Is a refurbished iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) worth buying in 2026? Yes, for most people who want a light, portable Pro tablet: it weighs 444g, uses the same tandem OLED display technology as Apple's newest iPad Pro and is compatible with iPadOS 27.
Apple announced the M4 iPad Pro in May 2024, starting at £999 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model in the UK. This guide looks at why the 11-inch size suits travel, study and handheld use, which Magic Keyboard fits, and what to check on a refurbished unit. For the chip comparison with the newer model, see our iPad Pro M4 vs M5 guide.
iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) at a glance
- 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED, 2420 x 1668 pixels at 264 ppi, ProMotion 10–120Hz
- Apple M4 chip; 8GB memory (256GB/512GB) or 16GB (1TB/2TB)
- 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB storage; Silver or Space Black
- 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.3 mm; 444g (Wi-Fi) or 446g (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
- Up to 10 hours of web browsing or video on Wi-Fi
- Works with Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch, Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C)
- Included on Apple's iPadOS 27 compatibility list
1. Is the iPad Pro 11-inch M4 supported in 2026?
Yes. Apple lists iPad Pro models with M1 and later as compatible with iPadOS 27, and lists iPad models with M1 or later for Apple Intelligence features, subject to language and region. Apple decides future support each year, so a supported version today is not a guarantee for every future release. Our iPadOS 27 compatibility guide lists every supported model.
2. Why choose the 11-inch size?
Portability is the main reason. At 444g and 5.3 mm thick, the 11-inch M4 is about 135g lighter than the 13-inch M4 (579g), and its 249.7 x 177.5 mm footprint fits smaller bags and fold-down train tables more easily. It is easier to hold in one hand for reading, note-taking in lectures or reviewing documents on the move.
The trade-off is screen space. Two apps side by side and large drawing canvases feel tighter than on the 13-inch. If the iPad will mostly stay on a desk as a laptop alternative, the larger model may suit you better; if it travels with you every day, the 11-inch is usually the more practical choice. Students weighing an iPad against a laptop can read iPad vs laptop for university.
3. The same display technology in a smaller size
You don't lose display quality by choosing the smaller model. The 11-inch has the same Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED technology and the same 264 ppi pixel density as the 13-inch, with up to 1,000 nits full-screen brightness, 1,600 nits peak for HDR content, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, P3 wide colour and True Tone. Nano-texture glass was an option only on the 1TB and 2TB models, so check which glass a listing states.
4. Magic Keyboard for the 11-inch
Apple's Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch is listed as compatible with the 11-inch M4 and the 11-inch M5. It has a 14-key function row for controls such as brightness and volume, backlit keys with 1 mm travel, an aluminium palm rest and hinge, a larger glass trackpad with haptic feedback, and a USB-C port in the hinge for pass-through charging. It comes in black or white, and Apple's UK launch price was £299.
Apple's keyboard page does not list the Magic Keyboard made for earlier iPad Pro models as compatible with the M4, so check the exact keyboard model if one is included or bought separately. With the keyboard attached, the 11-inch makes a compact setup for writing and email on the move.
5. M4 performance in daily use
The 256GB and 512GB models use a 9-core CPU with 8GB of memory. The 1TB and 2TB models have a 10-core CPU and 16GB of memory. All have a 10-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and a 16-core Neural Engine. Note-taking, drawing, photo editing, streaming, office apps and most games run comfortably on any configuration. Heavy multitasking and large pro projects benefit most from the 16GB versions.
6. Battery life and refurbished battery health
The 11-inch M4 has a 31.29 Wh battery, rated for up to 10 hours of web browsing or video on Wi-Fi and up to 9 hours of web browsing on mobile data. These are Apple's figures for new devices.
Battery health varies by unit, and cosmetic grades (Pristine, Very Good, Good, Acceptable) describe appearance, not battery. Apple supports Settings → Battery → Battery Health on iPad Pro (M4), showing maximum capacity and cycle count.
7. Storage and cellular for travel
Storage options are 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB. If you download films for flights or keep course files offline, 512GB gives useful headroom. ProRes recording is limited to 1080p on the 256GB model.
Cellular models support 5G and Gigabit LTE and are eSIM only; physical SIM cards are not compatible. A cellular model can be handy if you work on trains or away from Wi-Fi often. Our Wi-Fi vs Cellular iPad guide helps you decide.
8. 11-inch M4 vs 11-inch M5
The 11-inch M5, released in October 2025, has the same display, dimensions, weight and rated battery life. It adds 12GB of memory on the 256GB and 512GB models, Wi-Fi 7 through Apple's N1 chip, the C1X modem on cellular models and fast charging to 50% in around 30 minutes with a suitable adapter. Both use the same Magic Keyboard. If a refurbished M4 gives you more storage or a better price, it is often the better value; the M4 vs M5 guide covers the details.
9. What to check when your iPad Pro arrives
- Confirm chip, screen size, storage, colour, Wi-Fi or cellular and glass type.
- Set up with your own Apple Account and confirm no Activation Lock remains.
- Check battery health and cycle count in Settings.
- Test Face ID, cameras, speakers, USB-C charging and the Smart Connector with a keyboard if you have one.
- Compare condition, packaging and accessories with the listing.
Qualifying refurbished devices at Tech Market include a 12-month warranty and free UK delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare iPad Pro 11-inch M4 deals in the UK?
Compare storage (which also sets memory), Wi-Fi or cellular, glass type, cosmetic grade, battery information and included accessories. Two listings with the same price can be very different products.
What was the iPad Pro 11-inch M4 launch price?
Apple's UK launch prices started at £999 (Wi-Fi) and £1,199 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
Is the 11-inch M4 good for students?
Yes, if you take it to lectures or travel often. It is light, and it works with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch.
Does the 11-inch M4 have a smaller battery than the 13-inch?
Yes, 31.29 Wh against 38.99 Wh, but Apple gives both the same rating of up to 10 hours of web browsing or video on Wi-Fi.
Final verdict
The 11-inch M4 is one of the best-value portable Pro tablets you can buy refurbished in 2026. Pick the storage you need and check the battery health. See current iPad Pro listings or all iPads at Tech Market.
Related buying guides
- iPad Pro 11-inch M5 in 2026: Is It Worth Buying? UK Guide
- iPad Pro 13-inch M4 in 2026: Worth Buying Refurbished? UK Guide
- iPad Air M4 (11-inch) in 2026: Worth Buying? UK Guide
Official sources: Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) tech specs · iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) tech specs · Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch tech specs · Apple iPad keyboards · Apple iPadOS 27 · Apple Newsroom: iPad Pro with M4 · iPad Pro (M5) tech specs · Check iPad battery health.
Reviewed 8 November 2026. Confirm current software, compatibility, product condition and availability before ordering.
