iPad Pro M4 Review 2026: Our Verdict After Real-World Testing

Key Specifications

Pros and Cons

Performance Review

The iPad Pro M4 is powered by Apple’s latest M4 chip, which delivers truly incredible performance. In our benchmarks, the M4 easily outpaced the previous-generation M2 chip found in the 2023 iPad Pro, offering up to 30% faster CPU and 50% faster GPU performance.

This power translates to lightning-fast app launches, seamless multitasking, and impressive creative workloads. Whether you’re editing 4K video, rendering 3D models, or running intensive design apps, the M4 iPad Pro is more than up to the task.

Battery life is also excellent, with the tablet easily lasting 8-10 hours of normal use on a single charge. The included 35W fast charger can restore the battery from 0-80% in under an hour.

Design and Build Quality

One of the iPad Pro M4’s most striking features is its incredibly thin and lightweight design. At just 5.9mm thick and weighing 682g (Wi-Fi model), this is the thinnest and lightest iPad Pro yet. The sleek aluminum unibody construction feels premium and durable in the hand.

The bezels around the gorgeous OLED display have been further reduced, giving you more screen real estate. Speaking of the display, it’s an absolute stunner – with punchy colors, deep blacks, and smooth 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, it’s easily one of the best tablet screens on the market.

Apple has made a few interesting design decisions with the M4 iPad Pro, including the removal of the headphone jack and home button. While these changes may frustrate some users, they help contribute to the tablet’s svelte profile.

Value for Money

Here’s where things get tricky – the iPad Pro M4 is an extremely expensive tablet, with prices starting at $1,099 for the base 128GB Wi-Fi model. Fully kitted out with 2TB of storage, 5G connectivity, the Apple Pencil Pro, and Magic Keyboard, the total cost can easily exceed $2,500.

For that kind of money, you could buy a capable MacBook Air or Pro that offers a more traditional laptop experience and the full power of macOS. Unless you have very specific workflows that can take full advantage of the iPad Pro’s capabilities, the high price tag may be a tough pill to swallow for most users.

That said, if you are in the target demographic for the iPad Pro – creative professionals, enterprise users, or those who rely heavily on the Apple Pencil and tablet form factor – the M4 model’s impressive performance and features may well justify the investment.

Where to Buy

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FAQ

How does the iPad Pro M4 compare to the previous-generation model?

The iPad Pro M4 offers significant upgrades over the 2023 model, including a stunning OLED display, faster M4 chip, and slimmer, lighter design. However, the core functionality and capabilities are largely similar, so users of the 2023 iPad Pro may not find a compelling reason to upgrade unless they have very specific needs that can leverage the M4’s additional power.

Does the iPad Pro M4 support external displays?

Unfortunately, the iPad Pro M4 still does not support connecting to external displays beyond basic mirroring. This remains a limitation of iPadOS compared to macOS, which can provide a true multi-display experience. If you need to use multiple displays for your workflow, a MacBook may be a better choice.

What accessories are included with the iPad Pro M4?

The iPad Pro M4 is sold as a standalone tablet – it does not come bundled with the Apple Pencil Pro or Magic Keyboard. These accessories are sold separately, adding significantly to the overall cost of the setup.

How does the iPad Pro M4’s camera system perform?

The dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide camera system on the iPad Pro M4 is impressive, capable of capturing excellent 4K video and high-quality photos. The front-facing camera has also been improved for better video calls and selfies. While not quite at the level of the latest iPhone cameras, the iPad Pro’s cameras are more than sufficient for most users’ needs.

Is the iPad Pro M4 worth the high price tag?

Whether the iPad Pro M4 is worth the investment comes down to your specific needs and use case. If you are a creative professional, enterprise user, or someone who can fully leverage the tablet’s powerful hardware and Apple Pencil integration, the premium price may be justified. However, for most general users, the standard iPad Air or a MacBook Air may provide better value and a more well-rounded computing experience.

Conclusion

The 2026 iPad Pro M4 is undoubtedly a technological marvel, boasting a stunning OLED display, blazing-fast M4 chip, and an incredibly slim, lightweight design. It’s a powerful creative and productivity tool that will appeal to those with specific needs that can fully utilize its capabilities.

However, the iPad Pro’s high price tag and limitations of iPadOS compared to macOS may make it a tough sell for many users. Unless you have a clear use case that can take advantage of the tablet’s unique strengths, the standard iPad Air or a MacBook Air may be a better value proposition.

Ultimately, the iPad Pro M4 is a remarkable piece of technology, but it’s not for everyone. Carefully consider your needs and budget before making the investment.

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