The iPad Pro is a series of tablet computers, positioned as the premium line of Apple's iPad brand. Models run iPadOS, a tablet-optimized fork of the iOS operating system. Early models were distinguished from other iPads by their ability to use the Apple Pencil stylus and their larger screen size. As other iPads have gained these features over time, the latest eighth-generation iPad Pro is notable among other features for its powerful processor (the M5) and being the thinnest Apple product ever released.
The original iPad Pro was introduced in September 2015 and ran iOS 9. It had an A9X chip, and came in two sizes: and ; the came out in March 2016. The second-generation iPad Pro was unveiled during the June 2017 WWDC event. It came with an upgraded A10X Fusion processor and superseded the model with a model. The third-generation iPad Pro was announced in October 2018 with a new screen design. As a part of the redesign, the home button was removed in favor of Face ID. It comes in and models.
The fourth-generation iPad Pro, introduced in March 2020, includes the A12Z chip, and was introduced alongside the Magic Keyboard for iPad. The fifth-generation iPad Pro, announced in April 2021, incorporated Apple's M1 processor, making it the first iPad model to not use an A-series processor. The sixth-generation iPad Pro was introduced in October 2022 alongside the 10th-generation iPad. It includes the M2 processor, Apple Pencil Hover, and ProRes video. The seventh-generation iPad Pro was introduced in May 2024 alongside the sixth-generation iPad Air, launching with the M4 processor, Apple Pencil Pro, a new Magic Keyboard with function keys and is the first iPad with an OLED display. The model was replaced with a model while keeping the model; they would both be the same screen sizes used by every subsequent model to date.
The current eighth-generation iPad Pro was announced in October 2025 and added the M5 processor, being the first product to use the new chip alongside the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the second-generation Apple Vision Pro.
History First generation
The first generation of iPad Pro came in two sizes: and . The version was announced on September 9, 2015 and released on November 11, 2015. It was larger than all previous iPad models, and was the first iPad to feature LPDDR4 RAM. It originally shipped with iOS 9.1. The iPad Pro was announced on March 21, 2016, and released ten days later. It was based on the form factor of the iPad Air 2 and originally shipped with iOS 9.3.
Second generation
On June 5, 2017, the second-generation iPad Pro was announced, which features A10X Fusion processors, with storage options of 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. Upgraded displays include a version to replace the model, while the version was refreshed. Both sizes employed refresh rates up to 120 Hz, better HDR, and True Tone white balancing. Following this announcement, both models of the first-generation iPad Pro were discontinued. The two 2nd-generation models were the last iPad Pro models with a home button and a Lightning connector.
Third generation
The third generation of iPad Pro was announced on October 30, 2018, and was made available in two screen sizes: and . They feature full-screen displays, with the model replacing the model of the previous generation. They also feature up to 1 TB of storage and Face ID using a sensor array on the top bezel which, unlike iPhone models featuring Face ID, can unlock the iPad in any orientation. The home button was completely removed in favor of a larger display and uniform bezel sizes on all sides. These were also the first iPads to come with a USB-C connector. It was launched with a Smart Keyboard Folio (sold separately), but also supports the Magic Keyboard with a trackpad launched in early 2020.
Fourth generation
The fourth generation of iPad Pro was announced on March 18, 2020, with the same screen sizes of the previous generation. It offers a redesigned camera module, an Apple A12Z processor, 128 GB minimum storage, LiDAR Scanner, and support for the Magic Keyboard case.
Fifth generation
The fifth generation of iPad Pro was announced on April 20, 2021, with the same design and screen sizes as the previous generation. It includes the Apple M1 processor, 5G connectivity, Thunderbolt 3/, external display output up to 6K resolution, 8 or 16 GB of RAM, and on the variant, a mini-LED display marketed as the "Liquid Retina XDR" display.
Sixth generation The sixth-generation iPad Pro was announced on October 18, 2022, along with the tenth-generation iPad. They use the same design as the previous generations since 2018. It includes an Apple M2 processor, Apple Pencil Hover (a feature that allows the display to detect the Apple Pencil hovering up to 12 mm above the display), and ProRes Video Recording (limited to 1080p for 128 GB storage and up to 4K for all models with at least 256 GB storage).
Seventh generation
The seventh-generation iPad Pro was announced on May 7, 2024, along with the M2 iPad Air. This generation features a redesigned chassis that is thinner than the previous generations. It includes the Apple M4 processor, a landscape camera with a Face ID array, and a Tandem OLED display. The display, referred to by Apple as the Ultra Retina XDR display, has a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 and can reach a full screen brightness of 1000 nits (SDR content) or 1600 nits (HDR content). Nano-texture display glass is available on models with 1 TB and 2 TB storage. The base storage was increased to 256 GB, with an option to get up to 2 TB of storage.
