The History of Apple's iPad Pro

Introduction

The iPad Pro series is a lineup Apple introduced in 2015 to enter the “professional” tablet market. While the conventional iPad was praised as a consumer-oriented content consumption device, the iPad Pro was designed with creators and business users in mind, featuring a larger display, high-speed processor, and accessories like the Apple Pencil (stylus) and keyboard. At launch, Apple’s claim that it could serve as a “laptop replacement” divided media and user opinions. This article details the background of development, the specifications and evolution of each model, user reception, and a list of the main models from the first generation to the latest.

Background & the First Model

Background of Development

Around five years after the first iPad in 2010, Apple sought to broaden the tablet’s role and support more productive work. Microsoft’s Surface Pro series had taken the lead by offering pen input and a detachable keyboard, bridging laptops and tablets—likely providing additional impetus. At the announcement, CEO Tim Cook said that “iPad Pro can replace your laptop,” and the product was conceived as a tablet with a large, high‑resolution display and desktop‑class performance.

First‑generation iPad Pro (2015)

The iPad Pro made its debut in November 2015. Its 12.9‑inch Retina display offered a resolution of 5.6 million pixels, providing a much larger work area than prior iPads. It used a 64‑bit A9X chip that was said to rival mainstream laptops of the time. A next‑generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard were announced alongside it, enabling pressure‑sensitive stylus input and keyboard typing. The device also introduced a four‑speaker system that automatically adjusted stereo orientation based on how the iPad was held.

The first model shipped with iOS 9. It could display two apps simultaneously using multitasking features like Split View and Slide Over, but it did not support a mouse or trackpad. Its large 12.9‑inch size and high price (starting at $799 at the time) positioned it more for professionals than general consumers. Media reviews were mixed: the debate centered on whether it could be a “laptop replacement.” In early reviews summarized by Business Insider, John Gruber evaluated it positively as a “MacBook replacement,” while Walt Mossberg and Joanna Stern argued it was “just a big iPad” and not a true laptop substitute, with many questioning the product’s purpose.

Lineup Expansion and Model‑by‑Model History

Below, the characteristics and improvements of each iPad Pro generation are summarized in chronological order.

2016: 9.7‑inch model

In March 2016, Apple added a 9.7‑inch iPad Pro. While retaining the familiar iPad size, it condensed the Pro series’ features. The display introduced True Tone, automatically adjusting color temperature to ambient light; it was 25% brighter and had 40% lower reflectivity than the iPad Air 2. It used the A9X processor, had a 12 MP main camera and a 5 MP front camera, and supported Live Photos and 4K video recording. Weighing just about 0.96 pounds (approx. 437 g), it was highly portable. It supported Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard, and offered four speakers for stereo sound.

2017: 2nd generation (10.5‑inch and 12.9‑inch)

In June 2017, Apple refreshed the lineup with a new 10.5‑inch size alongside an updated 12.9‑inch model. The standout feature was the 120 Hz ProMotion display, delivering smoother scrolling and pen input; Apple Pencil latency was reduced to just 20 ms. The A10X Fusion chip combined three high‑performance cores with three efficiency cores, improving CPU performance by 30% and GPU performance by 40% over the A9X. The 10.5‑inch model was 20% larger than 9.7 inches, but narrower bezels kept the body size nearly the same. Cameras were upgraded to match the iPhone 7 with a 12 MP rear camera and 7 MP front camera, and the devices added a True Tone flash. Storage increased to 512 GB, and the models retained four speakers, Touch ID, and a Lightning port.

2018: 3rd generation (11‑inch / 12.9‑inch)

In October 2018, iPad Pro received a major redesign. It adopted an “all‑screen” design with very thin bezels, eliminated the Home button, and added Face ID. Displays were Liquid Retina panels in 11‑inch and 12.9‑inch sizes, with True Tone and 120 Hz ProMotion while improving color accuracy. At just 5.9 mm, it became the thinnest iPad at the time. The A12X Bionic, with an 8‑core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency) and a 7‑core GPU, powered the device. Apple said single‑core performance improved 35% and multi‑threaded performance up to 90%, and the Neural Engine could perform 5 trillion operations per second. The switch to USB‑C made it easy to connect to external displays and cameras. Storage maxed out at 1 TB, and the improved 2nd‑generation Apple Pencil attached magnetically and charged wirelessly. The Smart Keyboard Folio supported two viewing angles, and together with iPadOS multitasking features, enabled more desktop‑like operation.

2020: 4th generation (LiDAR‑equipped model)

In March 2020, after a two‑year gap, the iPad Pro adopted the A12Z Bionic chip, improving graphics performance with an 8‑core GPU. The rear added a 12 MP wide camera and a 10 MP ultra‑wide camera, plus a LiDAR scanner to enhance 3D scanning and augmented reality (AR). With LiDAR and software, distance measurement and object placement became faster, improving accuracy in the Measure app. The 11‑inch and 12.9‑inch Liquid Retina displays continued with ProMotion and True Tone. Studio‑quality mics and four speakers strengthened audio performance, and the models supported Wi‑Fi 6 and gigabit‑class LTE. Starting with iPadOS 13.4, mouse and trackpad input was officially introduced, and Apple released the Magic Keyboard with a floating hinge.

