It’s a familiar scenario: you love your tech, but the relentless pace of innovation leaves you wondering if you’re falling behind. If you’re currently rocking an iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen), you’ve got a powerful and capable machine. But with Apple consistently pushing boundaries, especially with the recent 2024 models, you’re likely asking yourself: "Is it time to upgrade?" This guide is for you, designed to help in comparing the iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen) to newer models so you can make an informed, confident decision.
We’re going to cut through the marketing jargon and get right to what matters, laying out the key differences between your trusty 2020 iPad Pro and its more recent siblings, including the M2-powered 2022 models and the groundbreaking M4-equipped 2024 lineup. We’ll also explore why the iPad Air has become an unexpectedly compelling alternative.
At a Glance: Your Upgrade Cheat Sheet
For those short on time, here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know about upgrading from your iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen):
- Your 4th Gen is still good: For everyday tasks, light creative work, and media consumption, your A12Z Bionic chip and Liquid Retina display hold up remarkably well. Don't rush into a purchase unless you truly need more.
- The M-Series is a game-changer: The biggest leap from your 4th Gen is the move from the A12Z Bionic to Apple’s M-series chips (M1, M2, M4). This brings desktop-class performance, especially noticeable in demanding apps.
- Display Evolution (12.9-inch focus): Your 4th Gen has a great IPS LCD. The 5th/6th Gen 12.9-inch models introduced Mini-LED for stunning contrast and brightness. The new 2024 13-inch Pro takes it further with a breathtaking Ultra Retina XDR OLED.
- The 2024 iPad Pro is a performance beast: With the M4 chip, it offers up to 1.5x faster CPU than the M2 and an even more powerful Neural Engine, plus a significantly thinner, lighter design, and the ultimate display.
- Consider the iPad Air: For many, the M-series iPad Air (M2 or M3) now offers "Pro-level" performance and features (including Apple Pencil Pro support) at a much lower cost, making it an excellent upgrade path for older Pros.
- Budget vs. Need: Upgrading isn't just about the latest tech; it's about what you need and what you're willing to pay. Newer Pros are expensive, so weigh your professional workflows against the significant cost.
The Baseline: Life with Your iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen)
Let’s start with what you already have. Released in March 2020, the iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen) was, and in many ways still is, a formidable tablet. It introduced the A12Z Bionic chip, an evolution of the A12X, which at the time delivered incredible power for a mobile device. Paired with its Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, 120Hz ProMotion, and support for the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil and the original Magic Keyboard, it was a creative and productivity powerhouse.
You likely bought it for its large canvas, robust performance for tasks like drawing, light video editing, or serious note-taking, and its professional-grade accessory support. It still handles most iPadOS apps with ease, provides a full day’s battery life, and offers a premium user experience.
However, the world of tablets moves fast. In the four years since its release, Apple has introduced two new generations of iPad Pro and significantly updated the iPad Air line. This is where the upgrade conversation truly begins.
The M-Series Revolution: A Generational Leap
The most crucial distinction between your 4th Gen iPad Pro and any newer Pro model (or even the latest Air) is the processor. Your iPad Pro runs on the A12Z Bionic. While still very capable, it’s an A-series chip. All subsequent Pro models and the latest Air models now feature Apple’s custom-designed M-series chips (M1, M2, M3, M4).
This isn't just an incremental speed bump; it’s a fundamental shift. M-series chips are designed from the ground up to deliver desktop-class performance, merging CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine into a single, incredibly efficient package. This means:
- Raw Processing Power: Far superior multi-core performance for intensive tasks like 4K video editing, complex 3D rendering, and professional-grade graphic design.
- Graphics Prowess: Much more capable GPUs for gaming, advanced visual effects, and graphic-heavy applications.
- Neural Engine Advances: Significantly enhanced machine learning capabilities, powering features like advanced image processing, intelligent Siri interactions, and more sophisticated app functions.
- Efficiency: M-series chips achieve their superior performance while often being more power-efficient, leading to better sustained performance without excessive heat.
If you’re regularly pushing your 4th Gen iPad Pro to its limits and experiencing slowdowns or longer render times, the M-series chips found in the 2021 (M1), 2022 (M2), or 2024 (M4) iPad Pros will offer a night-and-day difference. The leap in computational ability is arguably the most compelling reason to upgrade from an A-series iPad Pro. You can dive deeper into the specifics of the A12Z versus newer silicon by looking at the iPad Pro 12.9 4th Gen chip architecture.
