Affiliate Disclosure
If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy.

Apple A-Z » iPad

11-inch iPad Pro

11-inch iPad Pro
 

The 11-inch iPad Pro was updated in October 2022 to add Apple's M2 processor and Apple Pencil hover. The edge-to-edge ProMotion display, Magic Keyboard support, and Apple Pencil are still part of Apple's smaller pro-level tablet computer.

● Edge-to-edge ProMotion Display
● M2 chip
● USB 4/Thunderbolt
● Face ID
● Apple Pencil 2 support with hover
● Find great iPad Pro deals
Discounted prices start at $699

Page last updated:


Get Apple News Directly in Your Inbox


The 11-inch iPad Pro is the smaller of the two premium iPad Pros. Apple sells the iPad Pro as an ultraportable-professional tool meant to augment or replace a Mac.

Instead of offering a Mac with a touchscreen and changing macOS to be suitable for touch, Apple did a major overhaul of its iPad line with new hardware and software. Following the mixed success of Windows 2-in-1s like the Microsoft Surface, Apple hopes the iPad Pro will capture the laptop and tablet markets with a single device.

This was pushed further by introducing a dynamic windowing system in iPadOS 16 called Stage Manager. The new feature enables high-end iPad models to run four apps on screen at once and was improved with iPadOS 17.

The previous two generations of iPad Pros run M-series processors, which also enable full external display support as a feature of Stage Manager. Connecting to an external display will enable the iPad to show content at a full 16:9 aspect ratio.

New iPad Rumors

Rumors point to a 2024 iPad Pro update with OLED displays, potentially another USB-C port, and a metal Magic Keyboard. It would run the M3 processor.

The new 11-inch iPad Pro is expected to be thinner than ever at 5.1 mm down from 5.9 mm. The move to OLED helps with making the device thinner due to needing less layers to function.

The selfie camera is rumored to move to the landscape orientation too. This would make video calls better when using the iPad in a keyboard case.

A third-generation Apple Pencil could be announced with new connectivity and charging options. It would help solve the problem of moving the selfie camera to the long side of the iPad while managing Apple Pencil charging.

Design

The smaller iPad Pro has gone through multiple changes since its inception. In 2017, it received a bezel-shrinking update that raised the screen size from 9.7 inches to 10.5 inches. Then, in 2018, Apple removed the home button to increase the screen size again to 11 inches.

The uniform bezel, accompanied by speakers at each corner, gave this device an agnostic physical orientation.

Using LiDAR-powered AR in the 2021 iPad Pro Using LiDAR-powered AR in the 2021 iPad Pro

The 11-inch iPad Pro also has flat sides, making it easier to grip on the edge and allowing Apple Pencil's inductive charger to sit on one side of the device. The iPad Pro's back is perfectly flat, too, housing a Smart Connector and protruding camera, as well as 90 magnets for case attachment.

The smart connector's location on the 2018 and later models requires that keyboard accessories fit as a case around the device.

Perhaps one of the most important features is the USB 4/Thunderbolt Type-C port, which allows for easy connection to many devices without needing a proprietary cable. Users can connect a USB-C hard drive, an external monitor like the LG Display, or charge an iPhone with this port. USB-C helps make the iPad Pro a Mac alternative for many people.

In the 2021 model, Apple made the port compatible with USB 4/Thunderbolt. Reaching up to 40Gbps, the new port gives the latest model up to four times more bandwidth for wired connections than its predecessor.

The 2020 iPad Pro added a dual-camera system with built-in LiDAR. The sensor is used for 3D environment mapping, allowing for improved AR. It works from up to 5 meters away and gets results instantly, making AR apps more accurate and easier to use. The fifth-generation model also includes LiDAR.

M2 processor

Apple is well-known for the power of the Apple Silicon ARM chipsets powering all of its mobile devices and latest Macs. They are custom 5-nanometer or 7-nanometer chipsets with an 8-core GPU.

Apple introduced M2 to the iPad Pro lineup in 2022 Apple introduced M2 to the iPad Pro lineup in 2022

In the 2022 updates, the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro upgraded to Apple’s M2 processor. Very little else changed about the products, but the performance gains are notable.

