Deciding between the iPad Pro M5 and iPad Air M4 for Procreate? I’ve used both and compared the key features artists care about so this quick guide will help you choose the right one with ease:
TL;DR: The new iPad Pro and iPad Air at a glance
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Pro 13″
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Air 13″
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Pro 11″
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Air 11″
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Compatible
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Display: 13″ Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display; ProMotion (120Hz); Wide color P3 gamut; 2M:1 contrast ratio Resolution: 2752x2064px at 264PPI Brightness: SDR 1000 nits, XDR 1600 nits Chip: M5 with neural engine (AI) and improved battery life Storage: 256GB | 512GB | 1TB | 2TB RAM: 8GB @256GB | 512GB and 16GB @1TB | 2TB Weight: 1.3lb (580g) Also available with Nano-texture display Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro |
Display: 13″ Liquid Retina Display with True Tone and wide color (P3) Resolution: 2732x2048px at 264PPI Brightness: 600 nits Chip: M4 with neural engine Storage: 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB RAM: 12GB Weight: 1.4lb (620g) Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro | Get my popular Procreate Brushes |
Display: 11″ Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display; ProMotion (120Hz); Wide color P3 gamut; 2M:1 contrast ratio Resolution: 2420x1668px at 264PPI Brightness: SDR 1000 nits, XDR 1600 nits Chip: M5 with neural engine (AI) and improved battery life Storage: 256GB | 512GB | 1TB | 2TB RAM: 8GB @256GB | 512GB and 16GB @1TB | 2TB Weight: ±1lb (440g) Also available with Nano-texture display Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro |
Display: 11″ Liquid Retina Display with True Tone and wide color (P3) Resolution: 2360x1640px at 264PPI Brightness: 500 nits Chip: M4 with neural engine Storage: 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB RAM: 12GB Weight: 1lb (460g) Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro | Get my popular Procreate Brushes |
Compatible with iPad Pro M5 & M4 and iPad Air M4 & M3 & M2 Features: Hover, Double-tap, Squeeze, Barrel roll, Pixel-Perfect Precision, Tilt and Pressure Sensitivity, Low Latency for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Art. Attaches, Charges, and Pairs Magnetically |
Display: 13″ Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display; ProMotion (120Hz); Wide color P3 gamut; 2M:1 contrast ratio
Resolution: 2752x2064px at 264PPI
Brightness: SDR 1000 nits, XDR 1600 nits
Chip: M5 with neural engine (AI) and improved battery life
Storage: 256GB | 512GB | 1TB | 2TB
RAM: 8GB @256GB | 512GB and 16GB @1TB | 2TB
Weight: 1.3lb (580g)
Also available with Nano-texture display
Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro
Display: 13″ Liquid Retina Display with True Tone and wide color (P3)
Resolution: 2732x2048px at 264PPI
Brightness: 600 nits
Chip: M4 with neural engine
Storage: 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB
RAM: 12GB
Weight: 1.4lb (620g)
Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro | Get my popular Procreate Brushes
Display: 11″ Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display; ProMotion (120Hz); Wide color P3 gamut; 2M:1 contrast ratio
Resolution: 2420x1668px at 264PPI
Brightness: SDR 1000 nits, XDR 1600 nits
Chip: M5 with neural engine (AI) and improved battery life
Storage: 256GB | 512GB | 1TB | 2TB
RAM: 8GB @256GB | 512GB and 16GB @1TB | 2TB
Weight: ±1lb (440g)
Also available with Nano-texture display
Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro
Display: 11″ Liquid Retina Display with True Tone and wide color (P3)
Resolution: 2360x1640px at 264PPI
Brightness: 500 nits
Chip: M4 with neural engine
Storage: 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB
RAM: 12GB
Weight: 1lb (460g)
Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro | Get my popular Procreate Brushes
Compatible with iPad Pro M5 & M4 and iPad Air M4 & M3 & M2
Features: Hover, Double-tap, Squeeze, Barrel roll, Pixel-Perfect Precision, Tilt and Pressure Sensitivity, Low Latency for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Art. Attaches, Charges, and Pairs Magnetically
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Videos: My Experience with iPad Pro and iPad Air for Drawing and Procreate
🤩 Grab my popular FREE Procreate Brush pack, plus color palettes, prompt lists, and more creative goodies!
