The iPad Pro stands out for its impressive performance and high-resolution Liquid Retina XDR display, which goes far beyond what the iPad Air offers. With support for professional accessories such as the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, it becomes the perfect tool for creative and professional tasks. If you're thinking about buying an iPad Pro, you're probably wondering which model is best for you. Apple has released several generations of the iPad Pro in recent years, which vary in performance, display and features. In this guide, we compare the last three generations - the 5th, 6th and 7th generation iPad Pro. We'll help you understand the differences and find out which iPad Pro best suits your needs, be it for creative work, professional use or simply enjoying films and games.
The technical facts of the last three iPad Pro generations at a glance:
iPad Pro (5th generation, 2021) – The breakthrough with the M1 chip
- processor: Apple M1 chip - Brings MacBook performance to the iPad Pro. Ideal for intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, multitasking.
- display: 11 inch Liquid Retina or 12.9 inch Liquid Retina XDR - Perfect for creative work with HDR content.
- storage options: 128 GB to 2 TB - Enough space for large files and creative projects.
- camera: 12 MP wide angle, 10 MP ultra wide angle, LiDAR scanner - Excellent photo and video quality. Precise AR experiences for creative and professional use.
- connections: Thunderbolt/USB 4 - Fast data transfers. Compatibility with external monitors and accessories.
- Special Features: Support for Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Magic Keyboard - Versatile tool for creative and professional use. Precise drawings, writing, typing.
iPad Pro (6th generation, 2022) – The next step with the M2 chip
- processor: Apple M2 chip - Higher performance than the M1. Perfect for particularly demanding creative work.
- display: 11-inch Liquid Retina or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR - Outstanding image quality. Ideal for professionals who rely on color accuracy.
- storage options: 128 GB to 2 TB - Enough space for large files and apps.
- camera: 12 MP wide angle, 10 MP ultra wide angle, LiDAR scanner - high-quality recordings and AR applications. Ideal for professional and creative use.
- connections: Thunderbolt/USB 4 - Flexible, fast data transfers.
- Special Features: Support for Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with hover function - Precise control for artists and designers. Important function for detailed work.
iPad Pro (7th generation, 2024) – Maximum performance with the M3 chip
- processor: Apple M3 chip - Highest performance and energy efficiency. Future-proof and ideal for demanding tasks.
- display: 11-inch and 13-inch Liquid Retina XDR - Larger workspace, better color accuracy and brightness. Perfect for graphic design and video production.
- storage options: 128 GB to 2 TB - Plenty of space for all projects and data.
- camera: 12 MP wide angle, 10 MP ultra wide angle, LiDAR scanner - professional photo and video quality. Precise AR experiences for creative applications.
- connections: Thunderbolt/USB 4 - Fast data transfer and connection options.
- Special Features: Support for Apple Pencil Pro - Advanced features like squeeze gesture. Precise work for creative professionals.
Comparison of the iPad Pro generations
Display and design: What are the differences?
The last three generations of iPad Pro have all featured a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, but there are important differences. iPad Pro (5th generation) introduces the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, which offers exceptional brightness and color accuracy—ideal for creative work like photo editing and graphic design. The 6th generation keeps that display but introduces the M2 chip for even better performance. The 7th generation takes things to the next level with new 11-inch and 13-inch display options, with the 13-inch display in particular offering a larger workspace for professionals. The larger screen improves productivity and the visual experience, especially when working on large projects or multitasking.
Camera and video: Which generation offers the best quality?
The cameras on the last three iPad Pro generations are all excellent, but there are subtle improvements that may be important for professional users. All models feature a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 10MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a LiDAR scanner, which together ensure high-quality photos, videos, and AR applications. The 6th generation improves on this equipment with advanced software for even better image processing. In the 7th generation, the hardware remains largely the same, but the M3 chip further optimizes the processing speed and quality of photo and video footage, especially for demanding projects such as 4K video productions.