The M2 has an 8-core CPU that is 15% faster than the M1. The 10-core GPU is clocked at 10% faster than the M1 GPU. The Neural Engine is also upgraded to be 40% faster.

The base model has 8GB of RAM. The more expensive models with 1TB or more storage receive 16GB of RAM.

While touted as a pro device, the 11-inch iPad Pro is also a competent gaming machine. Games are beginning to update to utilize the 120Hz refresh rate for even smoother gameplay, and the M-series processor handles this without issue. Apple Arcade offers games that take advantage of Apple's fast mobile processors.

5G in the 11-inch iPad Pro

The cellular variants of the 2021 iPad Pro and later support 5G wireless connectivity. Rather than tethering an iPad to a user's iPhone hotspot or a public WiFi with poor security, users can opt for an iPad Pro with a dedicated cellular plan.

The cellular 2021 iPad Pro models support speedy 5G wireless The cellular 2021 iPad Pro models support speedy 5G wireless

Pure 5G used in low-population centers with direct line-of-sight to the cellular tower can provide blistering speeds. However, people aren't likely to notice much difference from 4G.

U.S. variants of cellular iPad Pro models support millimeter-wave technology, the higher-frequency version of 5G. It can reach speeds as fast as 4Gbps. Regions with this type of 5G are limited and high speed connections can only be achieved when near a transmitter.

Apple also includes support for eSIM. While there is still a physical nano-SIM tray, users can also choose cellular services without ordering a physical SIM.

Center Stage

The latest iPad Pro models include a feature called Center Stage that uses a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with a 122-degree field of view. It uses that wide field of view with machine learning capabilities to keep users centered in the shot even when moving around.

Center Stage uses the new iPad Pro's wider front camera and M1 chip to automatically keep everyone in the frame during video calls Center Stage uses the new iPad Pro's wider front camera and M1 chip to keep everyone in the frame during video calls automatically

Center Stage uses facial recognition to keep users within the frame by cropping and zooming in on the camera sensor. The wide view of the camera enables panning without losing image quality.

The feature is capable of detecting multiple faces, so if someone walks into view, it will reposition the frame so both users are visible. This works with pets as well.

Apple Pencil

Due to the smart connector's location on the current-generation iPad Pro, Apple is the only company with compatible accessories: the Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard. Other keyboards will connect over Bluetooth or USB-C and attach directly to the iPad Pro to form a clamshell design.

The Apple Pencil can interact with content while in a hover state The Apple Pencil can interact with content while in a hover state

The second-generation Apple Pencil is compatible only with 2018 and later iPad Pro models. This limit is because the first-generation Apple Pencil pairs through Apple's Lightning port, which the modern iPad Pros do not have. The second-generation Apple Pencil uses a magnetic mount on the iPad Pro for storage, wireless charging, and pairing.

The 2022 iPad Pro models have a new feature called Apple Pencil hover. It enables interactions with content when the Pencil is hovering up to 12mm above the display.

Apple released a new Apple Pencil with USB-C in 2023 that lacks pressure sensitivity but still has hover. It can't charge magnetically, but still attaches to the side of the iPad.

Acessories and Thunderbolt

The Thunderbolt Type-C port offers many other accessory options like external drives, monitors, keyboards, controllers, and hubs. Many devices use this standard, opening the door to iPad owners using accessories they already own. The USB-C port also lets users charge an iPhone via the iPad's battery.

In the fifth-generation model Apple announced in April 2021, the port now supports the Thunderbolt and USB 4 standards. It's still backward-compatible with USB 3 Type-C.

The latest keyboard from Apple makes the 11-inch iPad Pro float The latest keyboard from Apple makes the 11-inch iPad Pro float

The Magic Keyboard launched in May 2020 with an all-new design derived from the Smart Keyboard Folio. The iPad sits on a magnetic mount, hovering above the keyboard and trackpad. It works with the third-generation and newer iPad Pros and the iPad Air 4. In May 2021, Apple launched a white version of the Magic Keyboard.

A USB-C port in the keyboard's base allows for pass-through charging while the iPad is connected, leaving the port accessible on the iPad itself. The keyboard's port does not support data transfer.

11-inch iPad Pro (2020) Review

The 2020 refresh of the iPad Pro was more about spec bumps than new features or redesigns. We think the 11-inch iPad Pro is still one of the best tablets you can buy, but maybe hold off on this one if you've already purchased the 2018 model.

