Introduction — Is iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) Worth Buying in 2026?
The iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Generation (2022) is still a very capable tablet in 2026. Powered by Apple’s M2 chip, it delivers excellent performance, a smooth 120Hz ProMotion display, and full compatibility with modern accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd Gen).
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) models start at around $540+. Compared to its original launch price, that’s a meaningful discount and puts the device within reach for buyers looking for a high-end iPad Pro without paying new-device prices.
However, the key question in 2026 isn’t whether the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen is good — it clearly is. The real question is whether it’s the best value for your money, especially when another iPad Pro with nearly identical real-world performance is available for about $100 less.
Quick Verdict — Should You Buy the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen in 2026?
Yes — but only if you find it at a great price. For most buyers, it’s not the best value.
The iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) still checks all the right boxes:
- Apple Silicon performance with the M2 chip
- ProMotion 120Hz display
- Thunderbolt / USB-4 support
- Full compatibility with iPadOS 26
That said, it runs into a value problem in 2026.
Why buyers are interested:
- Strong M2 performance
- Long remaining software support
- Premium build and display
- Discounted pricing vs original MSRP
Why it’s not the smartest buy at $540+:
- Costs about $100 more than the 3rd Gen
- Minimal real-world performance difference vs M1 for most users
- Same display, accessories, and iPadOS support as the cheaper model
UpTrade’s Recommendation:
If you find the 4th Gen at a deep discount, it can make sense. But at current pricing, most buyers are better off saving money by choosing the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021), starting at $440+.
What the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen Still Does Well
To be clear, the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen is an excellent tablet — and for some users, it may still be the right choice.
It excels at:
- Multitasking and productivity
- Creative apps like photo and video editing
- Gaming and high-performance workloads
- External display setups via Thunderbolt
- Smooth everyday use thanks to ProMotion
The M2 chip ensures that performance will remain strong for years, and support for iPadOS 26 means the device continues to receive modern features, security updates, and full app compatibility in 2026.
For users who want the newest possible hardware in the refurbished market, the 4th Gen is appealing. But strong performance alone doesn’t automatically mean strong value — especially when a cheaper alternative delivers nearly the same experience.
Performance & Hardware — M2 vs Real-World Needs in 2026
The biggest upgrade in the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen is the M2 chip. On paper, it’s faster and more capable than the M1 found in the 3rd Gen. In benchmarks and heavy workloads, the M2 does pull ahead.
However, in real-world usage in 2026, the difference is much smaller than the price gap suggests.
For tasks like:
- Web browsing
- Streaming
- Note-taking
- Office apps
- Split-screen multitasking
Both the M1 and M2 feel equally fast and fluid. Most users will not notice a meaningful difference unless they’re running sustained, professional-grade workloads.
This is where diminishing returns come into play. The M2 is better — but for most people, it’s not $100 better.
Apple M1 vs Apple M2 — iPad Pro Performance Comparison (2026)
Specs Comparison Table
| Feature |
Apple M1 |
Apple M2 |
| First Used in iPad Pro |
2021 (11″ & 12.9″) |
2022 (11″ & 12.9″) |
| CPU |
8-core (4 performance + 4 efficiency) |
8-core (4 performance + 4 efficiency) |
| CPU Performance |
Excellent |
~15–18% faster |
| GPU |
8-core GPU |
10-core GPU |
| GPU Performance |
Strong |
~30–35% faster |
| Neural Engine |
16-core |
16-core (faster throughput) |
| Memory Bandwidth |
68 GB/s |
100 GB/s |
| RAM Options |
8GB / 16GB |
8GB / 16GB |
| Storage Options |
128GB–2TB |
128GB–2TB |
| Media Engine |
H.264 / HEVC |
Improved ProRes acceleration |
| External Display Support |
Yes (Thunderbolt) |
Yes (Thunderbolt) |
| iPadOS 26 Support |
Yes |
Yes |
| Expected Longevity |
Long |
Slightly longer |
Key Differences Explained (What Actually Matters in 2026)
CPU Performance
- M2 is modestly faster, but both chips feel instant for everyday tasks
- Browsing, multitasking, office apps, and media consumption feel identical
- Difference only appears in sustained heavy workloads
GPU & Graphics
M2’s GPU advantage matters for:
- Video rendering
- 3D design
- Advanced gaming
Most users won’t see a noticeable difference in daily use.
