iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen) Overview and Key Features

When Apple unveiled the iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen) in March 2020, it wasn't just another tablet; it was a bold statement about the future of mobile computing. This iteration of Apple's flagship tablet packed a punch, offering a blend of raw power, a stunning display, and innovative features that redefined what a portable device could accomplish. If you're looking for a deep dive into what made this model special – and why its iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen) Overview & Key Features still resonate today – you’re in the right place.
This wasn't merely an incremental update; it was a foundational step for the modern iPad Pro, introducing technologies that would become mainstays. While newer models have arrived, the 4th Gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro remains a highly capable machine, a testament to Apple's forward-thinking design and engineering. Let’s peel back the layers and discover what makes this particular iPad Pro tick.

At a Glance: The 4th Gen iPad Pro in a Nutshell

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick rundown of what defined the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th Gen):

Powerful Core: Powered by the A12Z Bionic chip with Neural Engine, offering robust performance for pro tasks.
Stunning Display: A 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), P3 wide color, and True Tone.
Revolutionary Cameras: Dual rear cameras (Wide and Ultra Wide) along with the introduction of the LiDAR Scanner for advanced AR.
Enhanced Audio: Five studio-quality microphones and a four-speaker sound system for clear communication and immersive media.
Pro-Level Connectivity: USB-C port, faster Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Accessory Ecosystem: Full support for the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) and the game-changing Magic Keyboard with trackpad.
Security: Face ID for secure authentication and payments.
Storage Options: Generous starting storage at 128 GB, configurable up to 1 TB.
Form Factor: Sleek, thin, and surprisingly light for its size, available in Silver or Space Gray.

Why the 4th Gen Still Matters: A Legacy of Pro Power

The tech world moves fast, and new gadgets appear constantly. So, why dedicate a comprehensive guide to a model released a few years ago? Simple: the 4th Gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro (model A2229) wasn't just a temporary stopgap. It solidified the iPad's role as a legitimate computer replacement for many, particularly creatives, students, and mobile professionals. It introduced features like the LiDAR Scanner that were truly ahead of their time, and its core performance, even today, is more than adequate for demanding workflows.
This model hit a sweet spot, balancing advanced features with a refined design, and it’s often available at a more accessible price point than its successors on the secondary market. Understanding its capabilities means understanding a pivotal moment in iPad history and recognizing a device that continues to offer immense value.

The Canvas: A Masterpiece Liquid Retina Display

The moment you pick up the iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen), your eyes are immediately drawn to its magnificent display. This isn't just a screen; it's a window into your creative and productive world. Apple calls it the "Liquid Retina" display, and for good reason. It’s a fully-laminated, anti-reflective 12.9-inch LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology, boasting an impressive 2732x2048 pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch (ppi).
What does that mean for you? Crystal-clear visuals, whether you're editing photos, sketching with the Apple Pencil, or watching a movie. Details pop, text is sharp, and colors are vibrant.
But the brilliance doesn't stop there:

ProMotion Technology: This is a game-changer. ProMotion automatically adjusts the display’s refresh rate up to 120Hz, providing incredibly fluid scrolling, responsive touch input, and smooth motion for gaming or drawing. It feels like everything just glides under your fingertips.
Wide Color (P3): This isn't your average color gamut. P3 wide color support means the display can reproduce a broader spectrum of colors, making photos and videos look more true-to-life and vibrant. Essential for anyone in design or media creation.
True Tone Display: Forget manually adjusting your screen color temperature. True Tone dynamically adapts the display's white balance to match the ambient light in your environment. The result is a more natural, paper-like viewing experience that's easier on your eyes, especially during long sessions.
600 Nits Brightness: With 600 nits of brightness, the display is bright enough to be easily viewable even in well-lit rooms or outdoors, ensuring your content is always legible.
Anti-Reflective Coating: A 1.8% reflectivity rating means significantly less glare. Combined with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, your screen stays clearer and easier to use, minimizing distractions.
This display isn't just about specs; it's about an immersive, comfortable, and visually stunning experience that empowers both consumption and creation.

