Apple

How to Prepare for the 2024 iPad Pro Release

Published

2 weeks ago

03/12/2024

Apple’s working on new OLED iPad Pro models and there are some steps prospective buyers should take before they’re released.

Right now, it looks like the 2024 iPad Pro release date will land in the spring. The latest intel suggests we’ll see the devices launch in late March or April.

Table of Contents

That might be a world away for some shoppers, but others may want to hold out and wait. If you’re interested in new and improved iPad Pros, here are some key things to keep in mind as we push toward their release.

Track OLED iPad Pro Rumors

If you’re interested in Apple’s next iPad Pro, make sure you keep an eye on the rumor mill.

We’ve already seen numerous reports hint at the 2024 iPad Pro’s specs and release date and we’ll see plenty more as we approach the launch.

They will help you set proper expectations, avoid disappointment, and make a decision about whether the new iPad Pros are worth waiting for.

We’ve also seen rumors point to potential shortages at launch. Analyst Ross Young believes production of the new 11-inch iPad Pro has fallen behind the 12.9-inch model.

If you want one of these OLED iPad Pro’s ASAP, you’ll want to monitor supply rumors as we cruise through the month. They may help you determine if you want to pre-order or not.

Start Saving Money

The iPad Pro is Apple’s most expensive iPad and that trend will continue. In fact, the OLED iPad Pro’s price might be more expensive.

Right now, the 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ starts at $799 while the 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ starts at $1099.

Korean publication The Elec says we could see a massive leap with the 11-inch model starting at $1,500 and the 13-inch iPad Pro starting at $1,800.

The aggregator account yeux1122 on Naver says the 11-inch iPad Pro may start around $1,500 while the 13-inch iPad Pro may start around $1,800-2,000.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also believes the OLED iPad Pro could see a price increase.

Hit-or-miss publication Digitimes says that while we’ll see a price increase, it may be lower than some of these estimates. The site believes we could see the price increase up to $160.

If this is true, the 11-inch iPad Pro would stay under $1000 while the larger iPad Pro would start somewhere between $1200 and $1300.

Use this time to start saving cash for a potential purchase. Apple and its partners will offer trade-in details, but you’ll still need to spend quite a bit of money to snag one of these devices.

Get Familiar with iPadOS

If you’re currently using an iPad that’s running an old version of iPadOS or tablet that runs another operating system, and you plan to upgrade to a new iPad Pro, you’ll want to get familiar with the newest versions of iPadOS.

Right now, the current version of iPadOS is iPadOS 17. If you own a newer iPad model, you may have already upgraded to the software and you can safely skip this step.

If you aren’t using iPadOS 17 right now, you’ll want to use this time to get comfortable with the software. This is especially important if you’re considering a move from Windows or Android to iPadOS.

Decide How Much Storage You Need

Use this time to figure out how much storage you might need on your new tablet.

One rumor states that Apple is working on a 4TB iPad Pro for release in 2024. The rumor comes from a hit-or-miss source so we’re not putting a whole lot of stock in the information yet.

We may not see any substantial changes to Apple’s storage variants. If that’s the case, you’ll have five options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.

Picking the right storage capacity will help you save money and avoid headaches.

While some of you will be fine buying the 2024 iPad Pro with the least amount of storage, others will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having more internal space available.

Look Into Other iPads

Before you decide to wait for the OLED iPad Pros, make sure you go hands-on with Apple’s current iPad Pro lineup.

Start with Apple’s flagship 2022 iPad Pro models powered by the company’s M2 chip. They are extremely powerful and they could suit your needs and/or budget perfectly.

Apple’s iPad Pro models from 2021 and 2022, while older, are still in excellent shape. We’ve seen carriers and retailers provide shoppers with some great deals as well.

You’ll also want to investigate Apple’s newest iPad Air as well as the latest iPad mini.

Research iPad Pro Alternatives

If you wouldn’t mind buying a device outside of Apple’s ecosystem, you’ll also want to take a look at the top iPad Pro alternatives on the market.

Here are a few we recommend:

Go hands-on with these devices, and others you find, as we push toward launch.

Have a Plan for Your Current Tablet

Start making a plan for your current tablet.

Some of you might know of a friend or relative who could benefit from your current device. Ask around and see if anyone might need a hand-me-down. You might also look into donating your tablet to charity.

If you plan on selling your current tablet to help offset the cost of your new iPad Pro, you’ll want to track prices at popular resellers.

You’ll also want to keep your current tablet in good condition because that’s how you’ll get the most money back from resellers, your carrier, or Apple when trade-in offers arrive.

Research Carriers

Like the 2022 iPad Pro models, the OLED iPad Pro models will come with 5G connectivity. Having cellular data could be useful if you plan to get work done on your iPad Pro outside of the house.

If you’re unhappy with your current provider’s coverage or plan, use this time to dig into competitors and see if you can find a better fit.

9 Reasons to Wait for the 2024 iPad Pro & 4 Reasons Not To

Wait for OLED Displays

1 / 13

2024 iPad Pro rumors point to the arrival of OLED displays.

Display analyst Ross Young, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, South Korea's ETNews and several other sources all maintain that OLED iPad Pros will debut in 2024. This lines up with rumors we heard back in 2022.

Young says that while Apple plans to bring OLED to the MacBook Air line, Apple's current focus is getting OLED displays ready for the iPad.

Back in the summer of 2022, ETNews said the new OLED iPads will feature a lightweight design and "unrivaled image quality."

Apple's current iPad lineup features backlit LCD displays. If the company does move to OLED, you can expect the 2024 iPad Pro's display to offer better power consumption, higher contrast ratio, and improved color accuracy.

The company has reportedly ordered OLED panels from LG Display and Samsung ahead of the 2024 iPad Pro launch.

The Elec reports that Samsung will be the initial supplier of the 11-inch OLED screens while LG will produce displays for the 13-inch model.

While the 2024 iPad Pro models will likely be the first models with OLED displays, Apple will reportedly bring the technology to the iPad Air and iPad mini.

Research firm Omdia believes OLED will land on the iPad Air and iPad mini starting in 2026. ETNews says we'll see an 8.7-inch iPad mini with OLED and a new 10.9-inch iPad Air with OLED in 2026.

That's a long way away so if you really want an OLED display on an iPad in the near future, you'll have to buy a newer iPad Pro.