The Latest & Greatest: iPad Pro (2024) with M4
Let’s talk about the new kid on the block, the iPad Pro (2024), available in 11-inch and a new 13-inch size. This isn't just an iterative update; it's a bold statement from Apple, especially when comparing it to an older 4th Gen model.
Design: Impossibly Thin and Light
One of the first things you'll notice about the 2024 iPad Pro is its design. It’s significantly thinner and lighter than any iPad Pro before it. The 13-inch model is an astonishing 5.1mm thin and weighs just 579g, making it even thinner and lighter than your 4th Gen 12.9-inch model (which was 6.4mm thick and 641g).
This isn’t just about aesthetics; it makes a tangible difference in portability and long-term use, reducing arm fatigue during extended sessions. The front-facing camera has also been intelligently moved to the long edge, a huge quality-of-life improvement for landscape video calls and Magic Keyboard use.
The Display: Ultra Retina XDR (OLED)
This is perhaps the most significant upgrade from your 4th Gen’s excellent Liquid Retina IPS display. The 2024 iPad Pro features Apple's new Tandem OLED display, dubbed "Ultra Retina XDR."
- True Blacks and Incredible Contrast: Unlike your IPS display, OLED pixels can turn off individually, resulting in perfect blacks and an infinite contrast ratio. This makes photos, videos, and creative work truly pop.
- SDR Brightness: The 2024 model boasts up to 1,000 nits of full-screen SDR brightness, compared to your 4th Gen’s 600 nits. This means better visibility in bright environments and a more vibrant overall image for everyday content.
- HDR Peak Brightness: Both the 2024 and recent 12.9-inch Pro models (2021, 2022) achieve 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness. However, the OLED’s superior contrast enhances the HDR experience further.
For anyone doing color-sensitive work, watching a lot of HDR content, or simply appreciating the very best display technology, the Ultra Retina XDR display is a monumental leap.
Performance: The M4 Chip — Beyond Pro
The 2024 iPad Pro is the first Apple device to debut with the M4 chip, skipping the M3 entirely. This chip is a marvel, offering:
- CPU Performance: Up to 1.5x faster CPU performance than the M2 chip found in the 2022 iPad Pro. Compared to your A12Z, the difference is several orders of magnitude, particularly in multi-core tasks.
- Power Efficiency: The M4 achieves M2-level performance at half the power consumption, translating to cooler operation and potentially better sustained performance.
- Next-Gen Neural Engine: The M4’s Neural Engine is even more powerful, driving advanced AI features directly on the device, which will become increasingly important as iPadOS evolves.
If your professional workflow involves intensive tasks like editing multiple streams of 4K/8K video, complex 3D modeling, or running professional music production software, the M4 is designed to handle it with ease, leaving your 4th Gen in the dust.
Camera Updates (and Trade-offs)
Apple streamlined the rear camera system on the 2024 iPad Pro, opting for a single 12MP f/1.8 main lens, removing the 10MP ultra-wide lens found on the 2022 and your 4th Gen model. Both still feature a LiDAR scanner. The 2024 model also adds an Adaptive True Tone flash for AI-assisted document scanning, which can cleverly remove shadows.
For most iPad users, the rear camera is primarily for document scanning, AR applications, or quick snaps. The front-facing 12MP ultra-wide camera, now along the long edge, is a welcome improvement for video calls.
Pricing and Base Storage
The 2024 models start at a higher price point than previous generations but offer double the base storage (256GB vs 128GB). This is a factor to consider in the total cost of ownership. The 13-inch (2024) starts at $1,299, a significant investment.
Still a Contender? The iPad Pro (2022) with M2
Before the 2024 models arrived, the iPad Pro (2022) with the M2 chip was the pinnacle. Now that it’s discontinued, you might find attractive deals on refurbished or clearance models.
How it Compares to Your 4th Gen:
- M2 Chip: A massive performance upgrade from your A12Z, offering significant improvements in CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine capabilities. This is still a powerhouse chip, more than enough for most professional users.
- Mini-LED Display (12.9-inch): The 12.9-inch 2022 model featured the Liquid Retina XDR display with Mini-LED technology. This was the first major display upgrade from your 4th Gen, offering vastly superior contrast, deeper blacks, and 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness, though not quite the absolute blacks of OLED.
- Hover Feature: Introduced with the M2, the Apple Pencil hover feature lets you see a preview of your mark before you make it, a subtle but useful enhancement for artists and designers.