Under the Hood: The A12Z Bionic and Unwavering Performance

Behind that gorgeous display lies the true powerhouse of the 4th Gen iPad Pro: the A12Z Bionic chip. This wasn't just a minor tweak; it was a beefed-up version of the A12X, designed to handle the most demanding tasks with ease.
The A12Z Bionic features an eight-core 2.5 GHz CPU with 64-bit architecture, an embedded M12 coprocessor, and a Neural Engine for machine learning and augmented reality (AR) tasks. What this translates to for the user is blistering speed and efficiency. Whether you're juggling multiple pro-grade apps, rendering 3D models, editing 4K video, or running complex AR experiences, the iPad Pro 4th Gen barely breaks a sweat. This chip, along with its 6 GB of RAM, provides the horsepower needed for serious productivity and creative work.
The Neural Engine, specifically, enhances capabilities for machine learning. This is critical for features like advanced photo processing, intelligent suggestions in apps, and the responsiveness of augmented reality applications, making the iPad Pro a smarter and more intuitive device. To truly appreciate the core capabilities of this device, diving into how the iPad Pro 12.9 4th Gen chip drives its performance is key.
In essence, the A12Z Bionic isn't just about speed; it's about enabling next-generation experiences and keeping the device feeling fresh and capable for years to come.

Capturing Your World: A Pro-Grade Camera System

Historically, tablets weren't known for their cameras. The 4th Gen iPad Pro shattered that stereotype, bringing a sophisticated camera system that rivaled many smartphones, and crucially, introduced a groundbreaking sensor for augmented reality.

The Rear Duo: Wide, Ultra Wide, and LiDAR

On the back, you’ll find a dual-camera system that offers versatility for capturing your environment:

12 MP Wide Camera: With an ƒ/1.8 aperture, this is your go-to lens for everyday photos, offering excellent detail and low-light performance. It features autofocus with Focus Pixels, a sapphire crystal lens cover, and a backside illumination sensor for improved image quality.
10 MP Ultra Wide Camera: Featuring an ƒ/2.4 aperture and a 125° field of view, this lens allows you to capture expansive landscapes, group shots, or fit more into your frame without stepping back. It’s perfect for adding drama and context to your photos.
Together, these cameras provide 2x optical zoom out and up to 5x digital zoom, allowing for creative flexibility. Features like Brighter True Tone flash, Panorama (up to 63MP), Wide color capture, Smart HDR, and Auto image stabilization ensure your photos are vibrant, well-exposed, and steady.
The Game-Changer: LiDAR Scanner
The most significant addition to the rear camera system was the LiDAR Scanner. This isn't a camera for taking photos; it’s a depth-sensing technology that measures the distance to surrounding objects up to five meters away. It works by measuring how long it takes for light to reflect back, creating a detailed depth map of any environment.
For users, this has profound implications, especially for Augmented Reality (AR). AR apps on the 4th Gen iPad Pro can instantly and accurately place virtual objects in the real world, creating highly immersive and realistic experiences. Think about trying out furniture in your living room before buying it, or experiencing interactive educational apps that seamlessly blend digital and physical elements. The LiDAR Scanner made the iPad Pro a leading device for AR development and usage.

The Front-Facing Powerhouse: TrueDepth for Face ID and More

Flip the iPad around, and you're greeted by the 7 MP TrueDepth front camera, housed discreetly at the top bezel. More than just a selfie camera, it's the heart of Apple's secure facial recognition system, Face ID.

Face ID: This allows you to securely unlock your iPad, log into apps, and authorize purchases with just a glance. It's fast, convenient, and highly secure.
Portrait Mode & Lighting: The TrueDepth camera enables stunning portrait photos with a beautifully blurred background and offers Portrait Lighting effects to enhance your selfies.
Animoji and Memoji: Express yourself with animated emojis that mirror your facial expressions, adding a fun, personal touch to your messages and video calls.
Retina Flash & Smart HDR: Ensures your selfies are well-lit even in challenging conditions, and Smart HDR intelligently balances highlights and shadows for optimal exposure.

Beyond Photos: Pro-Level Video Recording

The iPad Pro 4th Gen isn't just a stills camera; it's a capable video production studio in your hands.