Eighth generation
The eighth-generation iPad Pro was announced on October 15, 2025. This generation keeps the same screen sizes and design from the previous generation, but updates the processor to Apple M5 and boosts the default RAM to 12 GB, with the 1 TB and 2 TB models still having 16 GB of the prior generation. Graphics performance is improved by 45%.
Accessories There are three primary accessories made specifically for iPad Pro, all of which are sold separately: an attachable keyboard, Smart Keyboard; and a form-fitted silicone case that is compatible with the Smart Keyboard. Additionally, with the inclusion of a USB-C connector in the third-generation and newer iPad Pro, it is now possible to connect to other displays and devices, and to charge other devices with the iPad Pro.
Smart Keyboard and Smart Cover
Smart Keyboard docks are specific with iPad Pro using the visible Smart Connector; a magnetic connection with three pins that provides data transfer and power. The keyboard doubles as a kickstand, and is comparable to that of the competing Microsoft Surface Pro. The design of the Smart Keyboard is similar to the design of the Smart Cover accessory.
Apple Pencil
First generation The first-generation Apple Pencil is a precision stylus exclusive to the first- and second-generation iPad Pro, iPad (6th generation) onwards, iPad Air (3rd generation) and iPad Mini (5th generation). The accessory is rechargeable via the Lightning port on iPad itself on the pre USB-C models. This is possible via a new display with increased responsiveness and precision over previous iPad displays. During the launch announcement, Apple marketed the Pencil with demonstrations of drawing, managing publication layout, and document annotation with the stylus.
Second generation
On October 30, 2018, Apple announced an updated Pencil alongside the third generation iPad Pro. The second-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with the iPad Pro models from 2018 to 2022, iPad Air (4th generation), and iPad Mini (6th generation). It is similar in design and specifications to the first model, but without the detachable connector, and part of the stylus is flattened to inhibit rolling and to attach to the iPad magnetically and charge. It contains tap-sensitive zones on its sides that can be mapped to functions within apps. Custom laser engraving is also available when purchased via the online Apple Store.
USB-C accessories Apple created various adapters to pair with the 2018 iPad Pro models, which are the first iPad models to come with a USB-C connector replacing the proprietary Lightning connector. These adapters utilize the new USB-C connector, which allows the iPad to connect with HDMI cables, USB ports, and read SD cards. Using an HDMI cable, users can connect their iPad to another display, such as a computer, laptop, or television. The USB and SD card support allows user to transfer and save files to and from external memory storage devices.
Third-party developers have taken advantage of the inclusion of USB-C connection in the third-generation iPad Pros to create other adapters, which can include several adapters in one connection. The USB-C port allows the iPad Pro to integrate with various USB-C accessories, ranging from USB-C docking stations, USB-C to USB-A generic adapter with a flash drive, Ethernet, and so on. It can also charge other devices; for instance, a USB-C to Lightning cable to charge a phone or AirPods. An iPad can even be charged with another one with the included USB-C to USB-C cable. There are also USB-C to USB-A adapters, and a USB-C to HDMI adapter to view the iPad display on a television or monitor; wired keyboards and mice also work.
Magic Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard features the first trackpad designed for an iPad, a hinge to adjust the viewing angle and includes a USB-C port for pass-through charging. The Magic Keyboard is supported by all iPad Pro devices introduced since 2018. Though initially expected to launch in May 2020, orders shipped starting in late April 2020.
The Magic Keyboard was met with mixed reviews. While providing many features which users wanted, there were some downsides to it. The Magic Keyboard provided a proper typing experience and supplied a good trackpad bundled with excellent build quality. On the downside, the added weight to the iPad Pro for this functionality, a missing function key row and a steep price, made the Magic Keyboard an accessory only for a niche market. With the launch of the 5th generation of iPad Pro in 2021, a white color was also added to the Apple Store.
Reception General reviews Despite Apple advertising the tablets as PC replacements, most reviewers noted that it could not replace a laptop running the Microsoft Windows, macOS, or Linux desktop operating systems with its current operating system.
First generation Scott Stein from CNET praised the faster processor and new accessories available. However, he criticized the cost of both the unit and its accessories, while noting its slightly slower processor with less RAM compared to the larger model. Matt Swider from TechRadar complimented the easy handling, large 256 GB configuration and True Tone display, but was upset about the high starting price. Gareth Beavis gave a positive review, commending the expansive screen and audio quality but stated that the battery life could be made longer.
The iPad Pro's version set a record among all currently released tablets tested in color accuracy, screen reflectance, peak brightness, contrast rating in high ambient light, and smallest color variation. However, the iPad Pro version had a better contrast ratio in the dark.iPad Pro 9.7 analysis shows record display performance, iPhone 7 screen upgrade possibilities 9to5 Mac
Second generation Max Parker from TrustedReviews and Gareth Beavis from TechRadar both praised the model's high-quality audio and performance, though both critics noted that it was expensive.
Reviewing the second-generation iPad Pro, Lauren Goode of The Verge complimented the quality camera, A10X processor and large screen size, but argued that the device could have been cheaper.
Third generation