Apple really did it this time. They made a tablet that feels like it shouldn't exist in three dimensions.
When you first pick up the M4 model, the iPad Pro 13 inch dimensions hit you instantly. It’s thin. Like, "I might snap this if I sit on it" thin. We are talking about a device that measures just 5.1mm in thickness. To put that into perspective, an iPod Nano from back in the day was thicker. It's wild.
People obsess over the screen size, but the physical footprint tells a much more interesting story about where engineering is headed in 2026. You aren't just carrying a screen; you're carrying a slab of glass that disappears when you look at it from the side.
The actual numbers that matter
Let’s get the raw data out of the way because you probably need to know if this thing fits in your backpack. The height is 281.6 mm (11.09 inches) and the width sits at 215.5 mm (8.48 inches).
Compare that to the previous generation, the M2 version. That older model was 6.4mm thick. Shaving off 1.3mm doesn't sound like much on paper, right? Wrong. In the hand, it feels like a generational leap. It changes the center of gravity. It makes holding a "13-inch" device with one hand actually feasible for more than thirty seconds without your wrist screaming for mercy.
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The weight is the other half of the equation. The Wi-Fi model clocks in at 579 grams. The Wi-Fi + Cellular version is basically identical at 582 grams. Honestly, that’s over 100 grams lighter than the old 12.9-inch liquid retina display models. If you’ve ever used an older iPad Pro in bed and dropped it on your face, you’ll appreciate the diet Apple put this thing on.
Why the "13-inch" name is a bit of a lie
Apple calls it the 13-inch, but if we’re being technical experts here, the actual diagonal measurement of the screen is 13.0 inches exactly. This is a slight bump from the 12.9 inches we saw for years.
Does 0.1 inch matter?
Physically, not really. But the shift allowed Apple to refine the bezel symmetry. The borders around the screen are slim, but they still give you enough thumb-room so you aren't accidentally triggering the dock every time you grab the frame.
How the dimensions affect your accessories
Here is where things get annoying for your wallet. Because the iPad Pro 13 inch dimensions changed so drastically—specifically that ultra-thin 5.1mm depth—your old cases are basically trash.
The magnets are in different spots. The chassis is thinner. If you try to slap an M2-era Magic Keyboard onto the M4 13-inch Pro, it’s going to feel like wearing shoes two sizes too big. Apple had to launch a specific Magic Keyboard for this model because the balance point shifted. The new keyboard is thinner too, matching the "thinness" aesthetic, and it uses a different aluminum palm rest to handle the weight distribution of the new 13-inch frame.
If you’re shopping for sleeves, look for "M4 13-inch specific" labels. A generic 13-inch laptop sleeve will be way too baggy. This iPad is so thin that it can slide around inside older sleeves, which actually increases the risk of the screen getting scratched by the zipper.
The "Bendgate" anxiety
Is it too thin? That’s the question everyone asks.
JerryRigEverything and other durability testers have put the 13-inch dimensions through the ringer. Surprisingly, the internal structural ribbing (a "cowling" over the logic board) helps it stay rigid. It’s not as fragile as it looks. However, simple physics dictates that a 5.1mm thick piece of aluminum that is 11 inches long will have some flex.
Don't put it in a stuffed messenger bag without a rigid cover. You've been warned.
Ergonomics in the real world
Basically, the 13-inch Pro is now a "lap device" that can finally be a "handheld device."
Most pro users previously gravitated toward the 11-inch model because the 12.9-inch was just too much "heft" for a coffee shop. But with the new dimensions, the 13-inch model bridges that gap. It’s roughly the weight of the original iPad Air from a decade ago, but with a massive Tandem OLED screen.
When you're sketching in Procreate, the extra width (215.5 mm) gives your palm a place to rest without obscuring the canvas. That’s the "Pro" part of the dimensions. It’s about workspace, not just portability.
Critical steps for new owners
If you are moving to the 13-inch M4 model, you need to rethink your carry setup.
- Check your backpack's tablet sleeve. Many bags have a dedicated 11-inch slot that will absolutely not fit these 281.6 mm height specs. You’ll likely need to use the laptop compartment.
- Invest in a rigid case. Because the device is 5.1mm thin, a "folio" style case that only covers the front and back with magnets might not offer enough structural protection against pressure in a bag.
- Verify Apple Pencil compatibility. The dimensions of the internal charging magnets changed with the M4. You need the Apple Pencil Pro; the older Pencil 2 won't snap onto the side correctly because the charging hardware had to be moved to accommodate the new landscape-oriented camera.
The iPad Pro 13-inch isn't just a bigger screen anymore. It’s an exercise in how thin a computer can get before it becomes invisible. If you’re coming from a 2018 or 2020 model, the difference in your hand is going to be the first thing you notice—even before you turn the screen on.