4K Video: You can record cinematic 4K video at 24, 30, or 60 frames per second (fps) using the Wide camera, or at 60 fps with the Ultra Wide camera for those sweeping landscape shots.
1080p HD Video: For standard HD, record at 30 or 60 fps.
Slo‑mo Video: Capture dramatic slow-motion clips in 1080p at 120 or 240 fps.
Time‑lapse Video: Create dynamic time-lapses with video stabilization for smooth, professional-looking results.
Cinematic Video Stabilization: Ensures your handheld footage looks smooth and steady, whether you're walking or simply moving the iPad around.
With its robust camera system, the 4th Gen iPad Pro encourages experimentation and creativity, making it a valuable tool for content creators, architects, and anyone who leverages visual information in their work.

Sound and Connectivity: Immersive Audio, Seamless Connections

A powerful tablet needs equally impressive audio and robust connectivity options. The 4th Gen iPad Pro delivers on both fronts.

Immersive Audio Experience

For content consumption and creation, the iPad Pro features a four-speaker audio system. These speakers dynamically adjust their output based on the iPad's orientation, ensuring a rich, wide, and immersive soundstage whether you're watching a movie, listening to music, or participating in a video call. The audio quality is surprisingly good for a tablet, with clear highs and decent bass.
But it's not just about what you hear; it's also about what others hear from you. The iPad Pro is equipped with five studio-quality microphones. This array is strategically placed to capture clear audio and effectively filter out background noise, making it ideal for video conferencing, recording podcasts, or dictating notes. Your voice comes through crisp and clear, a crucial feature for remote work and collaboration.

Modern Wireless and Wired Connectivity

Connectivity is key to any mobile device, and the 4th Gen iPad Pro is well-equipped for the modern age:

USB-C: This versatile port isn't just for charging. It allows you to connect a wide range of accessories, including external displays (up to 4K), cameras, hard drives, and hubs, truly transforming the iPad Pro into a desktop-class workstation on the go.
Dual-band 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 (with HT80 MIMO): This means faster, more reliable wireless internet connectivity, especially in crowded networks. Whether you're streaming 4K video, downloading large files, or participating in video conferences, Wi-Fi 6 ensures a smoother experience.
Bluetooth 5.0 Technology: For wireless accessories, Bluetooth 5.0 provides a stable, energy-efficient connection for headphones, keyboards, mice, game controllers, and more, with improved range and speed compared to previous versions.
It's important to note that the iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen) discussed here (model A2229) is a Wi-Fi Only device. It does not support cellular connectivity or A-GPS. This means you’ll need to rely on Wi-Fi networks or a personal hotspot for internet access when away from home or the office.

The Ecosystem Advantage: Pencil, Keyboard, and iPadOS

What truly elevates the iPad Pro experience beyond a mere tablet is its integration with Apple's powerful accessory ecosystem and the intuitive iPadOS.

Pencil Perfect: The 2nd Gen Experience

The 4th Gen iPad Pro is fully compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation). This isn't just a stylus; it's a precision instrument that feels incredibly natural to use. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro, where it also charges wirelessly – a huge convenience over its predecessor.
The 2nd Gen Apple Pencil offers pixel-perfect precision, tilt and pressure sensitivity, and imperceptible lag, making it indispensable for artists, designers, note-takers, and anyone who loves to mark up documents. A double-tap gesture on the Pencil allows you to quickly switch between tools (like pen and eraser) in many apps, streamlining your workflow. The iPad Pro 4th Gen also supports the newer Apple Pencil (USB-C).

Transforming Your Workflow: The Magic Keyboard (and others)

Alongside the 4th Gen iPad Pro, Apple introduced the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. This accessory fundamentally changes how you interact with your iPad. It features:

Backlit Keys: A comfortable, full-size keyboard with excellent key travel for a satisfying typing experience, even in low light.
Integrated Trackpad: For the first time, a built-in trackpad brought a mouse-like cursor experience to the iPad Pro, dramatically enhancing productivity for tasks requiring precision input, like editing text, navigating spreadsheets, or intricate graphic design.
Floating Cantilever Design: This unique design allows the iPad Pro to "float" above the keyboard, magnetically attaching and allowing for smooth angle adjustments, making it feel more like a traditional laptop.
USB-C Passthrough Charging: A USB-C port on the Magic Keyboard frees up the iPad’s main USB-C port for connecting other accessories.
Beyond the Magic Keyboard, the iPad Pro also supports a wide array of third-party trackpad devices and Bluetooth keyboards, offering flexibility to customize your setup to your preferences and budget. This trackpad support, especially when combined with iPadOS's cursor features, transforms the iPad Pro into a versatile hybrid device capable of handling both touch-first and mouse/keyboard-driven workflows.

