2021 Apple iPad Pro: Should You Upgrade?

Apple's updated iPad Pro lineup will be available for pre-order on April 30, and while the new models look much like their predecessors, there are a lot of changes under the hood. We have yet to go hands on with the new iPads, but here's what you need to know about the 2021 iPad Pros before you spent $800+ on a new tablet.

Design and Display

With the exception of the larger camera bump Apple introduced last year, the iPad Pro’s design hasn’t changed much since 2018. And at first glance, this year's model is more of the same.

The 2,388-by-1,668-resolution, LED backlit display on the new 11-inch iPad Pro is identical to the 2020 and 2018 versions. Like its predecessors, the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro also sports a 2,732-by-2,048-pixel screen, but that's where the similarities end.

The new 12.9-inch model has a Liquid Retina XDR display panel that has a lot in common with the Apple Pro Display XDR. Its uses over 10,000 mini-LEDs to improve contrast, brightness, and color accuracy compared with previous versions. With a 1,000-nit full-screen brightness rating and 1,600 nits of peak brightness, it’s also the brightest iPad display ever.

If you’re a content creator, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR display is likely a big deal, but the average iPad user probably doesn't need that kind of power.

Processor, RAM, Storage, and More

Here’s where things start to get interesting. The iPad Pro is the first tablet with an Apple M1 chipset. That means the CPU is 50% faster than what you’ll find on last year’s iPad while the GPU beats out its predecessor by 40%.

The 2021 iPad Pro models also offer up to 2TB of storage, or double what you’ll find on the 2018 and 2020 models. If you buy a new iPad Pro with less than 1TB of storage, it’ll have 8GB of RAM. The 1TB and 2TB models, on the other hand, have a whopping 16GB of RAM. Either way, both models feature more RAM than previous-generation iPad Pros.

Other iPad Pro tweaks include support for Thunderbolt and USB 4 for up to 6K monitor connectivity and data transfer speeds that max out at 40Gbps. And don't forget both 2021 iPad Pro models support sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G in the US, if you’re willing to pay an extra $200 for the cellular version of the tablet.

Again, most of these updates will appeal to content creators or those who require lots of storage and raw power. For most folks, the 2020 iPad Pro is powerful enough to keep them happy for years to come.

Cameras

The rear camera on the new 2021 iPad Pros is the same as what you’ll find on last year’s model. There are 12MP primary and 10MP ultra-wide lenses along with a LiDAR sensor. (The 2018 iPad has a single 12MP lens.)

On the flipside, the front-facing cameras on the 2021 iPad Pro models sport an all-new 12MP TrueDepth camera with a 122-degree field of view. The new ultra-wide lens is not just for taking selfies with friends, though. Apple adds an Amazon Echo Show 10-style tracking feature it calls Center Stage, which keeps your face centered on video chats without requiring a wonky, motorized base.

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There are a few options, by way of the camera, where an upgrade to the 2021 iPad Pro might make sense. If you’re constantly on FaceTime with family and friends or even use your iPad Pro for Zoom calls, the new TrueDepth camera may be enticing. Those with a 2018 iPad Pro get a double whammy with the upgraded selfie camera along with an ultra-wide lens and LiDAR sensor on the back of the latest iPad Pro models.

Software and User Experience

When it comes to software and overall user experience, there’s not much to differentiate any of the iPad Pro models for most users. All three models support iPadOS 14. The trio also works with the Magic Keyboard and second-generation Apple Pencil.

The oldest iPad Pro of the bunch is probably good for a few more iPadOS updates; the 2020 model will be around even longer. So at this point, the OS isn't a solid reason to update.

Price

Rumors about a price bump for the iPad Pro were partially true. The cheapest, 11-inch iPad Pro still clocks in at $799, but the base, 12.9-inch model is now $100 more expensive at $1,099. For 5G connectivity, prices start at $999 and go up from there. If you want the top-of-the line, 11-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi + 5G Cellular, expect to spend $2,099. For the 12.9-inch model, it's $2,399.

Pre-order a new iPad Pro beginning Friday, April 30. They arrive in the second half of May.

Apple's 4/20 event gave us AirTags, an M1 iPad Pro, and a brand new iMac