pro 2024 replace a MacBook?

At first glance, the iPad Pro looks like a versatile device. Paired with the new Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard, it appears to offer laptop-like versatility. Yet the reality is more nuanced.

The iPad Pro’s capabilities align with what earlier models offered, with faster performance and access to some unique apps and modern games such as a remake of Resident Evil 4. It still runs iPadOS, which means many Mac-specific or desktop-only applications aren’t available. It cannot fully replace an Apple computer, even if it would like to.

Press reviews of the iPad Pro 2024

The iPad Pro 2024 features a stunning OLED display, solid M4 performance, a slim and durable build, and long battery life. It stands as one of the best premium tablets released in years. Some peripherals and software, however, can be costly.

—Tony Polanco, Tom’s guide

The new iPad Pro is a true feat of tablet design. It feels like glass and lightness personified. It’s hard to imagine going thinner, though the USB-C charger is larger than the device itself. It’s fast and futuristic, yet software feels dated in places, so it’s hard to recommend to everyone yet.

—David Pierce, The Edge

The bright OLED screen is excellent, though the price is steep and it can’t truly replace a MacBook for most tasks. In many cases, the iPad remains a secondary device rather than a primary computer.

—Scott Stein, CNET

Apple’s iPad Pro is a marvel of modern design: sleek, bright, and slender, like a glimpse of the future. The display lives up to expectations, and HDR delivers superb image quality. The speakers fall short of the MacBook Pro, though, and the overall package isn’t as impressive for those who need top-tier audio.

—Jaron Schneider, PetaPixel Publishing

The camera resolution remains 12 megapixels, with improved processing thanks to AI features. A notable caveat is that the iPad Pro only supports Apple Pencil Pro and isn’t compatible with other styluses, including the Apple Pencil 2.

—Nadeem Sarwar, Digital Trends

Is the iPad Pro 2024 worth buying?

For most users, the iPad Pro’s capabilities still do not exceed the standard offerings of current tablets. Retouchers and artists will likely find it the best option among tablets, and gadget enthusiasts seeking a mobile device with a standout display may consider it. For many others, it represents a premium investment that could fund a capable laptop instead. For those primarily seeking a tablet, numerous more affordable options exist on the market.

Would someone buy the iPad Pro 2024, or is a tablet not part of their plan at all? Opinions vary, and discussion belongs in the comments.

Will you buy the iPad Pro 2024?

End of article considerations.

Will you buy the iPad Pro 2024?

Notes: This summary reflects North American market perspectives and typical professional feedback for creators evaluating mobile workflow options in Canada and the United States.