Memory Bandwidth
- M2 handles large files and complex workflows slightly better
- Useful for professionals working with:
- Large video projects
- Multi-layer design files
Not noticeable for normal productivity.
Software & Longevity
Both M1 and M2:
- Fully support iPadOS 26
- Will receive updates well into the late 2020s
M2 may receive one additional iPadOS version, but this is speculative.
Real-World Verdict — M1 vs M2 in 2026
For most buyers:
- M1 delivers 90–95% of the real-world experience of M2
- M2 is technically better, but the gains are incremental
UpTrade value takeaway:
If the M2 model costs ~$100 more (as it does with the iPad Pro 11″ 4th Gen), the M1-based iPad Pro 11″ 3rd Gen offers far better value per dollar in 2026.
Software Support & Longevity — iPadOS 26 and Beyond
One of the biggest strengths of the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) is software support. Thanks to Apple Silicon, this model fully supports iPadOS 26, ensuring access to the latest features, security updates, and app compatibility in 2026.
Apple has shown a clear pattern: M-series iPads receive longer and more consistent OS support than older A-series models. Because the 4th Gen uses the M2 chip, it’s reasonable to expect several more years of major iPadOS updates beyond 2026.
From a longevity standpoint, this is excellent news. A supported iPad:
- Stays compatible with new apps
- Remains secure for online use
- Holds resale value better over time
- Feels “current” instead of outdated
That said, software support alone doesn’t tell the full value story. While both the 4th Gen (M2) and the 3rd Gen (M1) support iPadOS 26 — and will likely continue to do so for years — the difference in their remaining usable lifespan is smaller than the difference in price.
In other words, yes, the 4th Gen is future-proof — but so is the 3rd Gen.
Better Value Alternative — iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021)
When comparing the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) and 3rd Gen (2021) in 2026, the decision comes down to price vs marginal gains. Both are excellent iPads, but they are not equal in value.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker:
- iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022): ~$540+ Certified Used / Refurbished
- iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021): ~$440+ Certified Used / Refurbished
That ~$100 difference is the key.
Specs Comparison — iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen vs 4th Gen
| Feature |
iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) |
iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) |
| Release Year |
2021 |
2022 |
| Chipset |
Apple M1 |
Apple M2 |
| Performance (2026) |
Excellent |
Slightly faster |
| Display |
11″ Liquid Retina, 120Hz ProMotion |
11″ Liquid Retina, 120Hz ProMotion |
| RAM |
8GB (base models) |
8GB (base models) |
| Storage Options |
128GB–2TB |
128GB–2TB |
| Apple Pencil Support |
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) |
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) |
| Keyboard Support |
Magic Keyboard |
Magic Keyboard |
| USB Port |
Thunderbolt / USB-4 |
Thunderbolt / USB-4 |
| Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 6 / 5G |
Wi-Fi 6E / 5G |
| Latest iPadOS Supported |
iPadOS 26 |
iPadOS 26 |
| Expected Longevity |
Long |
Slightly longer |
| Typical Price (2026) |
~$440+ |
~$540+ |
Who Should Choose the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022)
You should consider the 4th Gen (M2) if:
- You want the newest possible hardware in the refurbished market
- You regularly do heavy professional workloads, such as:
- Large video renders
- Advanced 3D modeling
- Complex multi-layer design projects
- You plan to keep the iPad for as long as possible, regardless of price
- You value Wi-Fi 6E and slightly better graphics performance
- You don’t mind paying ~$100 more for incremental gains
For these users, the M2’s extra GPU power and memory bandwidth can make sense — but this is a narrow use case, not the majority.
