Apple’s spring event is probably about a month away, and we’re expecting Apple to launch its first new iPads in more than a year. And based on the latest rumors, it could bring the first major design change to the iPad Pro in more than six years.
According to 9to5Mac, the iPad Pro will be getting a serious reduction in thickness when the new model arrives. Thanks to the switch to OLED, Apple is reportedly going to trim some 20 percent from the thickness of the device, making it one of the thinnest devices Apple has ever made:
- 11-inch iPad Pro (2022): 247.6 mm x 178.5 mm x 5.9 mm
- 11-inch iPad Pro (2024): 249.7 mm x 177.5 mm x 5.1 mm
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2022): 280.6 mm x 214.9 mm x 6.4 mm
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2024): 281.5 mm x 215.5 mm x 5.0 mm
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Display Supply Chain Consultants CEP Ross Young reports that the 11-inch iPad Pro will increase slightly to 11.1 inches while the 12.9-inch model, which had been rumored to get a bump to 13 inches, will remain at 12.9 inches. A separate report by Korean-language The Elec, claims that the 11-inch display will be manufactured by Samsung while the 12.9-inch display is provided by LG.
9to5Mac also confirms reports that Apple will release a new 12.9-inch iPad Air with similar dimensions to the existing iPad Pro. That would make the iPad Air and iPad Pro lines identical in size but differentiated by features and specs like the standard and Pro iPhones. The main differences between the lines will likely be the processor (M2 vs M3), display tech (LED vs OLED), and biometrics (Touch ID vs Face ID). The iPad Pro will also likely still have higher storage options, better cameras, and faster data transfers.
The new iPad Pro is also rumored to get a new Magic Keyboard accessory with a redesigned aluminum body and a larger trackpad.
Apple’s spring event is expected to be held next month and will likely include new M3 MacBook Air and Mac mini along with the new iPads (potentially a new iPad Air, iPad mini, and 11th gen iPad). Apple could also unveil the M3 Ultra chip for the Mac Studio and Mac Pro as well as a new mid-cycle iPhone color.
Author: Michael Simon, Executive Editor
Michael Simon has been covering Apple since the iPod was the iWalk. His obsession with technology goes back to his first PC—the IBM Thinkpad with the lift-up keyboard for swapping out the drive. He's still waiting for that to come back in style tbh.