Apple iPad Pro M4 13-inch long-term review: In a league of its own

I used iPads extensively in the last decade, and while I predominantly went with iPad Air models, I switched over to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro M2 two years ago, and it soon became one of my favorite devices. The bigger panel meant I was able to get a decent amount of work done on the iPad Pro by connecting a mechanical keyboard.

As much as I like the iPad Pro M2, I wanted an iPad with an OLED panel, so I was immediately excited for the iPad Pro M4. The tablet is available in 11 and 13-inch variants, and I knew I needed the bigger screen, so that’s the one I went with. After six months of extensive use involving plenty of writing with the Magic Keyboard and a dozen or so external keyboards, playing over a hundred hours of games (mostly Balatro), reading ebooks, doodling in Procreate, and messing around with synths, I’m ready to say it — this is the best iPad I’ve ever used.

That was never in doubt anyway, but the changes to the design and the OLED panel make the latest iPad Pro a rather enticing upgrade, and if you’re using an older tablet or are mulling a switch, here’s what you need to know about this M4-powered beast.

Apple iPad Pro M4: Pricing and availability

Apple iPad Pro M4 long-term review

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Apple unveiled the iPad Pro M4 on May 7, 2024, and the tablet is now available globally. It is sold in a 11-inch model that starts at $999 for the base 256GB configuration, going up to $1,199 for the 512GB edition, $1,599 for the 1TB variant, and $1,999 if you need 2TB of storage. These are the standard Wi-Fi-only models; if you need cellular connectivity, you’ll need to shell out an additional $200.

The 13-inch iPad Pro M4 debuted at $1,299 for the 256GB variant, but it is now available for $1,099 at Amazon and Best Buy. The 512GB model costs $1,499, the 1TB variant is $1,899, and the 2TB option costs $2,299. If you’re interested in the 1TB or 2TB models, you can get a glare-resistant nano-textured panel that’s aimed at color-sensitive work, with this option costing an additional $100. Like the 11-inch model, you’ll need to pay $200 more if you want cellular connectivity.

I’m using the 13-inch iPad Pro M4 in Space Black — it’s also available in Silver — and I have the 1TB model with standard glass and cellular connectivity. I also got the new Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, and the total cost of the tablet and accessories is a heady $2,577.

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