Who Should Choose the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021)
The vast majority of buyers should choose the 3rd Gen (M1).
It’s the better option if:
- You want Apple Silicon performance at the best possible price
- Your usage includes:
- Multitasking
- Productivity and office work
- Creative apps
- External displays
- Media consumption
- You want long-term iPadOS support without overpaying
- You prefer maximum value per dollar
- You want to save ~$100 with no meaningful real-world compromise
In 2026, the M1 delivers 90–95% of the real-world experience of the M2 for most users. That makes the 3rd Gen the clear value winner.
Conclusion — Is the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) Worth Buying in 2026?
Yes — the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) is still a strong and capable tablet in 2026, but it’s not the best value for most buyers.
At around $540+ Certified Used / Refurbished, the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) delivers excellent performance with the M2 chip, full support for iPadOS 26, a smooth ProMotion display, and several more years of software support. There’s no question that it’s a premium device that will age well.
However, value matters — especially when shopping refurbished.
For about $100 less, the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) offers nearly the same real-world experience. Both models support iPadOS 26, use Apple Silicon, share the same display and accessories, and handle everyday tasks, productivity, and creative workflows with ease. For most users, the M2’s performance advantage over M1 is incremental, not transformative.
UpTrade’s final recommendation:
- Choose the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) only if you want the newest possible hardware or if you regularly run heavy video rendering, 3D modeling, or other CPU/GPU-intensive tasks.
- For everyone else, the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) is the smarter buy in 2026, delivering the best balance of performance, longevity, and price.
FAQs — iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) in 2026
1. Is the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen still good in 2026?
Yes. The iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen remains very fast and capable in 2026. With the M2 chip and support for iPadOS 26, it handles multitasking, creative apps, productivity, and media consumption smoothly.
2. Does the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen support iPadOS 26?
Yes. It fully supports iPadOS 26, including the latest features, security updates, and modern app compatibility.
3. How long will the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen be supported?
Apple doesn’t publish exact timelines, but M2-powered iPads are expected to receive major iPadOS updates for several more years beyond 2026, likely into the late 2020s.
4. Is the M2 chip noticeably better than the M1 in 2026?
For most users, no. The M2 is faster on paper, but in everyday tasks like browsing, multitasking, streaming, and productivity, the difference is minimal. The M2 mainly benefits users with heavy professional workloads.
5. Is the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen worth $540+?
It can be — but only if you specifically want the M2 chip or find it at a deeper discount. At current pricing, many buyers get better value from the cheaper 3rd Gen.
6. Should I buy the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen or 3rd Gen in 2026?
Most buyers should choose the 3rd Gen (2021). It offers Apple Silicon performance, iPadOS 26 support, and nearly the same experience for about $100 less. The 4th Gen makes sense mainly for power users.
7. Is the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen good for students or professionals?
Yes. It works very well for both, especially when paired with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd Gen). That said, most students and professionals will be just as well served by the 3rd Gen.
8. Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen?
Yes — as long as you buy Certified Used or Refurbished units from trusted sellers. These devices are professionally tested, cleaned, and typically include a warranty.
9. Who should buy the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen in 2026?
This model is best for buyers who:
- Want the newest hardware available refurbished
- Regularly run demanding creative or professional apps
- Don’t mind paying more for incremental performance gains
For everyone else, the 3rd Gen remains the better value.
10. Which year is the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen?
The iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Generation was released in 2022, one year after the 3rd Gen (2021, M1).
11. What generation is the 2022 iPad Pro 11-inch?
The 2022 iPad Pro 11-inch is the 4th Generation model in the 11-inch iPad Pro lineup.
12. Is the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen outdated?
No. In 2026, the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen is not outdated. It supports iPadOS 26, uses Apple’s M2 chip, and still receives full software and security updates.
It’s worth exploring Certified Used / Refurbished options, but you may also want to consider the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) for a lower price with similar performance.
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