The iPad Pro M4 review is here, and Apple’s latest tablet is making waves with its slimmer design, powerful chip, and stunning OLED display. But is it really worth the upgrade?
This generation promises faster performance and more portability than ever, making it appealing for professionals, students, and creatives alike. Still, with a premium price tag, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before upgrading.
In this review, we’ll break down the design, performance, and everyday experience of the iPad Pro M4—and share how to keep it protected with the right accessories.
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iPad Pro M4 Design and Display
The iPad Pro M4 brings two main changes: a slimmer body and a new OLED screen. These affect how you hold it, how it looks, and how you might want to protect it.
Thinner, Sleeker Build
The M4 iPad Pro is the thinnest iPad so far. The 11‑inch model weighs just under a pound, and the 13‑inch version is only a bit heavier.
It’s easier to carry and hold for longer periods. The reduced thickness is noticeable when you pair it with a slim protective case, which highlights the profile and makes it easier to use for work or study.
The keyboard’s USB‑C port lets you charge while keeping the iPad’s port free. The aluminum enclosure still feels sturdy, though the lighter frame means you should be more careful with drops or pressure in a bag.
This design favors portability and aesthetics, but you do give up a bit of ruggedness.
OLED Display Improvements
The new tandem OLED display is easily the standout upgrade. Two OLED panels combine to boost brightness and keep blacks deep with high contrast.
Movies, games, and creative work look sharper and more vibrant than before. You can pick between the standard glossy finish or the nano‑texture glass option.
The nano‑texture helps cut glare, which is handy if you often work under bright lights or outside. Both finishes keep colors accurate, which matters for editing photos or videos.
The screen’s high refresh rate makes scrolling and drawing with the Apple Pencil Pro feel smooth. The Pencil now adds haptic feedback and new gestures, making it more precise for sketching or note-taking.
How a Case Protects the Slimmer Design
Because the iPad Pro M4 is thinner, a protective case matters more than before. Even light pressure can flex the frame, so a case helps prevent scratches, dents, or bending.
A quality folio case acts as both a stand and a protective shell. When closed, it covers the front and back, which is especially useful for travel.
If you want something lighter, a folio case still adds scratch protection without much bulk. A case also gives you better grip, since the bare aluminum can feel slippery.
For the 13‑inch model especially, a case makes it easier to handle and less likely to slip. This balance of protection and portability becomes even more important with such a slim device.
Want protection without the bulk? Check out our lightweight iPad Pro cases for slim, travel‑friendly coverage.
Performance and Everyday Use
The iPad Pro M4 brings stronger processing power, better energy management, and improved multitasking. It’s built to handle creative apps, productivity tools, and demanding workflows while still offering reliable battery life.
Power of the M4 Chip
The M4 chip features a 10-core GPU and an updated Neural Engine. You get smoother performance in graphics-heavy apps like Procreate or 3D tools such as ZBrush.
The Neural Engine speeds up AI-driven tasks like image recognition, background removal, and real-time effects. In Geekbench 6, the M4 performs on par with entry-level MacBook laptops.
You can edit 4K video, run complex photo edits, or play demanding games without stutter. The jump from M1 or M2 models is there, but it’s much more noticeable if you’re upgrading from an older iPad.
Battery Life and Efficiency
The M4 chip improves energy efficiency, so you get longer usage between charges. With typical use—browsing, note-taking, or streaming—you can expect two to three days of moderate use before you need to plug in.
Pushing the device with video editing or 3D rendering drains the battery faster. Still, the iPad Pro M4 balances performance with power draw better than older models.
It also runs cooler during intensive tasks, so you can work longer without the device heating up. Charging speeds haven’t changed much from previous versions.
Multitasking, Creativity, and Productivity
iPadOS features like Stage Manager let you run multiple apps in resizable windows. This makes it easier to write while referencing research or edit photos alongside file management.
Creative apps benefit the most from the new hardware. In Procreate, you can use more layers and higher-resolution canvases. In ZBrush, sculpting complex models feels smoother.
External display support and keyboard accessories help the iPad Pro double as a laptop replacement. The stronger GPU also speeds up rendering in design apps, which is a real plus for professionals who need visual accuracy.
Should You Upgrade to the iPad Pro M4?
The iPad Pro M4 offers a thinner design, a new OLED display, and a faster processor. It also changes up accessories and camera options, which may matter depending on how you use your device.
Reason to Consider
The tandem OLED display delivers deeper blacks, brighter HDR, and better outdoor visibility. If you work with photos, videos, or design, this screen stands out compared to the LCD or mini‑LED panels on older models.
The M4 chip brings about 50% faster CPU speeds and a much stronger GPU, so tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and gaming feel smoother. Base storage now starts at 256GB, which means less file juggling.
However, the ultrawide rear camera is gone, and battery life is about the same as the M2 model. The higher price—starting at $999 for the 11‑inch version—means the upgrade makes sense only if you’ll really use the new screen and performance gains.
Who Will Benefit Most from the Upgrade
If your iPad use is mostly browsing or streaming, the M2 or even older models still handle those tasks just fine. The M4 model is more for creative and professional users.
Apps like Final Cut Pro, Procreate, or 3D modeling software see the biggest benefit. The faster GPU with hardware ray tracing and better memory bandwidth supports these workflows.
Students who need a lightweight but powerful device for note‑taking and multitasking may also find value, especially when paired with a protective case and the Apple Pencil Pro.
Boost productivity on your iPad Pro with a built‑in keyboard. Discover our Bluetooth keyboards for iPad for seamless typing anywhere.
Conclusion: iPad Pro M4 Review
The iPad Pro M4 delivers impressive upgrades in design, display, and performance, making it one of the most powerful tablets on the market. For professionals and creators, it’s a worthy investment.
That said, not everyone needs the latest model. If your current iPad still meets your needs, the M4 may feel more like a luxury than a necessity.
Still deciding which iPad is right for you? Check out our detailed guide on the M2 Air vs. M2 Pro iPad to compare features and find your perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions: iPad Pro M4 Review
The iPad Pro M4 brings strong performance, a thinner design, and a premium build. Still, questions about durability, size, and water resistance come up often.
Is the iPad Pro M4 good?
The M4 chip makes it one of the fastest tablets available. It runs demanding apps and multitasking smoothly. The OLED display adds sharp contrast and accurate colors.
Is the iPad Pro M4 easy to break?
It’s sturdy with aluminum and glass but not unbreakable. Drops or heavy pressure can still cause cracks or bends. A protective case greatly reduces the risk.
Is the iPad Pro M4 too thin?
At just over 5mm, it’s the thinnest iPad yet. The slim build makes it light and portable. But without a case, it’s more prone to bending.
Is the new iPad Pro M4 waterproof?
It has no official water-resistance rating. A quick splash might not ruin it if wiped off immediately. Still, it’s best to keep it away from water.
