Apple’s 2024 iPad release: features, specs, and buying guide for the latest models

When did Apple make the release date announcement?

Apple announced the news on May 7th during a special “Let Loose” streaming event. 

The announcement shared that the iPad Air will now come in two sizes: 11” and 13”, along with many new features. At the same time, Apple announced the latest iPad Pro, equipped with an M4 processor chip and embedded AI-enhanced capabilities. The release also shared accessory updates to the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard. 

Pre-orders for new products began immediately after the announcement. Sales for the new products began on May 15th.

2024 new iPad Pro features and specifications

The release of the new iPad Pro introduces a faster chip, improved display, and increased processing power. Here’s what you’ll get when the new iPad Pro.

• M4 chip. The iPad Pro comes with an even more powerful chip — the M4. This chip is the driver behind the iPad Pro’s exceptional performance and its enhanced rendering capabilities. 

• Two sizes. You can get the iPad Pro in 11” or 13”.

• Ultra Retina XDR. The iPad Pro debuted a new advanced display called Ultra Retina XDR. The screen leverages two OLED panels for impressive brightness (between 1,000 and 1,600 nits), along with wide color support and color accuracy.

• Thinner design. The new iPad models are lighter without compromising on build quality.

• Nano-textured glass. This glass reduces glare without obscuring details and colors.

• Connectivity. The Wi-Fi 6E and 5G-enabled iPad Pro support blazing-fast connectivity wherever you go.

• Advanced neural engine. The improved neural engine is 60 times faster than its predecessor, improving voice recognition, image processing, and other functions. 

• Camera. The 12MP wide camera is capable of shooting 4K video.

• Battery life. Get up to 10 hours of battery life during heavy use.

2024 new iPad Air features and specifications

The 2024 iPad Air offers improved performance compared to its predecessor. Here’s a look at the key features and updates in this latest model.

• Two sizes. The iPad Air is available in 13” or 11” sizes for the first time.

• Improved display. The high-resolution Liquid Retina display supports incredibly clear visuals.

• M2 chip. The M2 chip makes the device 50% faster than the previous iPad Air generation.

• Aluminum body. Although it’s made with lightweight aluminum, the new iPad Air weighs the same as older devices.

• Connectivity. Get online with WiFi 6E internet or 5G connectivity.

• Advanced neural engine. Like the new iPad Pro, the iPad Air’s advanced neural engine supports a number of improved functions.

• Camera. The new iPad Air has a landscape 12MP front-facing camera and a wide 12MP rear-facing camera.

• Color variety. The iPad Air comes in four colors: Purple, Blue, Starlight, and Space Gray.

• Battery life. The battery supports up to 10 hours of heavy activity like watching videos.

How do they compare with the previous models?

The new iPad Pro and iPad Air models introduce new ultra-fast chips, larger storage capacities up to 2TB, and new displays. However, that doesn’t mean you need to run out to the closest Apple Store and buy a brand-new iPad. Most of us don’t need the fastest, highest-resolution iPad to binge the latest Bridgerton season or reply to emails while on the train. 

Here’s a breakdown of some key differences so you understand precisely what the new iPad Pro and iPad Air offer — and how they compare to older models. 

Display and screen technology

• New iPad Pro: This model features ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate to match your workflow, making everything from scrolling to drawing more responsive. It also uses Ultra Retina XDR, nano-textured glass, and an anti-reflective coating.

• New iPad Air: The 2024 release is available in two sizes for the first time. The screen also has an anti-reflective coating. It does not have ProMotion technology.

• Older models: Neither Pro nor Air older models have ProMotion technology.

Performance and chips

• New iPad Pro: Powered by the M4 chip, offering exceptional performance and rendering speeds more than four times faster than the M2 chip.

• New iPad Air: The new iPad Air is powered by the M2 chip.

• Older iPad models: The previous generations of iPad Pro and iPad Air use older and slower chips. Which one is used depends on the model, but some examples include the A14 and the M1.

Storage options

• New iPad Pro: This model is available with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB of storage, providing plenty of space for apps, media, and documents.

