iPad Pro Considering an upgrade from (2018) 12.9”

[darinzook]

Alright MR friends… looking for some advice. I know there are some early upgraders every year. I’m especially curious for thoughts from those folks. The battery in my 2018 256GB 12.9” iPad Pro is starting to struggle to get through the day. Looks like I can get ~$600 on eBay. I think can deal with it for a while yet, but wondering if I should take advantage of trade-in offer from Apple for $495 right now? Or just wait for the next model year? Based on the MacRumors buying guide, appears we’re only mid-cycle on the current M1 generation iPad Pro. Should I pursue this route? Is it worth upgrading from the 2018 to the 2021? Performance hasn’t been an issue on the 2018 thus far for me, just battery life. Or should I stick with the 2018 for a while yet, and just tolerate the battery life a bit longer, waiting on the inevitable 2022 model? I can’t imagine the M1 chip gets upgraded yet...

 

[Wando64]

I have a 2018 11” and see absolutely no point in upgrading.
”Starting to struggle to get through the day” sounds like something I would personally be able to put up with.

With the current iPadOS there is hardly any practical difference between the 2018 models and the latest M1 and, if you can, waiting fort at least the next generation seems a wise move.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

If it is only battery that you’re concerned about, it is probably not worth upgrading now.

If you’re interested in Mini LED XDR, Center Stage, 8/16GB RAM, M1 multi-core performance and 5G then consider upgrading now.

 

[skaertus]

Alright MR friends… looking for some advice. I know there are some early upgraders every year. I’m especially curious for thoughts from those folks. The battery in my 2018 256GB 12.9” iPad Pro is starting to struggle to get through the day. Looks like I can get ~$600 on eBay. I think can deal with it for a while yet, but wondering if I should take advantage of trade-in offer from Apple for $495 right now? Or just wait for the next model year? Based on the MacRumors buying guide, appears we’re only mid-cycle on the current M1 generation iPad Pro. Should I pursue this route? Is it worth upgrading from the 2018 to the 2021? Performance hasn’t been an issue on the 2018 thus far for me, just battery life. Or should I stick with the 2018 for a while yet, and just tolerate the battery life a bit longer, waiting on the inevitable 2022 model? I can’t imagine the M1 chip gets upgraded yet...

If your problem is the battery, Apple will replace it for $99 (https://support.apple.com/ipad/repair/service). A new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with the same amount of storage (and assuming it is the wi-fi model) will cost you $1199.

Unless you are a very heavy user and take advantage of the M1 processor (which most people do not, especially given that iPad OS is not on par with it yet), the differences in performance will be so subtle that it is not worth the investment.

 

[SkiHound2]

I don't have one but I'm not sure battery life on the newest 12.9" Pros are all that either. I believe the mini LED uses more power. I've read several times that the 11" has better battery life. I don't think you gain much upgrading. You get an upgraded screen, a faster processor (though you say performance isn't an issue), upgraded cameras, ... But unless you really want those upgrades there's just not much difference in actual functionality. I've been considering ordering a 2018 or 2020 12.9 from the refurbished store.

 

[philosopherdog]

replace the battery. ipads are a mature product and the 2018 is still cutting edge. i have the same machine

 

[bscheffel]

I'm in the same boat. I have 2018 12.9" IPP. My battery cycle count is at 600 and I do now sometimes get a low battery before end of day. I have tried very hard to justify buying the 2020 and then the 2021 model but there isn't anything these iPad models can "do" that mine can't. I am going to keep waiting until the 2022 iPad comes hope there is something compelling hardware wise (doubtful). Whenever Apple decides to start adding features in iPadOS that require more than 4GB RAM is when I'll really need to upgrade but that is years away I fear since iPadOS 15 still fully supports iPads with only 2GB RAM. I don't understand why they are so hesitant to add features to iPadOS that are only available to new models - iOS has done this for years and the iPad Pro is in desperate need of some additional "Pro".