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iPad Pro Q&A
Update Published October 1, 2023
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What are all the differences between the iPad Pro 11" (2nd Gen) and iPad Pro 12.9" (4th Gen)? Which is best for my needs?
The iPad Pro 11" (2nd Gen) and iPad Pro 12.9" (4th Gen) models all have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated subsequently with current iOS support and more and can be quite helpful to anyone buying or selling one on the used market.
Although they officially are considered different generations -- "2nd Gen" for models with 11" displays and "4th Gen" for models with 12.9" displays -- which can be a bit confusing, these iPad Pro tablets all were released in 2020. In general terms, these two overall models just vary by display size.
However, there actually are four different iPad Pro models of each display size, as well. Some of the models are sold in different locations and have different connectivity, identifiers, and prices.
EveryiPad.com formally documents the 11" models as the iPad Pro 11" (Wi-Fi Only - 2nd Gen), 11" (Wi-Fi/Cell US/CA - 2nd Gen), 11" (Wi-Fi/Cell Global - 2nd Gen), and 11" (Wi-Fi/Cell China - 2nd Gen) and the 12.9" models as the iPad Pro 12.9" (Wi-Fi Only - 4th Gen), 12.9" (Wi-Fi/Cell US/CA - 4th Gen), 12.9" (Wi-Fi/Cell Global - 4th Gen), and 12.9" (Wi-Fi/Cell China - 4th Gen).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Pro 11" 2nd Gen; iPad Pro 12.9" 4th Gen)
Device Differences
Although the tablets use True Tone-capable "Liquid Retina" displays with "ProMotion" technology that are different sizes -- the 11" models an 11" display (2388x1668, 264 ppi) and the 12.9" models a 12.9" display (2732x2048, 264 ppi) -- both share the same design language.
Naturally, the larger models are physically larger and weigh more, but both have a glass front with a narrow bezel around the edge, an aluminum back, and flat sides with rounded corners. Case color options include a black front with either a silver colored or darker "Space Gray" back.
Both are compatible with the Apple Pencil 2 (A2051, MU8F2AM/A) and size-specific Apple Smart Keyboard Folio and Apple Magic Keyboard. The Apple Magic Keyboard includes an integrated trackpad, a first for the iPad.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Pro & Apple Magic Keyboard)
Although specific internal parts are different, all of these iPad Pro models released in 2020 are each powered by an eight-core 2.5 GHz Apple A12Z Bionic processor, an "embedded M12 coprocessor" and a "Neural Engine" for assistance with machine learning and AR. They also are all equipped with 6 GB of RAM and the option of 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of flash storage.
All of these iPad Pro models have three cameras -- one 7 megapixel front-facing camera and dual rear cameras -- a 12 megapixel wide angle lens and a 10 megapixel ultra-wide angle lens. The front cameras are capable of shooting 1080p whereas the rear cameras are capable of 4K.
Other features that all of these models share include LiDAR -- a first for the iPad line -- for potentially improved AR experiences, "Face ID" authentication, a USB-C port for power and advanced connectivity, dual-band 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) with HT80 with MIMO capability and Bluetooth 5.0. They each have five microphones and a four speaker system, too.
iOS Support Similarities
These iPad Pro models all initially shipped with iOS 13.4 (iPadOS) and subsequently shipped with iOS 14 (iPadOS). They fully support these versions of the operating system as well as iPadOS 15.
These iPad Pro models support iPadOS 16 and iPadOS 17, also, but lack support for some advanced features, most notably Stage Manager with its full external display support.
Identification Differences
It is challenging to use visual identification for different iPad Pro models and impossible to differentiate between models within the same line that have different LTE connectivity.
Consequently, one of the best ways to identify these models externally is via Model Number. Model numbers are listed in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad Pro:
iPad Pro |
Model No |
Initially, these cellular-equipped models likely will not cross paths because of their different geographic distribution, but over time, they will inevitably find their way around the world.
The 11" and 12.9" iPad Pro models released in 2020 also can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number. The Order Number can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the Wi-Fi only configuration of the iPad Pro 11" (2nd Gen) in Space Gray with 1 TB of storage is MXDG2LL/A.
To track down an exact iPad Pro by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.
Connectivity & Battery Life Differences
While using Wi-Fi, all of these iPad Pro configurations provide up to of ten hours of runtime, but the cellular data-capable configurations only provide up to nine hours of runtime when using a cellular connection.
All of these cellular-equipped iPad Pro models support A-GPS, GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), and UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz), but LTE cellular connectivity varies accordingly:
iPad Pro |
Model No |
4G LTE |
None |
||
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
||
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66 |
||
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66 |
||
None |
||
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
||
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66 |
||
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66 |
All cellular iPad Pro models ship unlocked. In the United States, the applicable tablet works with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, but some carriers may still require activation or configuration before it will work properly -- or at all -- on their network.
All of these cellular-equipped iPad Pro models have a Nano SIM card slot. With the exception of iPad Pro models sold only in mainland China (A2231, A2233), they all have a software-based eSIM and support a physical Apple SIM, as well. The models sold in mainland China only have a physical Nano SIM card slot.
iPad Pro 2020 Comparison Chart
The above differences between the 11" iPad Pro (2nd Gen) and the 12.9" iPad Pro (4th Gen) -- as well as US pricing details -- are summarized below:
 11" iPad Pro 2 |
 12.9" iPad Pro 4 |
|
| Display Size: | 11" | 12.9" |
| Resolution: | 2388x1668 | 2732x2048 |
| Capacity: | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| 4G LTE: | 29 Bands | 29 Bands |
| Front Camera: | 7 MP | 7 MP |
| Rear Camera: | 10+12 MP | 10+12 MP |
| Video Recording: | 4K | 4K |
| Face ID: | Yes | Yes |
| LiDAR: | Yes | Yes |
| Apple SIM: | Embedded | Embedded |
| SIM Card: | Nano | Nano |
| Original iOS: | iOS 13.4 | iOS 13.4 |
| Maximum iOS: | iPadOS 17 | iPadOS 17 |
| Color Options: | Silver Gray |
Silver Gray |
| Battery: | 28.65 W Hr | 36.71 W Hr |
| Height: | 9.74 in. | 11.04 in. |
| Width: | 7.02 in. | 8.46 in. |
| Depth/Thinness: | 0.23 in. | 0.23 in. |
| Weight: | 1.04 lb. | 1.41-1.42 lb. |
| Smart Keyboard: | Small | Large |
| Apple Pencil 2: | Yes | Yes |
| Original Price (Wi-Fi): | US$799 US$899 US$1099 US$1299 |
US$999 US$1099 US$1299 US$1499 |
| Original Price (4G LTE): | US$949 US$1049 US$1249 US$1449 |
US$1149 US$1249 US$1449 US$1649 |
For pricing in dozens of countries, see the "Global Prices" on the specs page for each iPad as well as the "By Global Original Prices" section of EveryiPad.com.
So, which of these iPad Pro models is best for my needs?
Just compared to one another, and ignoring subsequent models, the iPad Pro 11" (2nd Gen) and iPad Pro 12.9" (4th Gen) models both are fast and highly capable tablets. For most users, it really only comes down to size and price.
As far as EveryMac.com is concerned, the 11" option is best suited for someone who is always on the go -- so a premium is placed on weight and portability -- and who does little typing. The 12.9" model is bigger, but the keyboard is much more comfortable to use, so it is the best option for someone who wants an iPad Pro and who wants to type, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City may have used iPad Pro models in stock, as well. All Macs and devices are available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).
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