• New iPad Air: Choose from 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

• Older iPad models: Older models of the iPad Pro offered smaller storage capacities, like 128GB or 256GB. Older iPad Air models offered 64GB and 256GB storage options.

Display quality

• New iPad Pro: It boasts an Ultra Retina XDR display with OLED technology for stunning visuals and true-tone viewing.

• New iPad Air: A Liquid Retina display offered crystal-clear visuals and vibrant colors.

• Older iPad models: Many older models feature the Liquid Retina display or Liquid Retina XDR display.

Latest iPad models retail pricing and availability       

The new iPad Pro and iPad Air start at $599 and go up to $2,000 or higher depending on storage, features, and upgrades. Here’s what you can expect if shopping for the new iPad Pro and iPad Air at retail. 

11-inch iPad Pro | 2024

• 256GB: $999 for the base model. $1,199 for cell network connectivity

• 512GB: $1,199 for the base model. $1,399 for cell network connectivity

• 1TB: $1,599 for the base model, $1,699 if upgrading to nano-textured glass; starting at $1,799 for cell network connectivity

• 2TB: $1,999 for the base model, $2,099 if upgrading to nano-textured glass; starting at $2,199 for cell network connectivity

Similar refurbished iPad Pro 11” models on Back Market: Prices start at $370* for older iPad Pro 11” models with 256GB of storage.

13-inch iPad Pro | 2024

• 256GB: $1,299 for the base model. $1,499 for cell network connectivity

• 512GB: $1,499 for the base model. $1,699 for cell network connectivity

• 1TB: $1,899 for the base model, $1,999 if upgrading to nano-textured glass; starting at  $2,099 for cell network connectivity

• 2TB: $2,299 for the base model, $2,399 if upgrading to nano-textured glass; starting at $2,499 for cell network connectivity

Similar refurbished iPad Pro 13” models on Back Market: Prices start at $240* for older iPad Pro 13” models with 256GB of storage.

11-inch iPad Air | 2024

• 128GB: $599 for the base model, $749 for cell network connectivity

• 256GB: $699 for the base model, $849 for cell network connectivity

• 512GB: $899 for the base model, $1,049 for cell network connectivity

• 1TB: $1,099 for the base model, $1,249 for cell network connectivity

Similar refurbished iPad Air 11” models on Back Market: Prices start at $78* for older iPad Air 11” models with 128GB of storage.

13-inch iPad Air | 2024

• 128GB: $799 for the base model, $949 for cell network connectivity

• 256GB: $899 for the base model, $1,049 for cell network connectivity

• 512GB: $1,099 for the base model, $1,249 for cell network connectivity

• 1TB: $1,299 for the base model, $1,449 for cell network connectivity

Similar refurbished iPad Air 13” models on Back Market: Prices start at $651* for older iPad Air 11” models with 128GB of storage.

*Note: These prices are accurate as of June 2024 and are subject to change.

Looking to upgrade your current iPad but don’t want to pay the new iPad price? Check out other affordable ways to upgrade your current tech for a fraction of the cost.

Is it worth upgrading to the new iPad Pro or iPad Air?

The new iPad Pro and iPad Air models offer faster performance, improved displays, and increased storage options. But are they worth the price tag?

Overall, these new models are geared toward power users, like professional gamers and video editors, who can benefit from the precise color detail and ultra-fast M4 processor. The M1 processor, even the A14 processor, found in older iPad models is plenty fast for answering emails, watching Netflix, playing games, or working on presentations — what most of us use iPads for in our day-to-day lives.

The same goes for storage space. If you’re not working with incredibly large files and applications, you don’t need 2 terabytes or even 1 terabyte of hard drive space. Especially if you use cloud storage for your documents, photos, and videos, you’ll be just fine with a smaller internal hard drive.

So before you line up to spend $2,000 or more on the latest iPad, take a moment to think about how you’ll actually use it. If you’re not a professional videographer or sponsored gamer, there are plenty of refurbished options that meet your needs at a fraction of the price. With free shipping, free 30-day returns, and a 1-year warranty, Back Market has an impressive selection of refurbished iPads with the specs you need to power your everyday life.