iPadOS: Designed for Touch, Engineered for Pro

The iPad Pro 4th Gen ships with iPadOS, Apple's operating system specifically tailored for the iPad. iPadOS brings desktop-class features to the tablet, enhancing multitasking, file management, and overall productivity.
Key features of iPadOS on this model include:

Intuitive Multitasking: Split View and Slide Over allow you to run multiple apps simultaneously, drag and drop content between them, and manage complex workflows with ease.
App Library & Widgets: A more organized home screen experience with widgets for quick information at a glance and the App Library for tidier app management.
Desktop-Class Browsing: Safari on iPadOS offers a desktop-grade browsing experience, making web-based tools and services fully functional.
Robust File Management: The Files app provides a powerful way to manage local and cloud-based files, connect to external storage, and access network drives.
Built-in Accessibility Features: Apple's commitment to accessibility means the iPad Pro is highly customizable for users with diverse needs, offering features like VoiceOver, Zoom, Switch Control, and more.
Pre-installed Apple Apps: Essential apps like Pages (word processor), Numbers (spreadsheet), Keynote (presentations), Photos, GarageBand, and iMovie come pre-installed, offering powerful creative and productivity tools right out of the box.
The synergy between the hardware, accessories, and iPadOS is what truly unlocks the potential of the 4th Gen iPad Pro, making it a viable and powerful tool for a vast range of users.

Power Through Your Day: Battery Life and Charging

Even the most powerful device is only as good as its battery life. The 4th Gen iPad Pro 12.9-inch is equipped with a built-in 36.71-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. This generous capacity is designed to keep you productive and entertained throughout your day.
Apple rates the battery life for up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or video watching. In real-world usage, this typically holds true, allowing you to get through a full workday, a long flight, or extended study sessions without constantly searching for an outlet. Of course, intensive tasks like 4K video editing, heavy gaming, or constant use of the LiDAR Scanner for AR applications will consume power more quickly.
For charging, the iPad Pro uses its versatile USB-C port. In the box, you’ll find a USB-C Charge Cable (1 meter) and an 18W USB-C Power Adapter. While 18W charges the device, it's not the fastest charging speed available today; however, it's efficient enough for overnight charging or topping up during breaks. The flexibility of USB-C also means you can use a wide range of compatible power adapters and cables, including higher wattage ones for faster charging if you have them.

Form Meets Function: Design and Build Quality

The physical design of the 4th Gen iPad Pro 12.9-inch is a testament to Apple's commitment to premium aesthetics and robust engineering.

Dimensions:
Height: 11.04 inches (280.6 mm)
Width: 8.46 inches (214.9 mm)
Depth: 0.23 inch (5.9 mm)
Weight: 1.41 pounds (641 grams)
These dimensions make it an incredibly thin and surprisingly light device for its large screen size. The uniform bezels around the display provide a sleek, modern look, and the flat edges, first introduced in the previous generation, feel great in the hand and serve a practical purpose for magnetically attaching and charging the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen.
The unibody aluminum enclosure is both durable and elegant, available in two classic finishes: Silver and Space Gray.
What’s in the Box:
When you purchase the iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen), you'll find:
The iPad Pro itself
A USB-C Charge Cable (1 meter)
An 18W USB-C Power Adapter
It’s a streamlined package that gets you started right away, though accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are sold separately to allow users to customize their setup.

Thinking Green: Apple's Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond its technological prowess, the 4th Gen iPad Pro also reflects Apple's broader environmental initiatives. The company consistently designs its products with sustainability in mind, and this iPad Pro is no exception.