Below is my YouTube video comparing iPad Air 5 vs iPad Pro 12.9″ and iPad Pro 11″ (Pre-2024):
Summary: What’s New Compared to 2022 Models?
If you’re wondering whether the changes in iPad 2024 models make a difference for your art or whether it’s worth upgrading, here’s the scoop:
Bigger Screens Are an Option
For the first time, Apple has added 13-inch models to both the iPad Pro and iPad Air lines.
If you’re someone who enjoys a large workspace for sketching or working in Procreate, these bigger screens might be just what you’ve been waiting for.
Of course, the 11-inch versions are still available if portability is more your style.
Faster Chips Mean Better Performance and Smoother Art
iPad Pro is now equipped with the M5/M4 chip, which is incredibly powerful. Whether you’re drawing, animating, or experimenting with 3D modeling, this chip handles it all effortlessly. 💡 In November 2025, Apple released NEW iPad Pros with M5 chip. The only difference is the higher RAM at 256GB and 512GB storage; faster chip and improved battery life, everything else stayed the same!
Apple brought the M2 chip to the iPad Air this year, which was previously exclusive to the Pro models. It’s a solid performer, more than capable of handling most artistic tasks. 💡 In March 2026, Apple released NEW iPad Airs with M4 chip and 12GB RAM. In March 2025, Apple released NEW iPad Airs with M3 chip. The only difference is the higher RAM with M4 models, chip, everything else stayed the same!
Upgraded Displays
iPad Pro features an OLED Ultra Retina Display with the option for a Nano Texture finish.
The Nano Texture reduces glare, making it perfect for working in bright studios or even outdoors. The colors are vibrant, and the responsiveness is flawless.
iPad Air sticks with the Liquid Retina Display, which is still fantastic. Unless you’re doing a direct side-by-side comparison, the quality difference won’t be obvious.
More Storage for Larger Projects
The iPad Air now supports up to 1TB of storage, which is a great addition for its price point.
The iPad Pro offers up to 2TB, ideal for artists managing large files or an extensive portfolio.
Apple Pencil Pro Exclusivity
Both models now only support the new Apple Pencil Pro, which adds exciting features like hover gestures, a squeeze bar for shortcuts, and haptic feedback.
These tools can make your workflow more efficient and intuitive, but keep in mind this means older Apple Pencils aren’t compatible with the 2024, 2025 and 2026 models.
Lighter and More Heat-Resistant
Surprisingly, the new iPad Pro models are lighter than the Air versions, even with their larger screens.
They also handle heat better, staying cooler during extended drawing sessions; a nice touch for those of us who work for hours at a time.
These updates make both the iPad Pro and iPad Air exciting options for digital artists.
Main Decision Criteria for Artists
Display Quality, Screen Size, Nano-texture
| iPad Pro 13″ and 11″ M4 & M5 | iPad Pro 13″ and 11″ M4 & M5 with Nano-texture | iPad Air 13″ and 11″ M2 & M3 & M4 |
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| Liquid Retina XDR display | Liquid Retina XDR display | Liquid Retina display |
| mini-LED backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology | mini-LED backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology | LED backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology |
| 2732-by-2048 resolution at 264 ppi | 2388-by-1668 resolution at 264 ppi | 2360‑by‑1640 resolution at 264 ppi |
| Wide color profile display (P3) | Wide color profile display (P3) | Wide color profile display (P3) |
When it comes to the display, screen size, and Apple’s Nano-Texture option, there are some clear distinctions between the iPad Pro and iPad Air that can influence your decision as an artist.
Display Quality
The iPad Pro is Apple’s flagship for a reason – it boasts the OLED Ultra Retina Display with ProMotion technology and a P3 wide color profile.
This means incredible brightness, smooth rendering, and beautifully accurate colors. If you’re working on detailed illustrations or color-sensitive projects, the Pro’s display is top-notch.
The iPad Air, meanwhile, offers the Liquid Retina Display, which is slightly less advanced but still delivers vibrant colors and a smooth drawing experience.