2021: 5th generation (M1 chip)

In April 2021, the iPad Pro adopted Apple’s M1 chip for the first time. The 8‑core CPU and 8‑core GPU delivered 50% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance over the prior generation. Memory went up to 16 GB, storage up to 2 TB, and the ultra‑wide 12 MP front camera enabled the auto‑framing “Center Stage” feature. The 12.9‑inch model switched to a Liquid Retina XDR display using 10,000 mini‑LEDs, achieving 1,000 nits full‑screen brightness, 1,600 nits peak, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The port supported Thunderbolt/USB 4, and the lineup gained 5G support. iPadOS 14 brought improved file management, widgets, and Split View, but reviews frequently noted that “iPadOS doesn’t fully unleash the powerful hardware.”

2022: 6th generation (M2 chip and Apple Pencil hover)

In October 2022, Apple launched the iPad Pro with the M2 chip. M2 has an 8‑core CPU, a 10‑core GPU, and a 16‑core Neural Engine, with 100 GB/s of memory bandwidth—50% more than M1. A new Apple Pencil hover feature detects the pencil tip up to 12 mm above the display, enabling preview before drawing or writing. The devices added ProRes video recording and Wi‑Fi 6E. With iPadOS 16, Stage Manager supported output to external displays up to 6K, and Reference Mode was introduced. Apple also began offering more pro‑grade apps like DaVinci Resolve and Octane X, creating an environment for serious video editing and 3D rendering on a tablet.

2024: 7th generation (M4 chip)

In May 2024, Apple announced the 7th‑generation iPad Pro with the M4 chip. While the official press release is not directly referenced here, reliable roundups indicate that M4 is built on a 2nd‑generation 3‑nm process and delivers up to 50% faster CPU performance than M2 and up to 4× faster rendering. The display—called “Ultra Retina XDR”—uses tandem OLED, comes in 11‑inch and 13‑inch sizes, reaches 1,600 nits peak brightness, and achieves deeper blacks. The bodies are exceptionally thin at about 5.3 mm and 5.1 mm, respectively, and weigh approximately 0.98 pounds (about 444 g) for the 11‑inch and 1.28 pounds (about 580 g) for the 13‑inch, making them the thinnest and lightest iPads to date. The front camera moved to the side for landscape use, and the rear camera supports ProRes video and Smart HDR 4. Adaptive True Tone Flash helps remove shadows when scanning documents. The enclosure colors are silver and space black, with an optional nano‑texture glass. Prices start at $999 for the 11‑inch and $1,299 for the 13‑inch, with release on May 15, 2024. The M4 iPad Pro also works with the new Apple Pencil Pro and an improved Magic Keyboard, and it features a 16‑core Neural Engine for accelerated machine‑learning tasks.

User Reception

Reception of the First Model

The 2015 first‑generation iPad Pro attracted many opinions that, despite strong hardware and a large display, its use cases were limited. According to Business Insider’s review roundup, the discourse swung between “laptop replacement,” “a niche product for designers,” or “just a big iPad.” Walt Mossberg and Joanna Stern concluded it was not a laptop replacement and was better suited to artists using Apple Pencil. In contrast, John Gruber viewed it as a “MacBook replacement.” Many critics judged that software and app constraints kept it from measuring up to a computer. Other criticisms included its large size and high price, limited keyboard tilt angles, and the lack of a place to store the Apple Pencil.

Reception of the 2020 Model

The 4th‑generation 2020 iPad Pro received high marks for hardware. Android Authority’s review said its build quality and fit‑and‑finish are unmatched and called the display the best of any tablet, noting that the 12.9‑inch model is thin, light, and easy to carry. The 120 Hz Liquid Retina display is extraordinarily smooth, and the precisely machined aluminum enclosure and four speakers lend a premium feel. Still, the article found iPadOS “not perfect but stronger than before,” with a learning curve for multitasking gestures. Split View and Slide Over were described as less than ideal. The iPad Pro cannot stand on its own, making a stand or keyboard essential; adding a Magic Keyboard or Apple Pencil raises the total cost. The review also criticized slight latency with trackpad input.

Reception of the 2021 Model

The M1‑equipped 5th‑generation iPad Pro drew raves for performance and display quality, but software limitations remained a sticking point. PhoneArena praised the “buttery 120 Hz display, unmatched speed, and punchy speakers” afforded by the M1, while criticizing iPadOS 14 as essentially a scaled‑up smartphone OS, with many apps still not desktop‑class. Multitasking features like Split View and Slide Over were seen as limited in operability, and file management as less flexible than on a desktop. MacRumors’ review roundup noted The Verge’s Dieter Bohn lauding the mini‑LED display as a “dreamlike screen comparable to a high‑end OLED TV,” with excellent HDR content. Gizmodo’s Caitlin McGarry said “the hardware is flawless, but iPadOS feels cramped compared to the Mac,” citing examples like Airtable that push users to the browser version. CNET’s Scott Stein pointed out that Thunderbolt 3 external‑monitor support was limited and couldn’t be used as an extended desktop. Jim Dalrymple of The Loop praised the convenience of Center Stage, describing how it tracks subjects during video calls.

