iPad Pro 13-inch M4 in 2026: Worth Buying Refurbished? UK Guide

Is a refurbished iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) worth buying in 2026? Yes, if you want Apple's largest Pro display and the right storage at a fair price, because the 13-inch M4 has the same screen size, thickness and weight as the newer M5 model and is compatible with iPadOS 27.

Apple announced the M4 iPad Pro in May 2024, starting at £1,299 for the 13-inch Wi-Fi model in the UK. Two years on, the real questions for a refurbished unit are storage, memory, connectivity and battery condition. This guide covers the 13-inch model only. For the chip-by-chip comparison, see our iPad Pro M4 vs M5 guide.

1. Is the iPad Pro 13-inch M4 supported in 2026?

Yes. Apple lists iPad Pro models with M1 and later as compatible with iPadOS 27, which includes the M4. Apple also lists iPad models with M1 or later for Apple Intelligence features, subject to language and region. Future iPadOS support is decided by Apple each year, so treat long-term plans as likely rather than guaranteed. Our iPadOS 27 compatibility guide covers the full list.

2. Performance: what the M4 offers

The 256GB and 512GB models use a 9-core CPU (3 performance and 6 efficiency cores) with 8GB of memory. The 1TB and 2TB models have a 10-core CPU (4 performance cores) and 16GB of memory. All versions have a 10-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and a 16-core Neural Engine. At launch, Apple said M4 delivered up to 1.5x faster CPU performance than the M2 iPad Pro.

For drawing, photo editing, office work, streaming and most games, any configuration is capable. If you run large multitrack audio projects, heavy video timelines or many pro apps side by side, the extra memory in the 1TB and 2TB versions is the more useful upgrade.

3. The 13-inch display: the main reason to buy this model

The 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR screen uses tandem OLED, which combines two OLED panels. Apple rates it at 1,000 nits full-screen brightness for SDR and HDR, 1,600 nits peak for HDR content, and a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, with ProMotion, P3 wide colour and True Tone.

The larger canvas helps with illustration, two apps side by side, reading full A4 documents and editing timelines. Nano-texture glass was an option only on the 1TB and 2TB models. It reduces reflections but needs careful cleaning, so check whether a listing states standard or nano-texture glass.

4. Size and weight: is 13 inches too big?

The 13-inch M4 measures 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm and weighs 579g (Wi-Fi) or 582g (cellular). By comparison, the 11-inch M4 weighs 444g. On a desk, on a lap with a keyboard, or with a pencil in hand, the 13-inch works well. For holding with one hand on a train or reading in bed, the 11-inch is easier. If you will mostly use the iPad handheld, the smaller model is worth considering.

5. Battery life and battery health

The 13-inch M4 has a 38.99 Wh battery. Apple rates it 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 figures are for new devices under Apple's test conditions.

On a refurbished unit, 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, so you can check it after setup.

6. Which storage option should you choose?

The 13-inch M4 came in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB. Storage also decides memory: 8GB below 1TB and 16GB at 1TB and above. One detail matters for video makers: ProRes recording goes up to 4K at 30 fps, but the 256GB model is limited to 1080p ProRes. For notes, drawing and streaming, 256GB is often enough. For local video or large photo libraries, 512GB or more is more comfortable.

7. 13-inch M4 vs 13-inch M5: should you pay more?

Apple's 13-inch M5 iPad Pro, released in October 2025, has the same 13-inch tandem OLED screen, the same 5.1 mm design and the same weight. The changes are inside: 12GB of memory on the 256GB and 512GB models, Apple's N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7, the C1X modem on cellular models, and fast charging to 50% in around 30 minutes with a suitable adapter. Apple launched the 13-inch M5 at the same £1,299 starting price as the M4.

If you mainly want the large display, a well-specified M4 at a lower price can be the better buy. Our M4 vs M5 comparison covers the differences in detail.

8. Apple Pencil, keyboard and connectivity

Apple lists Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) for this model, with hover. Older pencils are not on that list; see which iPad supports which Apple Pencil. Apple lists the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13-inch as compatible with both the M4 and M5 models.

The USB-C port supports Thunderbolt / USB 4 up to 40Gb/s. Wireless is Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Cellular models support 5G and are eSIM only; physical SIM cards are not compatible, so confirm your network supports eSIM on iPad.

9. What to check when your iPad Pro arrives

1. Confirm screen size, chip, storage, colour, Wi-Fi or cellular, and glass type match the order.
2. Set up with your own Apple Account and confirm no Activation Lock remains.
3. Check Settings → Battery → Battery Health for maximum capacity and cycle count.
4. Test Face ID, cameras, speakers, the USB-C port and Apple Pencil pairing if you have one.
5. Look at the display on a dark background and a white background.
6. Compare the condition and included accessories with the listing.

Qualifying refurbished devices at Tech Market include a 12-month warranty and free UK delivery.

Frequently asked questions

Is a refurbished iPad Pro 13-inch M4 worth it?

For most buyers, yes. It has the same display, size and weight as the 13-inch M5, and Apple lists it for iPadOS 27. Check the storage, memory tier and battery health on the exact listing.

What was the iPad Pro 13-inch M4 price at launch?

Apple's UK launch prices started at £1,299 (Wi-Fi) and £1,499 (Wi-Fi + Cellular). Refurbished prices vary by storage, connectivity and condition, so compare current listings.

How do I compare iPad Pro 13-inch M4 deals?

Compare like with like: storage (which also decides memory), Wi-Fi or cellular, standard or nano-texture glass, cosmetic grade, battery information and included accessories.

Does the iPad Pro 13-inch M4 have a SIM card slot?

No. Cellular models are eSIM only.

Final verdict

A refurbished 13-inch M4 is a strong buy if you want the big Pro screen without paying for the M5's internal upgrades. Choose your storage carefully and check the battery. See current iPad Pro listings or all iPads at Tech Market.

Related buying guides

• iPad Pro 11-inch M4 in 2026: Worth Buying Refurbished? UK Guide
• iPad Pro 11-inch M5 in 2026: Is It Worth Buying? UK Guide
• iPad Air M4 (11-inch) in 2026: Worth Buying? UK Guide

Official sources: Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) tech specs · iPad Pro (M5) tech specs · Apple iPadOS 27 · Apple Newsroom: iPad Pro with M4 · Apple Newsroom: iPad Pro with M5 · Apple iPad keyboards · Check iPad battery health.

Reviewed 8 November 2026. Confirm current software, compatibility, product condition and availability before ordering.