The iPad Pro 2025 has finally landed in our hands, and Apple’s latest flagship tablet doesn’t disappoint. After months of speculation, the cutting-edge OLED display and powerhouse M4 chip are here—and they’re transforming what we thought possible in a tablet. Having spent a week with this sleek device, I’m convinced it represents a new era for professional tablet computing.
A display that redefines visual excellence
The moment you power on the iPad Pro 2025, the Ultra Retina XDR display with Tandem OLED technology captivates your attention. Colors explode with newfound vibrancy while blacks achieve a depth previously unseen on an iPad. This screen isn’t just an upgrade—it’s like trading your apartment window for an IMAX theater.
“The contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 combined with HDR peak brightness reaching 1600 nits makes this the most impressive mobile display we’ve ever tested,” says Monica Chen, display technology analyst. “Professional creators can finally trust on-the-go color accuracy comparable to studio monitors.”
M4 chip: Desktop power in your hands
Beneath the impossibly thin chassis lurks Apple’s M4 processor, making its debut first on iPad rather than Mac—a historic shift highlighting Apple’s commitment to the Pro tablet line. This 3nm chip delivers performance that easily rivals many laptops, handling tasks that would make previous iPads stutter.
My testing revealed astonishing capabilities when editing 8K ProRes footage—a workflow previously reserved for high-end desktop systems. The hardware-accelerated ray tracing also transforms gaming and 3D rendering, offering visual fidelity previously unimaginable on a tablet.
Impossibly thin yet remarkably capable
Apple has somehow managed to make this iPad Pro even thinner than its predecessors. The 11-inch model measures just 5.1mm thick—about as thick as three credit cards stacked together. This engineering marvel feels substantial yet incredibly portable, perfect for creative professionals constantly on the move.
This svelte design reminds me of how Huawei’s new folding laptop pushes boundaries with its form factor, though Apple takes a different approach by maximizing performance within an ultra-thin traditional tablet design.
Creative professionals rejoice
The nano-texture glass option available on higher-tier models significantly reduces glare, making outdoor work sessions actually practical. Combined with Apple Pencil Pro support, this creates a canvas that artists and designers have long dreamed of.
Some key improvements for creative workflows include:
- ProMotion’s adaptive 10-120Hz refresh rate that adjusts to your activity
- Enhanced palm rejection technology for more natural drawing
- 16GB RAM on higher storage models for seamless multitasking
- Hardware-accelerated video processing engines for professional codecs
How does it compare to other Apple devices?
The iPad Pro 2025 creates an interesting position within Apple’s ecosystem. Its display technology surpasses even the upcoming Apple Vision Pro 2, while its processing power rivals the latest MacBooks.
“Apple’s strategic choice to debut the M4 on iPad rather than Mac signals a fundamental shift in how they view the iPad Pro’s role,” explains tech analyst James Richardson. “This is no longer just a complementary device—it’s becoming a primary computing platform for many professionals.”
Is it worth the upgrade?
If you’re coming from an older iPad Pro, the upgrade is substantial and immediately noticeable. The display alone justifies consideration, much like how AirPods Max users will see meaningful improvements in their upcoming refresh.
For photographers and videographers, the improved camera system offers capabilities approaching those of Google’s new Pixel camera system, though optimized for tablet form factor.
Current tech enthusiasts might also consider how this device compares to other premium hardware like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when building their ecosystem.
Ready to transform your mobile workflow?
The iPad Pro 2025 isn’t just an iterative update—it’s a statement about the future of mobile computing. With its breathtaking display, desktop-class performance, and impossibly thin design, Apple has created a device that doesn’t just keep pace with professional demands—it sets entirely new expectations for what tablets can achieve.