Unless you’re comparing the two side by side, you’re unlikely to feel a major difference.
Screen Size
Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air now offer two size options: 11-inch and 13-inch.
The larger 13-inch models provide more working space, making them great for detailed projects and a more immersive drawing experience.
If portability is a priority, the 11-inch versions are lighter and easier to carry while still providing enough space for most creative workflows.
Nano-Texture Option
Exclusively available on the iPad Pro, the Nano-Texture glass is designed to reduce glare, making it a lifesaver for artists working in brightly lit studios or outdoors.
It maintains vivid colors and sharp detail without the annoying reflections that standard glass can produce.
Keep in mind, the Nano-Texture glass requires a special cleaning cloth and a bit of extra care, but for artists who often deal with harsh lighting, it’s worth considering.
In short, if display quality and glare reduction are critical to your work, the iPad Pro has a clear edge.
But if you’re looking for solid performance at a more accessible price, the iPad Air still delivers an excellent drawing experience.
Weight and Portability
Apple has made some impressive strides in making the new iPads lighter and more portable—an essential factor for artists who like to sketch on the go or prefer a device that doesn’t weigh them down.
Weight
| iPad Pro M4 & M5 13″ | iPad Pro M4 & M5 11″ | iPad Air M2 & M3 & M4 13″ | iPad Air M2 & M3 & M4 11″ |
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| Height: 281.6 mm (11.09 inches) Width: 215.5 mm (8.48 inches) Depth: 5.1 mm (0.20 inch) Weight (Wi-Fi): 579 grams (1.28 pounds) Weight (Wi-Fi + Cellular): 582 grams (1.28 pounds) | Height: 249.7 mm (9.83 inches) Width: 177.5 mm (6.99 inches) Depth: 5.3 mm (0.21 inch) Weight (Wi-Fi): 444 grams (0.98 pound) Weight (Wi-Fi + Cellular): 446 grams (0.98 pound) | Height: 280.6 mm (11.04 inches) Width: 214.9 mm (8.46 inches) Depth: 6.1 mm (0.24 inch) Weight (Wi-Fi): 617 grams (1.36 pounds) Weight (Wi-Fi + Cellular): 618 grams (1.36 pounds) | Height: 247.6 mm (9.74 inches) Width: 178.5 mm (7.02 inches) Depth: 6.1 mm (0.24 inch) Weight (Wi-Fi): 462 grams (1.02 pounds) Weight (Wi-Fi + Cellular): 462 grams (1.02 pounds) |
Surprisingly, the new iPad Pro models are lighter than their iPad Air counterparts, even with their larger screen options. Here’s how they compare:
- iPad Pro 13-inch: Thinner and lighter than expected, making it surprisingly easy to handle for its size.
- iPad Air models: Still impressively lightweight (at just over a pound), but slightly heavier than the Pro models.
This is great news for artists who want a larger screen without sacrificing portability.
Portability
Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air are easy to carry, but the choice between the 11-inch and 13-inch models will depend on your needs:
- The 11-inch models are perfect if you’re after something compact that fits easily in a bag or backpack. They’re ideal for quick sketches, travel, or casual drawing sessions.
- The 13-inch models provide a bigger workspace, making them better for detailed projects or when you work primarily indoors, where portability is less of a concern.
Heat Management
Another nice upgrade for the iPad Pro is improved heat management. Even during extended drawing sessions, the Pro stays cooler than earlier models, making it comfortable to use for hours without worrying about overheating.
If weight and portability are at the top of your priority list, the 11-inch models from either the Pro or Air lineup are great options. But if you want the best of both worlds, large screens and surprisingly low weight, the 13-inch iPad Pro stands out.