Recycled Materials: The device features 100% recycled tin in the solder of its main logic board. Its enclosure is crafted from recyclable low-carbon aluminum, and at least 35% or more recycled plastic is used in multiple components.
Harmful Substance-Free: Apple is meticulous about removing harmful substances from its products. The iPad Pro features arsenic-free display glass, a mercury-free display, and is BFR- (brominated flame retardant), PVC- (polyvinyl chloride), and beryllium-free.
Responsible Manufacturing: Apple's manufacturing processes aim for zero waste to landfill, and the company is transitioning its entire supply chain to 100% renewable energy for Apple production.
Sustainable Packaging: The packaging uses 100% virgin wood fiber sourced from responsibly managed forests and is designed to be recyclable.
Energy Efficiency: The iPad Pro meets strict ENERGY STAR requirements for power efficiency.
These efforts mean that while you're enjoying a high-performance device, you're also investing in a product that aligns with environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

Bridging Generations: What Changed from its Predecessor?

For those familiar with the 3rd Gen iPad Pro, the 4th Gen brought several meaningful improvements, solidifying its "Pro" status:

LiDAR Scanner: This was the headline feature, fundamentally changing the game for augmented reality applications and offering enhanced depth perception for photography.
Improved Rear-Camera System: The addition of a 10 MP Ultra Wide camera to complement the existing 12 MP Wide camera provided greater photographic versatility, allowing for wider shots and more creative compositions.
Faster Wi-Fi: Upgraded to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), offering faster and more reliable wireless internet, especially in high-density network environments.
Better Microphones: The inclusion of five studio-quality microphones significantly improved audio input for video calls, voice recording, and dictation, ensuring clearer communication.
More Entry-Level Storage: The base storage option was increased from 64 GB to a more practical 128 GB, giving users more room for apps, files, and media right out of the box.
A12Z Bionic Chip: While visually similar to the A12X, the A12Z Bionic offered an improved GPU, enhancing graphics performance for demanding apps and games.
These enhancements, while some subtle, collectively made the 4th Gen iPad Pro a more powerful, versatile, and forward-looking device, particularly for professionals and creatives leveraging AR and photography.

Is the 4th Gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro Right for You Today?

Even with newer models on the market, the iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen) remains a highly capable and compelling device. But is it the right choice for your needs?
Consider it if:

You're a Creative on a Budget: For artists, designers, and video editors, the A12Z Bionic chip still offers excellent performance, especially when paired with the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen and the stunning Liquid Retina display. If you can find one at a good price, it's a powerful tool.
You're Interested in AR: The LiDAR Scanner makes this a fantastic device for exploring augmented reality applications, whether for professional use cases or simply for fun.
You Need a Portable Productivity Hub: With its large screen, support for the Magic Keyboard (with trackpad), and robust multitasking capabilities of iPadOS, it can easily serve as a primary work device for many users.
You Prioritize Screen Real Estate: The expansive 12.9-inch display is perfect for split-screen multitasking, detailed design work, or immersive media consumption.
You Appreciate Build Quality & Ecosystem: The premium design, long battery life, and seamless integration with Apple's accessories offer a polished and enjoyable user experience.
You might consider newer models if:
You need the absolute latest in processing power: Newer generations feature M-series chips (M1, M2), which offer even greater performance.
You require Thunderbolt/USB 4 support: Later models offer higher bandwidth for external displays and storage.
You want more advanced display tech: Mini-LED displays on newer 12.9-inch models offer even better contrast and brightness.
You need cellular connectivity: Remember, this specific model (A2229) is Wi-Fi Only.
Ultimately, the 4th Gen iPad Pro 12.9-inch is a well-rounded device that continues to offer immense value. It strikes an excellent balance between performance, features, and an evolving ecosystem, making it a smart choice for many users even today.

Your Next Steps with the iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen)

Armed with this comprehensive overview, you now have a solid understanding of the iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Gen)’s capabilities and its place in the iPad lineage. Whether you're considering purchasing one, looking to maximize your existing device, or simply curious about its legacy, the key features we've explored highlight its enduring appeal.
Take some time to consider how its powerful A12Z Bionic chip, the immersive Liquid Retina display, the versatile camera system with LiDAR, and the robust accessory support (Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard) align with your daily tasks and creative ambitions. Explore reviews from current users, compare pricing, and perhaps even try one out in person if possible. The 4th Gen iPad Pro isn't just a piece of tech; it's a tool designed to empower you, and understanding its core strengths is the first step toward unlocking its full potential for your unique workflow.