- Apple Pencil Pro Compatibility: The M2 models support the original Apple Pencil 2, which is also compatible with your 4th Gen, but not the new Apple Pencil Pro.
The iPad Pro (2022) with M2 represents a substantial leap from your 4th Gen in both performance and display (for the 12.9-inch model). If you can find one at a good price, it offers nearly top-tier performance and a stunning display without the M4 premium.
The Unexpected Challenger: iPad Air (M-Series)
This is where the conversation gets truly interesting for 4th Gen iPad Pro owners. For years, the iPad Air was a clear step down in power and features. Not anymore. With the introduction of M-series chips into the Air lineup, it has become a serious alternative to the Pro, especially for those upgrading from older A-series iPad Pros.
Why the M-Series iPad Air is a Smart Alternative:
- M-Series Performance: The latest iPad Air models (2024) feature the M2 chip, closing the performance gap with the previous generation of iPad Pro significantly. The M2 Air offers vastly more power than your A12Z iPad Pro. For most users, this level of performance is more than sufficient for demanding creative apps, productivity suites, and advanced multitasking.
- Price Advantage: This is arguably the Air’s biggest draw. Starting at $599 (11-inch) or $799 (13-inch), you’re saving $400-$500 compared to the entry-level iPad Pro (2024). This makes it a much more accessible upgrade path.
- New 13-inch Size: The 2024 iPad Air now comes in a 13-inch size, giving you that expansive screen real estate you love on your 12.9-inch Pro, but in a lighter package (lighter than your 4th Gen Pro, even the 13-inch Air is 617g vs. 641g for 4th Gen 12.9-inch).
- Apple Pencil Pro Support: Crucially, the 2024 iPad Air supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, bringing features like barrel roll and squeeze gestures to a more affordable device. It also supports the Magic Keyboard.
- Modern Features: You get USB-C connectivity, and the front camera is also repositioned to the long edge, just like the new Pros.
What You Miss by Not Getting a Pro:
While the Air is compelling, it's important to know what you’d be giving up compared to a Pro:
- Display: The Air uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, similar in technology to your 4th Gen, but still excellent. It lacks the Mini-LED (2022 Pro) or OLED (2024 Pro) for ultimate contrast and brightness, and it doesn't have ProMotion (120Hz adaptive refresh rate) that your 4th Gen Pro has. For creative professionals sensitive to refresh rates, this could be a factor.
- Face ID: The Air uses Touch ID in the power button, whereas the Pros offer Face ID for secure authentication.
- ProMotion Display: Your 4th Gen has ProMotion (120Hz adaptive refresh rate). The Air does not; it has a standard 60Hz display. This makes scrolling and certain animations feel smoother on your current Pro and the newer Pros. For drawing, the lower refresh rate means slightly higher latency.
- Cameras: The Air lacks the LiDAR scanner and the Pro-specific camera features like ProRes video recording.
- Speakers: The Pro models generally offer a more robust quad-speaker audio experience.
- Storage Tiers: Air tops out at 1TB, while Pro goes up to 2TB.
For the vast majority of users upgrading from an older A-series iPad Pro (like your 4th Gen), whose needs involve productivity, moderate creative work, media consumption, and general use, the M-series iPad Air provides a fantastic blend of performance and value. It often provides M-series performance and a suite of "pro-level" features at a significantly lower cost, making it the better value.
Making Your Decision: Who Should Upgrade?
This is the core question. Here's a framework to help you decide.
Stay with Your iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen) If...
- Your current iPad meets your needs: If you're not experiencing slowdowns, finding yourself limited by its capabilities, or craving specific new features, there's no inherent need to upgrade. It’s still a very capable tablet.
- Budget is a concern: Newer iPad Pros are a significant investment. If the cost of a new device and accessories stretches your budget, sticking with what you have is a perfectly valid choice.
- Your usage is primarily casual: For browsing, email, streaming, light gaming, and simple productivity, your 4th Gen is more than powerful enough.
Upgrade to an iPad Pro (2022) with M2 If...
- You find a great deal: If you can get a refurbished or clearance 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro at a substantial discount, it offers a fantastic balance of performance and display quality (Mini-LED) without the M4 premium.
- You need a significant performance boost over A12Z but don't require the absolute latest: The M2 is still incredibly powerful and will handle almost any task you throw at it for years to come.
- You want Mini-LED but don't need OLED: The M2 12.9-inch Pro's display is a huge upgrade from your 4th Gen and still visually stunning.