Processor, RAM, and Storage
| iPad Pro 13″ and 11″ M4 & M5 chip | iPad Air 13″ and 11″ M2 & M3 & M4 chip |
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| Storage 128GB RAM 8GB RAM 12GB (M4) | |
| Storage 256GB RAM 8GB RAM 12GB (M5) | Storage 256GB RAM 8GB RAM 12GB (M4) |
| Storage 512GB RAM 8GB RAM 12GB (M5) | Storage 512GB RAM 8GB RAM 12GB (M4) |
| Storage 1TB RAM 16GB | Storage 1TB RAM 8GB RAM 12GB (M4) |
| Storage 2TB RAM 16GB |
I explain the importance of the processor, RAM, and storage size for Procreate in my post about the best iPad for Procreate, so I will not go into too many details here. To quickly summarize:
- Processor and GPU (graphics processing unit) are important for making your drawing experience in Procreate as smooth as possible. The M2, M3, M4, M5 chips are faster and have a better GPU available than M1 and other Apple chips (A15, A14, etc.)
- RAM (random-access memory) is important for the number of layers you get in Procreate, depending on your canvas size. More RAM = more layers!
- Super important – make sure your iPad runs either iPad OS 16 or higher because, in those versions, your Procreate will be able to use even more RAM than before. Which means more layers!
- Storage is important for storing your Procreate artwork and other files like photos, videos, PDFs, etc. More storage means you don’t have to care too much about cleaning it too often. However, I do recommend that you back up at least the most important files regularly
As you see in the table I made below, iPad Pro models have more generous storage options than iPad Air, and the biggest storage models also come with 16GB RAM, which is super impressive!!!
Number of Layers and Tracks Available in Procreate and Procreate Dreams
| Canvas | iPad Pro 13″ and 11″ Procreate # of layers | iPad Air 13″ and 11″ Procreate # of layers |
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| 3000 x 3000px | 112 | 112 |
| 16″ x 16″ @300 DPI | 41 | 41 |
| A4 @300DPI | 116 | 116 |
| A3 @300DPI | 56 | 56 |
| A2 @300DPI | 23 | 23 |
When working with Procreate and Procreate Dreams, the number of layers and tracks you can use is influenced by your iPad’s RAM and storage capacity.
Procreate Layers:
- iPad Pro Models:
- 1TB and 2TB Storage: Equipped with 16GB RAM, these models allow for a significantly higher number of layers, accommodating complex artworks with ease.
- 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB Storage: Featuring 12GB RAM, these versions support a substantial number of layers, suitable for most artistic needs.
- iPad Air Models:
- All storage options come with 12GB RAM, providing a generous layer count for various projects.
Note: The exact number of layers depends on the canvas size and resolution. Larger canvases with higher resolutions will have fewer available layers due to increased memory requirements.
Procreate Dreams Tracks:
- iPad Pro Models:
- With 16GB RAM, these devices can handle up to 200 content tracks and 4 video tracks at 4K resolution or higher, ideal for intricate animations and multimedia projects.
- Models with 12GB RAM support a considerable number of tracks, though slightly fewer than their 16GB counterparts.
- iPad Air Models:
- Equipped with 12GB RAM, they offer robust performance for Procreate Dreams, supporting a substantial number of content and video tracks suitable for most animation tasks.
In summary, if your work involves complex compositions with numerous layers or tracks, opting for an iPad Pro with higher RAM and storage will provide the best performance. However, for most artists, the iPad Air models offer ample capacity to handle a wide range of creative projects effectively.
ProMotion Technology
The ProMotion technology is Apple’s branding for the 120Hz display refresh rate. For comparison, my first iPad Pro and my TV have a 60Hz refresh rate.
iPad Pro models are the only iPads that have the ProMotion technology.
I find the ProMotion technology in my iPad Pro amazing because, compared to iPad Air, the drawing is much smoother and more natural.
As I like to say, it feels like I was sketching in my sketchbook.
Brightness
| iPad Pro M4 & M5 13″ and 11″ | iPad Air M2 & M3 13″ | iPad Air M2 & M3 11″ |
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| SDR brightness: 1000 nits max XDR brightness: 1,000 nits max full screen, 1,600 nits peak (HDR content only) | SDR brightness: 600 nits max | SDR brightness: 500 nits max |
The brightness of your iPads screen is most important if you want to draw outdoors or on the go, as I love to do.
I just love it when I can sit in the cafe, in a park, or on the top of the mountain and sketch people, animals, and beautiful landscapes. You can watch me sketching on my iPad in the vlog here:
In terms of screen brightness, both iPad Pro and iPad Air models have the same highest brightness in the normal mode. When working in HDR mode, iPad Pro M4 models will be even brighter.
