Apple’s new flagship tablet the iPad Pro 2024 has landed and looks like a serious upgrade on previous iterations of the ever-popular tablet. Below we take a look at what has changed in this latest generation iPad and consider what effect the slimmer design may have on its repairability.
Why you’ll love the iPad Pro 2024
- Design: Noticeably thinner and lighter than previous models
- Power: The iPad Pro features the latest all-powerful M4 chip, making even demanding tasks a breeze
- Display: Gorgeous Ultra Retina XDR OLED 2,360 x 1,640 resolution display in either 11-inch or 13-inch sizes, offering improved color accuracy, deeper blacks, and luminescent whites plus a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling
- Battery Life: Apple promises up to 10hr battery life but some testers have reported up to 13.5hr battery life even with consistent use
- Price: The iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch variant
What has changed inside the iPad Pro 2024
The new iPad Pro is skinnier and more lightweight than ever, remarkably even more so than the new iPad Air, which is impressive considering the extra tech you get with the flagship model. Inevitably this new design has resulted in some internal changes and reviewers have been quick to start dismantling the new tablet to see what lies beneath, and the results seem to be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to potential repairability.
Firstly the good news, according to their teardown video, iFixit’s Shahram Mokhtari says that the 38.99Wh battery is relatively easy to access compared to previous generations, which “could save hours in repair time”. Gaining access to the battery still requires removing the glued-in tandem OLED screen, but once inside the battery can be removed and replaced easily – good news for heavy users who may find the battery inevitably degrading over time.
However, when it comes to speakers and other components that may need fixing or replacing, the iPad Pro 2024’s new slim design means things are often glued in place rather than clipped or screwed as before, making repairs potentially much more difficult.
What do we think of the iPad Pro 2024?
Speedy performance, combined with an impressive screen wrapped in that all-important sleek, lightweight design makes this iPad a very attractive proposition. We couldn’t believe the battery life being reported by testers, which makes this a truly all-day machine.
Inevitably the price has risen compared to previous models with entry-level tablets costing $200 more than their previous equivalents, and if you want to go for higher storage, additional accessories like the Magic Keyboard or the anti-glare nano-texture glass upgrade, things get pricier still.
However, the iPad Pro 2024 looks like a very impressive all-round machine, whichever specs you choose to go for, and with its upgraded M4 chip and stunning screen, its practicality and portability make it an appealing choice even over comparable MacBooks. There’s a reason iPads are the most popular tablets going and with what we’ve seen of this new generation that isn’t going to change any time soon.
