The 2024 iPad Pro is the seventh generation, with major hardware changes from the previous model

Apple released the seventh-generation iPad Pro in May 2024. The most visible change is the screen: it uses a new tandem OLED display instead of the LCD or mini-LED screens in older models. This means deeper blacks, faster response times, and better color accuracy. The device is also thinner and lighter than the sixth-generation model it replaced.

The processor is the M4 chip, the same one Apple uses in its desktop and laptop computers. This is a significant jump from the M2 chip in the 2022 sixth-generation model. The M4 handles video editing, 3D rendering, and complex spreadsheets faster than any previous iPad Pro.

If you own an older iPad Pro, knowing which generation you have matters because it determines what software updates it can run, whether it works with current accessories, and how much performance difference you would actually see in daily use.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 iPad Pro is generation seven and uses an M4 chip with a tandem OLED screen, making it thinner and brighter than the 2022 model.
  • The sixth-generation iPad Pro (2022) has an M2 chip and mini-LED display, and still runs current iPadOS versions without major limitations.
  • Older iPad Pro models from 2021 and earlier use different chips (M1, A12Z, or older) and may not support the latest iPadOS features.
  • You can find your iPad Pro generation by checking Settings > General > About, which shows the model name and release year.
  • The jump from sixth to seventh generation is primarily a screen and processor upgrade; the overall design and port layout remain similar.

How to identify which generation iPad Pro you own

Open Settings on your iPad Pro, then tap General, then About. Look for the line that says "Model Name" — it will read something like "iPad Pro 12.9-inch (7th generation)" or "iPad Pro 11-inch (6th generation)". The generation number and screen size are both listed there.

If you do not have the iPad in front of you, you can also check your Apple account. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, and look under "Devices". Your iPad Pro will be listed with its model name and the year you purchased it. Apple's support website also has a visual comparison tool where you can match your iPad's physical appearance to a photo and confirm the generation.

Processor and performance differences between generations

The seventh-generation iPad Pro (2024) uses the M4 chip. The sixth-generation (2022) uses the M2. The fifth-generation (2021) uses the M1. Each step down represents a measurable drop in processing power, though the difference only matters if you do heavy work like video editing or 3D modeling.

For everyday tasks — email, web browsing, note-taking, streaming video — a fifth-generation iPad Pro still performs smoothly. The real gap appears when you run multiple apps at once or work with large files. A sixth-generation model will handle a 4K video timeline faster than a fifth-generation, and a seventh-generation will handle it faster still.

iPad Pro models from 2020 and earlier use the A12Z Bionic or older chips. These are still capable but noticeably slower for demanding tasks. They also may not support the latest iPadOS features, which can affect compatibility with newer apps.

Screen technology and display quality across generations

The 2024 seventh-generation iPad Pro introduced tandem OLED, which stacks two OLED layers to achieve higher brightness and better power efficiency than a single OLED screen. Colors are more accurate, blacks are true black (not dark gray), and the screen responds faster to touch input.

The 2022 sixth-generation model uses mini-LED, which is brighter than regular LCD but does not match OLED's color depth or black levels. The fifth-generation and earlier models use standard LCD displays, which are adequate for most work but noticeably less vibrant in side-by-side comparison.

If you spend hours editing photos or watching video, the screen difference between generations is noticeable. If you mostly read and type, the older screens are still functional. The brightness difference matters most in bright sunlight — newer models remain readable where older ones wash out.

Accessories and compatibility across iPad Pro generations

The seventh-generation iPad Pro (2024) uses the same USB-C port as the sixth-generation, so charging cables and external drives work on both. The Apple Pencil Pro works with both seventh and sixth-generation models. However, the Apple Pencil Pro does not work with fifth-generation or older iPad Pro models, which use the older Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil 2.

The Magic Keyboard accessory changed between generations. The sixth-generation and newer use a different connector than the fifth-generation and earlier. If you own an older iPad Pro and buy a new Magic Keyboard, it will not attach properly. You would need to buy the older-style keyboard or use a third-party alternative.

Charging speed also varies. The seventh-generation supports faster charging than the sixth-generation when you use the right power adapter. This is a minor difference in practice — both charge fully overnight — but matters if you need to power up quickly between meetings.

Software support and iPadOS compatibility

Apple typically supports iPad Pro models for five to seven years of software updates. The seventh-generation (2024) will receive updates through at least 2031. The sixth-generation (2022) will likely receive updates through 2029. The fifth-generation (2021) is currently supported and will likely receive updates through 2027 or 2028.

Older models — fourth-generation (2020) and earlier — may already be at the end of their software support window. You can check whether your model supports the current iPadOS version by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If your iPad Pro cannot install the latest version, it will show the newest version it can run instead.

Running an older iPadOS version does not make your iPad Pro unusable, but some newer apps may require a newer operating system and refuse to install. This becomes more common as time passes and developers drop support for older OS versions.

When to upgrade from an older iPad Pro generation

If you own a sixth-generation iPad Pro (2022), upgrading to the seventh-generation (2024) is optional. The M4 chip is faster, but the M2 is still capable. The tandem OLED screen is better, but the mini-LED is still good. You would notice the difference in demanding tasks, but not in everyday use. Upgrade if you edit video, work with large design files, or want the best screen available.

If you own a fifth-generation iPad Pro (2021) or older, the decision depends on what you do with it. For light work, it still functions well. For heavy work, the newer generations are noticeably faster. The screen difference is more dramatic — the jump from LCD to mini-LED or OLED is visible immediately.

Consider also that older iPad Pro models will eventually stop receiving software updates, which limits app compatibility over time. If you plan to keep your iPad Pro for five or more years, a newer generation is a safer choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Apple Pencil Pro with my older iPad Pro?

The Apple Pencil Pro works only with the sixth-generation and seventh-generation iPad Pro. If you own a fifth-generation or older model, you need the Apple Pencil 2 or the original Apple Pencil, depending on which your model supports. Check your iPad Pro's generation first to know which pencil to buy.

Will my fifth-generation iPad Pro stop working if it does not get the latest iPadOS update?

No, it will continue to work. However, some newer apps may require a newer iPadOS version and will not install on your device. This happens gradually over time as developers update their apps. Your iPad Pro will remain functional for email, web browsing, and older apps, but you may miss out on new software features.

Is the screen difference between the sixth and seventh generation iPad Pro worth upgrading for?

The tandem OLED screen in the seventh-generation is noticeably better for photo and video work, with more accurate colors and true blacks. For general use, the difference is less dramatic. If you spend hours editing media, the upgrade is worth it. If you mostly browse and type, the sixth-generation screen is still excellent.

How do I know if my iPad Pro is too old to buy new apps?

Try to download an app you want from the App Store. If it says "Requires iPadOS [version] or later" and your iPad Pro cannot run that version, the app will not install. Check Settings > General > Software Update to see the newest iPadOS your model supports, then compare it to what new apps require.

Does the seventh-generation iPad Pro charge faster than the sixth-generation?

Yes, but only if you use the correct power adapter. The seventh-generation supports faster charging with a higher-wattage USB-C power adapter. The sixth-generation charges slower even with a powerful adapter. In practice, both charge fully overnight, so the difference matters mainly if you need a quick top-up during the day.