To see what’s the difference between the brightness units of “nits,” check out my post about which iPad is the best for Procreate.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
I have good news.
There is no difference in Apple Pencil compatibility whether you choose iPad Pro or iPad Air.
Both models support Apple Pencil PRO.
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NEW
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Recommended
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Recommended
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Features: Hover, Double-tap, Squeeze, Barrel roll, Pixel-Perfect Precision, Tilt and Pressure Sensitivity, Low Latency for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Art. Attaches, Charges, and Pairs Magnetically Compatible with iPad Pro M5 2025, iPad Pro M4 2024, iPad Air M4 2026, iPad Air M3 2025, iPad Air M2 2024 and iPad Mini 7 2024 |
🌟 NEW Bubble-Free Butterfly Install System True Paper-Feel, Protects Pencil Tip |
I recommend you get them if you use a matte Paperlike screen protector |
Features: Hover, Double-tap, Squeeze, Barrel roll, Pixel-Perfect Precision, Tilt and Pressure Sensitivity, Low Latency for Note-Taking, Drawing, and Art. Attaches, Charges, and Pairs Magnetically
Compatible with iPad Pro M5 2025, iPad Pro M4 2024, iPad Air M4 2026, iPad Air M3 2025, iPad Air M2 2024 and iPad Mini 7 2024
🌟 NEW Bubble-Free Butterfly Install System
True Paper-Feel, Protects Pencil Tip
I recommend you get them if you use a matte Paperlike screen protector
When you get the newest iPad Pro M4 models, you can also use the barrel roll, haptic feedback, squeeze and “hover” features, which simplifie the color drop, freehand selection, and brush stroke color preview.
Price
At the time of writing, depending on the configuration, iPad Air models are about ±40% – 50% cheaper than iPad Pro models.
Because of its price, I recommend iPad Pro M4 models for advanced and professional artists who will buy them as an investment in their creative business.
But if you are a beginner and you want the best iPad for Procreate, and you have the budget for it, by all means, get the iPad Pro, too!
So Which Should You Get for Procreate – iPad Pro or iPad Air?
Choosing between the iPad Pro and iPad Air for Procreate comes down to your needs and budget. Here’s the quick breakdown:
iPad Pro M5
Display: 13″ Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display; ProMotion (120Hz); Wide color P3 gamut; 2M:1 contrast ratio | Resolution: 2752x2064px at 264PPI | Brightness: SDR 1000 nits, XDR 1600 nits | Chip: M5 with neural engine (AI) | Storage: 256GB | 512GB | 1TB | 2TB | RAM: 8GB @256GB | 512GB and 16GB @1TB | 2TB | Weight: 1.3lb (580g) | Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro | Get my popular Procreate Brushes
Best for professional artists or those who work on complex projects requiring high performance.
The M5 chip with improved battery life, OLED Ultra Retina Display, and 16GB RAM (on higher storage models) make it ideal for heavy workflows, large canvases, and advanced Procreate features like animations in Procreate Dreams.
If you need the Nano-Texture display for glare reduction or want a 2TB storage option, the Pro is your best bet.
iPad Air M4
Display: 13″ Liquid Retina Display with True Tone and wide color (P3) | Resolution: 2732x2048px at 264PPI | Brightness: 600 nits | Chip: M4 with neural engine | Storage: 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB | RAM: 12GB | Weight: 1.4lb (620g) | Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro | Get my popular Procreate Brushes
Perfect for artists on a budget or those who want excellent performance without all the extras.
With the M4 chip, Liquid Retina Display, and up to 12GB RAM, the Air is more than capable for most Procreate users, whether you’re sketching, painting, or animating.
It offers great value, delivering nearly Pro-level features at a much lower price point.
In the end, I believe that whichever you choose, you will make amazing artwork with either of them.
Happy drawing and painting!
🤩 Join Art Club with Iva for access to popular PROCREATE classes, workshops, creative skills practice, my drawing process, references, Procreate brushes use inspiration, and more.
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Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
