I’ve always been the type to upgrade my devices frequently, staying on the cutting edge of Apple’s latest offerings. However, there’s been one exception to this trend: my iPad. For nearly six years now, I’ve been using the 2018 iPad Pro, which is quite a departure from my usual behavior. Despite the release of newer models over the years, I’ve never felt compelled to make the switch.
Why? Simply put, the 2018 model has served me exceptionally well. But next week, that streak will finally come to an end. Based on the anticipated features of the 2024 iPad Pro—whether it includes the rumored M4 chip or not—I’m excited to finally make the upgrade. And I have a feeling that many other 2018 owners are feeling the same way. Let me break it down.
The Remarkable Staying Power of the 2018 iPad Pro
The 2018 iPad Pro has truly stood the test of time. While there are ongoing debates about the limitations of iPadOS, the hardware itself has been quite impressive. Its sleek, flat-edged design was ahead of its time, predating similar shifts in design seen in the iPhone and MacBook lines. The A12X Bionic chip provided ample power, holding its own against newer chip iterations. USB-C support opened up a world of possibilities with accessories, and the significant reduction in bezels ushered in a new era of iPad aesthetics that continues to influence designs today.
Why the 2024 iPad Pro Is a Game-Changer
In the past, incremental upgrades to the iPad Pro didn’t sway me enough to make a change. While faster chips and new features like mini-LED screens and 5G were nice, they didn’t quite match the impact of the 2018 model’s debut. But with the upcoming 2024 model, things are different.
The anticipated features of the 2024 iPad Pro include:
Cutting-edge OLED displays, a first for iPads
A range of new accessories geared towards professionals, including a revamped Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil
Possibly the debut of the M4 chip, along with software enhancements to leverage its capabilities
A redesigned front-facing camera placement for landscape orientation
A thinner and likely lighter overall design
Taken together, these upgrades signal a significant evolution for the iPad Pro. From the display technology to the new accessories and hardware improvements, the 2024 model appears poised to set a new standard for the device. It’s shaping up to be a worthy successor to the 2018 model, cementing its place as one of the most future-proof iPads ever made.
Whether it’s equipped with the M4 chip or not, the 2024 iPad Pro is the upgrade I’ve been waiting for.
