New iPad Pro 2021 is the best tablet money can buy - and it's out today

iPad Pro 12.9 2021
(Image credit: TechRadar)

Apple's latest iPad Pro for 2021 is out now, and we've just named the 12.9-inch version the best tablet money can buy. It now takes the crown at the top of our best tablet and best iPad buying guides.

We've yet to review the 11-inch version of the tablet, but we've said the 12.9-inch is a best in class product alongside our 4.5-star review of the slate. Why didn't it get the full five stars? That's mostly down to its extraordinarily high price, which means it won't be for everyone.

If you're happy to pay $1,099 / £999 / AU$1,649 or more, you'll find the new iPad Pro 12.9 is the best slate you can pick up right now. It's designed for those who need specialist features, so we encourage you to read our full review to ensure it's made for you.

In our full review we said, "The new iPad Pro 12.9-inch for 2021 is the best tablet money can buy, with top-end power, a fantastic display, a whole host of new smaller upgrades and an all-round experience that makes it a must-have for both Apple fans and those who want an unrivaled tablet experience. 

"It isn’t for everyone though, on account of its large size and high price tag, and you may be better served by another more portable and affordable tablet, but make no mistake: this is the best of the best."

We cited the new M1 chipset as a big highlight, but perhaps the most noticeable difference when compared to other products is its Mini LED display that offers fantastic picture quality and great brightness levels.

The new iPad Pro 2021 is out today (May 21) but it may be that you're unable to pick up the tablet if you haven't already pre-ordered. 

Stock seems to be limited from Apple, and many pre-ordering in the last few days have found they have to wait until June to receive their purchase. We've put together today's best deals for the tablet below.

TOPICS
James Peckham

James is the Editor-in-Chief at Android Police. Previously, he was Senior Phones Editor for TechRadar, and he has covered smartphones and the mobile space for the best part of a decade bringing you news on all the big announcements from top manufacturers making mobile phones and other portable gadgets. James is often testing out and reviewing the latest and greatest mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, virtual reality headsets, fitness trackers and more. He once fell over.

Read more
Best iPads hero image
The best iPad 2025: top Apple tablets to consider right now
Apple iPad Air (M3) in blue front and back on top of an orange TechRadar logo
The best tablet 2025: from the iPad Pro to the Galaxy Tab and everything in between
Four iPad models on a green background
The best iPad deals in March 2025
The iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra over a Cyan background. Text reads: Don't Miss
I write about tablets for a living – here are the 4 tablet deals I’d actually buy this Presidents’ Day
Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4) in silver on purple background with don't miss sign
Apple's powerful iPad Pro M4 drops to its lowest price yet at Amazon
The iPad Pro 2024 against a pink background. Text reads: Lowest Price
Quick! The 13-inch iPad Pro M4 is back to its lowest-ever price for Presidents' Day
Latest in iPad Pro
iPad Pro 13-inch 2024 on a table
The OLED iPad Pro is reportedly less popular than expected – and that could mean these changes to Apple's OLED iPad plans
iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) on purple background
Don't be slow, go pro with these stellar Cyber Monday iPad Pro deals
iPad Pro 13-inch with M4 chip on a wooden table
The M5-powered OLED iPad Pro is tipped to launch before the end of 2025
Apple - 11-inch iPad Pro M4
Not a drill! Amazon just sliced $200 off the most-powerful iPad Pro ever
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (2024)
iPadOS 18 is bricking some iPad Pro 2024 units, leading Apple to pull the update
The Apple 11-inch iPad Pro M4 on a pink background
The latest Apple iPad Pro returns to a record-low price at Best Buy
Latest in News
Panos Panay and Alexa Plus
Amazon's Panos Panay teases future Alexa+ devices from speakers to possible wearables
Metroid Prime 4
I reckon the Nintendo Switch 2 could launch with Metroid Prime 4 – here’s why
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
New rumors predict a foldable iPhone will launch next year – and cost almost twice as much as the iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pebble smartwatch countdown
Pebble confirms its smartwatch announcement is just hours away
Logo of YouTube Shorts
Is YouTube auto-playing Shorts when you open the app? Well, you’re not alone - here’s how to fix it
Google DeepMind panel discussion
“More sovereignty and protection” - Google goes all-in on UK AI with data residency, upskilling projects, and startup investments