Reception of the 2022 Model and Beyond

For the M2 model in 2022, Apple Pencil hover improved tip detection and the portfolio of professional apps expanded, earning positive notes. However, performance gains were modest and iPadOS did not undergo a major transformation, so many felt the upgrade from the 2021 model was unnecessary. The 2024 M4 model drew attention for the beauty of its tandem OLED display and its thinness. TechCrunch highlighted that “M4’s CPU is 50% faster and the display hits 1,600 nits while being extremely thin,” also noting improvements like LiDAR, Adaptive Flash, and the landscape‑oriented camera. That said, prices remain high, and iPadOS still hasn’t fully resolved its constraints, sustaining the refrain that “hardware is ahead of software.”

Major Models: Release Years, Sizes, and Key Features

The table below concisely summarizes the release year, sizes, and key features of major iPad Pro models. Longer explanations are provided in the main text.

Conclusion

Since its debut in 2015, the iPad Pro has remained a leader in tablet hardware. It scaled up the Retina display, marched from A9X to M4 desktop‑class processors, and improved productivity and creative workflows with accessories like Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. The bezel‑less design and adoption of USB‑C (since 2018), the mini‑LED display (2021), and the tandem OLED display (2024) symbolize major advances in tablet technology.

At the same time, the vision of “replacing the laptop” has not been fully realized. From the first model to the latest, reviews continue to point to iPadOS limitations and accessory prices. Many apps still lag their desktop counterparts, and multitasking and external‑display support remain limited. Even so, iPad Pro is a high‑quality drawing tool for creators and a lightweight workstation that enjoys strong support. With the M‑series and Neural Engine, machine‑learning workloads have improved, expanding possibilities for AR and AI apps. If iPadOS continues to evolve—bringing Mac‑class applications and more flexible window management—the iPad Pro could truly blur the boundary with laptops.

References & Sources (Accessed: July 19, 2025 JST)

• MacRumors — “Apple Announces New iPad Pro With M4 Chip, OLED Display, and More”
  Publication date: 2024‑05‑07
  https://www.macrumors.com/2024/05/07/apple-announces-new-ipad-pro/

• TechCrunch — “Apple iPad Pro gets an M4 chip and OLED display”
  Publication date: 2024‑05‑07
  https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/07/apple-ipad-pro-gets-a-refresh/

• MacRumors — “M1 iPad Pro Review — New iPad Pro Reviews: Mini‑LED Display Looks Great, M1 Performance Held Back by iPadOS”
  Publication date: 2021‑05‑19
  https://www.macrumors.com/review/m1-ipad-pro/

• Android Authority — “Apple iPad Pro (2020) review: Still the best tablet”
  Publication date: 2022‑05‑18 (review of the 2020 model)
  https://www.androidauthority.com/2020-apple-ipad-pro-review-1111271/

• PhoneArena — “iPad Pro 2021 (11‑inch) Review: M1 power, iPadOS drawbacks”
  Last updated: 2023‑06‑05
  https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/apple-ipad-pro-2021-11-inch-review_id5092

• Business Insider — “No one can make up their mind about the iPad Pro”
  Publication date: 2015‑11‑11
  https://www.businessinsider.com/no-one-can-make-up-their-mind-about-the-ipad-pro-2015-11

Apple Newsroom (Official Press Releases / Archive)

Refer to the relevant releases (iPad Pro announcements/updates) from each month’s archive below.

• September 2015 (First‑generation iPad Pro announcement)
  https://www.apple.com/newsroom/archive/2015/09/

• March 2016 (9.7‑inch iPad Pro announcement)
  https://www.apple.com/newsroom/archive/2016/03/

• June 2017 (10.5‑inch / 12.9‑inch 2nd‑generation)
  https://www.apple.com/newsroom/archive/2017/06/

• October 2018 (Redesign / USB‑C / Face ID 3rd‑generation)
  https://www.apple.com/newsroom/archive/2018/10/

• March 2020 (A12Z / LiDAR 4th‑generation)
  https://www.apple.com/newsroom/archive/2020/03/

• April 2021 (M1 5th‑generation)
  https://www.apple.com/newsroom/archive/2021/04/

• October 2022 (M2 / Apple Pencil hover 6th‑generation)
  https://www.apple.com/newsroom/archive/2022/10/

• May 2024 (M4 / Ultra Retina XDR OLED 7th‑generation)
  https://www.apple.com/newsroom/archive/2024/05/