Jump to the iPad Pro (2024) with M4 If...
- You demand the absolute best performance: For professional video editors, 3D artists, game developers, or anyone whose livelihood depends on maximum computational power, the M4 is the unparalleled choice. It's truly a desktop-class chip in a tablet.
- You prioritize display quality above all else: The Ultra Retina XDR OLED display is a game-changer for visual professionals and anyone who wants the most immersive, vibrant, and accurate screen experience possible.
- You want the thinnest, lightest design: The redesigned chassis of the 2024 Pro offers unmatched portability for a device of its size.
- You want the longest software support: As the newest model with the latest chip, the 2024 Pro will receive iPadOS updates for the longest duration.
- Budget is not a primary constraint: You're willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge technology.
Consider the iPad Air (2024) with M2 If...
- You need an M-series performance boost but want to save money: The M2 Air delivers a phenomenal upgrade from your A12Z at a much more affordable price point than any Pro.
- You want the 13-inch screen size but value portability and cost: The 13-inch Air is lighter than your current 4th Gen 12.9-inch Pro and costs significantly less than the 13-inch Pro (2024).
- You can live without ProMotion, Face ID, and Mini-LED/OLED: For many users, these "Pro" features aren't critical for their daily workflow. The Air's standard LCD is still excellent.
- You want Apple Pencil Pro compatibility at a lower price: The new Pencil Pro features are available on the Air, enhancing its creative capabilities.
Accessorizing Your Decision: What About Your Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil?
One practical consideration often overlooked is accessory compatibility.
- Apple Pencil 2nd Gen: Your 4th Gen iPad Pro uses the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. This Pencil is compatible with the 2021 (M1) and 2022 (M2) iPad Pros. However, the 2024 iPad Pro models (M4) and the 2024 iPad Air models require the new Apple Pencil Pro. If you upgrade to a 2024 model, you'll need a new Pencil.
- Magic Keyboard: Your 4th Gen Magic Keyboard is not compatible with the new 2024 iPad Pro models due to the redesign (thinner chassis, repositioned camera). It is compatible with the 2021 (M1) and 2022 (M2) iPad Pros. The 2024 iPad Air models also use a new Magic Keyboard. If you upgrade to any 2024 model, you will need a new Magic Keyboard.
This means upgrading to a 2024 iPad Pro or Air often involves additional costs for new accessories, which can add hundreds of dollars to your total investment. Keep this in mind!
Looking Ahead: Longevity and Future-Proofing
When you invest in a premium device like an iPad Pro, you want it to last.
- Software Updates: While your 4th Gen iPad Pro will likely continue to receive iPadOS updates for a few more years, the newer models, especially the 2024 iPad Pro with its M4 chip, will undoubtedly receive support for the longest duration. This ensures you have access to the latest features, security patches, and app compatibility.
- Performance Headroom: The M-series chips, particularly the M4, offer immense performance headroom. This means they'll handle increasingly demanding applications and future iPadOS features with ease for many years to come, delaying the need for another upgrade.
- Resale Value: Newer models tend to hold their resale value better, especially those with significant generational leaps like the M4.
If future-proofing and maximizing the lifespan of your device are top priorities, then investing in the latest M-series chip offers the best long-term value.
Your Next Move
Deciding whether to upgrade your iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen) isn't about simply buying the newest thing. It's about aligning your needs, your budget, and your workflow with the capabilities of the available devices.
Take a good, hard look at how you use your current iPad. Are you bumping up against its limits? Are there specific features in the newer models that would genuinely enhance your productivity or creative process?
If you're a demanding professional who needs every ounce of performance and the absolute best display, the iPad Pro (2024) with M4 and its stunning OLED screen is an undeniable powerhouse, but prepare for the premium price tag.
For those seeking a significant performance and display upgrade from their 4th Gen but perhaps find the M4 Pro too expensive, a discounted iPad Pro (2022) with M2 (especially the 12.9-inch with Mini-LED) could be a sweet spot.
However, don't overlook the M-series iPad Air. For many, it represents the most sensible and cost-effective upgrade from an A-series iPad Pro, offering "Pro-level" performance and features for a dramatically lower investment. It's the smart choice for balancing capability and budget.
Whichever path you choose, remember that your iPad is a tool. The best tool is the one that empowers you to do your best work, fits comfortably into your life, and doesn't leave you with buyer's remorse. Evaluate your personal equation, and you'll find the right iPad for your journey ahead.