Ports and Compatibility: USB-C, Thunderbolt and more
All three generations of iPad Pro offer Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, enabling fast data transfer and high compatibility with external devices. This is especially important for users who want to connect their iPad Pro to external monitors, hard drives, or other professional peripherals. The 5th generation was the first to introduce Thunderbolt, setting the standard. The 6th and 7th generations have maintained this capability, but the 7th generation offers even better integration with high-resolution external monitors and additional accessories thanks to the M3 chip and expanded display options. This makes it the best choice for power users who need maximum flexibility and performance.
purchase recommendation according to user profile
For creatives and designers: Which iPad Pro is the best?
For creatives and designers who use the iPad Pro for demanding tasks such as graphic design, illustration or video editing, the iPad Pro (6th generation) the best price-performance ratio. The M2 chip delivers excellent performance that is more than sufficient for most creative applications. It also supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with the new hover function, which enables particularly precise inputs.However, if you want maximum performance and the latest technology, the iPad Pro (7th generation) with the M3 chip and larger 13-inch display might be a better choice. It offers even more workspace and greater processing power, making it ideal for professional users who don't want to compromise.
For media consumption and gaming: Which iPad Pro offers the best experience?
For users who use the iPad Pro primarily for media consumption and gaming, the iPad Pro (6th generation) the best experience. The M2 chip ensures smooth gameplay and fast streaming, while the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display delivers brilliant image quality for films and series. The model is powerful enough to display even graphically intensive games without stuttering. However, if you want to save money, you should go for the iPad Pro (5th generation). It is not only powerful enough for current games, but also offers a great visual experience for media consumption.
Conclusion: Which iPad Pro is right for you?
Choosing the right iPad Pro depends largely on your individual needs and intended use. If you want maximum performance and the latest technology, the iPad Pro (7th generation) with the M3 chip and the larger display is the best choice. It offers the highest computing power and a larger work surface, making it ideal for professional applications, creative work and intensive multitasking.
The iPad Pro (6th generation) represents a good balance between price and performance. With the M2 chip, it delivers excellent performance for creative tasks, power users and even gaming, while the Liquid Retina XDR display provides an impressive visual experience. This model is a good choice for most users who are looking for modern technology at a slightly more affordable price.
For those who need a powerful device for media consumption, gaming or creative work without buying the latest model, the iPad Pro (5th generation) an excellent option. The M1 chip offers enough power for demanding tasks, and the display ensures a high image quality that is ideal for films, series and games. If you want to save money, it is also worth going for a Refurbished iPad to grab.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do the three iPad Pro generations differ in practice?
The differences between the generations are mainly in the processor performance and display options. The 5th generation with the M1 chip offers strong performance that is more than sufficient for most applications. The 6th generation improves this with the M2 chip, which offers even more power and efficiency. The 7th generation sets new standards with the M3 chip and also offers larger display options that are particularly beneficial for creative professionals and power users.
Is it worth upgrading from the 5th or 6th generation to the 7th generation?
Upgrading to the 7th generation is worth it if you need the absolute best performance and the latest features like the larger 13-inch display. If you already have a 5th or 6th generation model,However, if you own a 2nd generation laptop and are happy with it, the upgrade might not be necessary unless you have very specific needs that justify the extra power and new display options.
Which iPad Pro model is compatible with the latest Apple Pencil?
All three generations are compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which enables precise input. The iPad Pro (7th generation) also supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, which offers advanced features such as the squeeze gesture, allowing even more precision and control for creative work.
Is the iPad Pro (7th generation) a laptop replacement?
Yes, the iPad Pro (7th generation) can replace a laptop in many cases, especially for creative professionals and power users. With the M3 chip, it offers laptop-like performance, and the larger display and support for the Magic Keyboard make it a very flexible and powerful work platform. Still, whether it can fully replace a laptop depends on your specific needs, especially if you rely on certain desktop software.
