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iPad Pro Q&A
Update Published September 29, 2023
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What are all the differences between the original iPad Pro 11" and iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd Gen)?
Please note that the original 11" iPad Pro and 12.9" iPad Pro (3rd Gen) have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated subsequently with current iOS support details and more. It is up-to-date and can be quite helpful to anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.
Although these iPad Pro models officially are considered different generations -- the first iPad Pro models with 11" displays and the "3rd Gen" for models with 12.9" displays -- this can be confusing because they were released as a single line in 2018. In basic terms, these two overall models simply vary by display size. It still can be useful to understand the similarities, though.
There actually are four different iPad Pro models of each display size, as well. Some of the models originally were 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), iPad Pro 11" (Wi-Fi/Cellular - US/CA), iPad Pro 11" (Wi-Fi/Cellular - Global), and iPad Pro 11" (Wi-Fi/Cellular - China) and the 12.9" models as the iPad Pro 12.9" (Wi-Fi Only - 3rd Gen), iPad Pro 12.9" (Wi-Fi+Cell US/CA - 3rd Gen), iPad Pro 12.9" (Wi-Fi+Cell Global - 3rd Gen), and iPad Pro 12.9" (Wi-Fi+Cell China - 3rd Gen).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Pro 11"; iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen)
Device Differences
Both the original 11" iPad Pro and the 12.9" iPad Pro (3rd Gen) have True Tone-capable "Liquid Retina" displays with "ProMotion" technology. The smaller models have an 11" display (2388x1668, 264 ppi) and the larger models have a 12.9" display (2732x2048, 264 ppi).
Obviously, the 12.9" models are physically larger and weigh more, but both share the same general design with a glass front and a narrow black bezel around the edge, an aluminum back, and easy-to-hold, flat sides. They have no physical "Home" button under the display like earlier iPad Pro models, either. Case color options include a black front with either a silver colored or darker "Space Gray" back.
Both are compatible with the new, much improved Apple Pencil 2 (A2051, MU8F2AM/A) -- that charges via a clever magnetic connection on the side of the device -- and support for new size-specific Apple Smart Keyboard Folios, as well.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen & Apple Smart Keyboard)
Although there differences in specific internal parts, all of these iPad Pro models released in 2018 are powered by an eight-core 2.5 GHz Apple A12X Bionic processor, an "embedded M12 coprocessor" and a "Neural Engine" for assistance with machine learning and AR. They also are equipped with the option of 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of flash storage. Although it is not formally documented anywhere, configurations with 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB of storage have 4 GB of RAM and those with 1 TB of storage have 6 GB of RAM.
All of these iPad Pro models have two cameras -- one 7 megapixel front-facing camera and a 12 megapixel rear facing camera. The front camera is capable of 1080p whereas the rear camera is capable of 4K.
Other features that all of these models share include "Face ID" authentication and a USB-C port for power and advanced connectivity, both firsts for the iPad line as well as dual band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (HT80) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. They all have four microphones and a four speaker system, as well.
iOS Support Similarities
These iPad Pro models all initially shipped with iOS 12.1. They fully support iPadOS 14 and iPadOS 15.
They support iPadOS 16 and iPadOS 17, as well, but lack support for some advanced features, most notably Stage Manager with its full external display support.
Identification Differences
At the time these iPad Pro models first were introduced, it was possible to differentiate them from earlier models by appearance alone, but this does not work compared to subsequent models. It also is impossible to use visual identification for different iPad Pro 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 are unlikely to pop up in the same place because of their geographic distribution, but over time, it is inevitable that they will find their way around the world.
The 11" and 12.9" iPad Pro models released in 2018 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 12.9" (3rd Gen) in Silver with 512 GB of storage is MTFQ2LL/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 as well as 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, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 | ||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 66 | ||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 66 | ||
| None | ||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 | ||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 66 | ||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 66 |
All cellular iPad Pro 11" and iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd Gen) models shipped 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.
Each 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, 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 2018 Comparison Chart
The above differences between the original 11" iPad Pro and the 12.9" iPad Pro (3rd Gen) -- as well as US pricing details -- are summarized below:
 11" iPad Pro |
 12.9" iPad Pro 3 |
|
| Display Size: | 11" | 12.9" |
| Resolution: | 2388x1668 | 2732x2048 |
| Capacity: | 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| 4G LTE: | 28-29 Bands | 28-29 Bands |
| Front Camera: | 7 MP | 7 MP |
| Rear Camera: | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Video Recording: | 4K | 4K |
| Face ID: | Yes | Yes |
| Apple SIM: | Embedded | Embedded |
| SIM Card: | Nano | Nano |
| Original iOS: | iOS 12.1 | iOS 12.1 |
| Maximum iOS: | iPadOS 17 | iPadOS 17 |
| Color Options: | Silver Gray |
Silver Gray |
| Battery: | 29.37 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: | 1.03 lb. | 1.39-1.4 lb. |
| Smart Keyboard: | Small | Large |
| Apple Pencil 2: | Yes | Yes |
| Original Price (Wi-Fi): | US$799 US$949 US$1149 US$1549 |
US$999 US$1149 US$1349 US$1749 |
| Original Price (4G LTE): | US$949 US$1099 US$1299 US$1699 |
US$1149 US$1299 US$1499 US$1899 |
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?
Although newer models have been introduced (and now are better options for most users), the original iPad Pro 11" and iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd Gen) models still remain fast and highly capable tablets that still support the current version of the iPadOS. Ignoring subsequent iPad Pro devices, and only comparing these two, it really only comes down to size and price.
Personally, we prefer the 11" option for its greater portability (and lower price tag), but if you want a bigger display, the 12.9" option delivers. The 12.9" model also can be more readily equipped with a keyboard that is more comfortable to use, so if you want to type extensively with your iPad Pro (and/or you have large hands), you might prefer the larger option.
iPad Pro Purchase & Sale Options
There are no shortage of places to buy a new or used iPad Pro. However, buying your device from a quality company with extensive knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, 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.
Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
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