Apple didn't change much about this iPad — it has a slightly improved processor, LiDAR, and a new ultra-wide camera. It also has Wi-Fi 6, 6GB of RAM, and the base storage is 128GB instead of 64GB. For most users, these changes are not significant and don't warrant an upgrade from the 2018 models.

If you're new to iPad or have one pre-redesign then these are an amazing upgrade. Apple made this hardware release all the more exciting by releasing the Magic Keyboard for iPad and iPadOS 13.4.

The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is an amazing accessory that transforms the iPad Pro into a small laptop, complete with a trackpad. The iPadOS 13.4 update brought full-fledged cursor support as well, making this an even more compelling upgrade.

The 2020 model was an iterative update over its 2018 predecessor The 2020 model was an iterative update over its 2018 predecessor

The hardware itself doesn't stand out, however, as the A12Z is just a re-binned A12X. The improved graphics performance, addition of LiDAR processing, and 6GB of RAM are not enough for 2018 iPad Pro owners to upgrade.

That being said, the iPad Pro was already at a sort of performance ceiling for its paired software without the A12Z. App Store games, professional apps, and system functions already ran flawlessly on the older chip generation so the small processor bump may be justified.

The LiDAR scanner provides a unique experience for Augmented Reality applications. This system was a precursor to the iPhone 12 LiDAR and gave developers a chance to develop apps for the platform ahead of time.

LiDAR is a novel feature you'll likely not use on a day-to-day basis, but it does offer some practical advantages. It allows developers to create apps allowing users to place virtual objects in environments without scanning first. It allows AR applications to use walls for the first time.

While the updates are incremental they add an all-new dimension to the device. While owners of the 2018 model won't need to upgrade new customers will find this to be a worthy purchase.

The 11-inch iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard may well be the device that replaces your aging laptop. At the very least it will augment your workflows with its portable nature and Apple Pencil support.

Pros

  • Still a great-looking tablet
  • Better graphics, albeit not by much
  • Wi-Fi 6 support
  • Both the 2018 and 2020 will support Magic Keyboard
  • iPadOS 13.4 is a great update for iPads across the board
  • Revamped Measure app is much better
  • LiDAR is a game-changer, but only if you use AR
  • Ultra-wide lens is great for those who need the camera

Cons

  • Incremental update
  • Smart Keyboard Folio still has problems
  • LiDAR has no user-facing app and relies on developers to use
  • No notable speed improvements

11-inch iPad Pro Pricing

You can purchase the 11-inch iPad Pro in space gray or silver. It is configurable to have 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. This model is priced $799, $899, $1099, or $1299 respectively. Add $130 to the total if you want to add cellular to any option.

Top 11-inch iPad Pro deals button with piggy bankUnlock Insider 11-inch iPad Pro Prices button

M1 iPad Pro 11-inch Prices

Apple Pencil 2
  • $79.00
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$50.00
Apple Magic Keyboard for 11" iPad Pro (Black)
  • $269.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$30.00
Apple Magic Keyboard for 11" iPad Pro (White)
  • $259.00
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$40.00
128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray
  • $699.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$100.00
128GB, Wi-Fi, Silver
  • $765.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$34.00
256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray
  • $729.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$170.00
256GB, Wi-Fi, Silver
  • $879.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$20.00
512GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray
  • $1,047.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$52.00
512GB, Wi-Fi, Silver
  • $1,099.00
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$0.00
1TB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray
  • $879.00
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$620.00
1TB, Wi-Fi, Silver
  • $849.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$650.00
2TB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray
  • $949.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$950.00
2TB, Wi-Fi, Silver
  • $1,779.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$120.00
128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray
  • $965.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$34.00
128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Silver
  • $965.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$34.00
256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray
  • $1,055.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$44.00
256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Silver
  • $1,055.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$44.00
512GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray
  • $1,235.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$64.00
512GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Silver
  • $1,235.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$64.00
1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray
  • $1,629.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$70.00
1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Silver
  • $1,553.59
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$145.41
2TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray
  • $2,019.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$80.00
2TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Silver
  • $1,999.00
    PON
    • retailer-logo
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
    • retailer-logo
       
$100.00