iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)

When considering the long-term usability of these tablets, both models are expected to receive several years of software support, though the Pro model typically benefits from a slightly longer update cycle due to its advanced hardware.

• OS Support Duration: Apple generally provides major iPadOS updates for 5-6 years from a device's release, with security updates extending even further. The iPad Pro 2024 M4, being a Pro model with a more advanced chip, is likely to receive major OS updates for a slightly longer period than the iPad 2025 A16 Series.
• Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to last, but the iPad Pro's more powerful internal components and premium display technology may allow it to handle future demanding applications more effectively, potentially extending its practical lifespan for intensive tasks. The iPad 2025 A16 Series, while robust, may show its age sooner when faced with increasingly complex software.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both iPads are designed with Apple's ecosystem in mind. Users seeking to extend the life of their device through repair or by choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can find support for both models.

The performance capabilities of these two iPads are a primary differentiator, stemming from their respective processors and system architectures.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 features the M4 chip, which delivers exceptional processing power for complex tasks like 4K video editing, advanced 3D rendering, and running multiple demanding applications simultaneously. The iPad 2025 A16 Series, equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, handles everyday applications, web browsing, and most games smoothly, but it is not designed for the same level of intensive professional workloads as the M4.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users will experience fluid multitasking and rapid app launches on the iPad Pro 2024 M4, even with numerous applications open, thanks to its higher RAM configurations (8GB or 16GB depending on storage). The iPad 2025 A16 Series, typically featuring 6GB of RAM, offers competent multitasking for general use but may exhibit more noticeable pauses when switching between many heavy applications.
• Future-Readiness: The M4 chip in the iPad Pro 2024 is designed with advanced neural engine capabilities, supporting next-generation AI features and ensuring robust performance for future software advancements, including Apple Intelligence. The A16 chip in the iPad 2025, while powerful, does not support Apple Intelligence due to its hardware configuration.

The visual experience on these tablets differs significantly due to their underlying display technologies and specifications.

• Display Technology: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 boasts an Ultra Retina XDR display, which utilizes tandem OLED technology. This results in deep blacks, vibrant colors, and exceptional contrast, making it suitable for professional creative work and media consumption. The iPad 2025 A16 Series features a Liquid Retina display, which is an LCD panel. While it offers good color accuracy and brightness for general use, it does not achieve the same level of contrast or true blacks as the OLED panel.
• Brightness and Clarity: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 can reach significantly higher brightness levels, especially for HDR content (up to 1600 nits peak), and maintains a high full-screen brightness (1000 nits), which is beneficial for outdoor use or viewing HDR media. The iPad 2025 A16 Series typically offers a maximum brightness of around 500 nits, which is adequate for most indoor environments but may struggle in bright sunlight.
• Refresh Rate and Features: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 includes ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions, particularly with the Apple Pencil. The iPad 2025 A16 Series has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for most tasks but lacks the fluid motion of ProMotion.

Both iPads include capable camera systems, but the iPad Pro 2024 M4 offers more advanced features and improved performance for specific use cases.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 features a 12MP Wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture, an Adaptive True Tone flash, and a LiDAR Scanner, enhancing low-light performance, augmented reality applications, and depth sensing for photography. The iPad 2025 A16 Series also includes a 12MP Wide rear camera, suitable for everyday photography and document scanning, but it lacks the advanced LiDAR capabilities and Adaptive True Tone flash.
• Front Camera and Video: Both models are equipped with a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera that supports Center Stage, which keeps users in frame during video calls. The iPad Pro 2024 M4's front camera is positioned on the landscape edge, optimizing it for video conferencing. Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second with their rear cameras.
• Photography Features: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 benefits from the M4 chip's advanced image signal processor, leading to improved Smart HDR capabilities and overall image processing. The iPad 2025 A16 Series supports Smart HDR 4, offering detailed and vivid photos for its class.

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two tablets.

• Connectivity: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, with cellular models offering 5G connectivity for faster wireless speeds. The iPad 2025 A16 Series supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, also with 5G options for cellular models, utilizing eSIM technology.
• Ports and Biometrics: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 features a USB-C port with Thunderbolt / USB 4 support, enabling high-speed data transfer and external display connectivity. It uses Face ID for secure authentication. The iPad 2025 A16 Series has a standard USB-C port and relies on Touch ID integrated into the power button for biometric security.
• Design and Handling: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 is notably thinner and lighter, making it the thinnest Apple device at its release, which enhances portability. The iPad 2025 A16 Series maintains a design similar to previous base models, offering a comfortable but less svelte profile.