iPad Pro I have an iPad Pro 2018... the iPad Pro M1 doesn't seem better at all, it might even be worse!

[thefriendshipmachine]

Ok I know it's like 2x faster and has a better screen but:

1. who cares about 2x faster and more ram when ipad os is as crippled and limited as it is
1a. I have literally never said "wow my 2018 ipad pro is too slow", it's actually incredibly powerful and fast again due to ios being limited
2. the screen is better in the M1 ipad but it has blooming, and the screen on the 2018 is already beautiful
2a. I read a ton of books on my ipad in dark mode so the blooming sounds awful to me
3. the M1 ipad is actually thicker than the 2018 so heavier to hold especially in bed reading
4. the m1 ipad has thunderbolt 4 but no proper multiple monitor support.... so what the heck is the point.

so in closing... did apple actually take a step backward with the new iPad? It honestly seems like they did. It looks like there is absolutely zero value proposition to upgrading in large part because iOS is still limited and as such doesn't really let you take advantage of the features.

I am just confused. Their hardware is too good and their software too limited such that there's no reason to upgrade at all. Why would they do this?

 

[Surfman]

thanks for letting us know

 

[sparksd]

I went from the 2018 12.9 to the 2021 12.9, primarily for the improved display and more memory and have not been the least disappointed. I see some blooming in absolute dark conditions with stark white elements in the display but not to any extent that bothers me. Colors are vivid and contrast is excellent. I see less reloads with more memory. I've also seen WiFi improvements - from consistent 500 Mbps on the 2018 to consistent 800 Mbps on my home WiFi. I'm real happy with it and it in no way represents a step back to me.

 

[PrettyWings]

Nobody knows. Very nice hardware but not very many ways to take advantage of it in this PRO device.

 

[ericwn]

Apple should have just raised prices and stopped updating after 2018 by the sound of some folks. Yes iPad now has better hardware specs and continues to work like an iPad.

I’ll take a better screen on the biggest iPad over weight saving a couple gramm any day.

 

[DMG35]

Its not really much better, but its not really meant for everyone to upgrade. I think if you have a 1st or 2nd Gen iPad Pro its definitely worth it but not so much if you have the newer devices. I think there is a little difference in the M1 and 2018 (that's what I came from) and I definitely see better battery life as my 2018 battery was truly awful. But outside of that, the changes are marginal. There is definitely less reloading of background apps for sure.

Anyone who upgraded from the 2020 isn't see any noticeable change outside of the screen. The 2020 iPad Pro and the 2021 are nearly identical in performance in all of the tests I've ran and there is literally no difference between them.

Apple is smart. They knew this years iPad wasn't going to be a huge change so they did a couple of things. Instead of designing an A14 chip they put an M1 into the iPad Pro. Thing is, the M1 chip is really just an A14 chip but Apple knew that people would fawn over an M1 chip being in the iPad. Secondly they added more RAM. You can't do anything with the additional RAM but Apple knows that there are RAM hungry people and that they would buy it just because they put more unusable RAM in it. Even something like center is pointless because of the camera location. Its a cool feature but its not really worth much due to the fact that the camera is on its side in landscape mode (which is completely maddening).

I like my M1 iPad Pro but I'm not blind to the fact that its barely, and I mean barely a better iPad than the two previous generations.

 

[Digitalguy]

Ok I know it's like 2x faster and has a better screen but:

1. who cares about 2x faster and more ram when ipad os is as crippled and limited as it is
1a. I have literally never said "wow my 2018 ipad pro is too slow", it's actually incredibly powerful and fast again due to ios being limited
2. the screen is better in the M1 ipad but it has blooming, and the screen on the 2018 is already beautiful
2a. I read a ton of books on my ipad in dark mode so the blooming sounds awful to me
3. the M1 ipad is actually thicker than the 2018 so heavier to hold especially in bed reading
4. the m1 ipad has thunderbolt 4 but no proper multiple monitor support.... so what the heck is the point.

so in closing... did apple actually take a step backward with the new iPad? It honestly seems like they did. It looks like there is absolutely zero value proposition to upgrading in large part because iOS is still limited and as such doesn't really let you take advantage of the features.

I am just confused. Their hardware is too good and their software too limited such that there's no reason to upgrade at all. Why would they do this?

That's why I just bought a 2018 model for half the price.... (upgrading from a 2015 12.9)
I played with the M1 in the Apple store yesterday and in another store today...
In normal use, not watching HDR videos, the difference in contrast/darks/brightness is barely noticeable in daylight... Having said that blooming is a non issue in daylight either, there is basically no blooming...
The weight difference is noticeable (I didn't think it was going to be), and for me this is more important than miniled, since I already have an OLED tablet for movies, and I use the iPad for reading more than for video watching, but for some people it might be the opposite...
At this point TB is not even functional, many TB accessories just don't work...
A12X is plenty fast.
The only real big difference is RAM, which is great for keeping apps loaded when not in use.

 

[darngooddesign]

1a. I have literally never said "wow my 2018 ipad pro is too slow", it's actually incredibly powerful and fast again due to ios being limited

Whether or not iOS is limited is irrelevant because this is really the only thing that matters. If you don't find your current iPad to be slow, then you don't need to upgrade.

 

[slplss]

If you already have 2018, 2020 (Pro and Air), na, I don't see a reason to upgrade, unless you FOMO the new screen.
But saying it has gone backwards (considering the SOC, screen upgrade) is delusional.

As a verified bloomer, I can honestly tell you there's little to no blooming in iBooks on Dark Mode, pitch black environment on XDR. Since the gaps between the lines are too small, most zones stay lit on minimum brightness, giving the screen homogeneous appearance.

 

[Bottux]

Ok I know it's like 2x faster and has a better screen but:

1. who cares about 2x faster and more ram when ipad os is as crippled and limited as it is
1a. I have literally never said "wow my 2018 ipad pro is too slow", it's actually incredibly powerful and fast again due to ios being limited
2. the screen is better in the M1 ipad but it has blooming, and the screen on the 2018 is already beautiful
2a. I read a ton of books on my ipad in dark mode so the blooming sounds awful to me
3. the M1 ipad is actually thicker than the 2018 so heavier to hold especially in bed reading
4. the m1 ipad has thunderbolt 4 but no proper multiple monitor support.... so what the heck is the point.

so in closing... did apple actually take a step backward with the new iPad? It honestly seems like they did. It looks like there is absolutely zero value proposition to upgrading in large part because iOS is still limited and as such doesn't really let you take advantage of the features.

I am just confused. Their hardware is too good and their software too limited such that there's no reason to upgrade at all. Why would they do this?

You wrote all that without even actually using the M1 iPad pro.....

 

[iamMacPerson]

In four years, when the the 2018 iPad Pro is the age of the iPad Air 2 today and it’s still getting updates but is slow compared to the-then 4 year old M1 iPad Pro, I’m sure the M1 will look like a god send.

 

[Indepenskter]

How do you know if the iPad M1 isn’t better at all if you don’t have one?

 

[DMG35]

How do you know if the iPad M1 isn’t better at all if you don’t have one?

He doesn't, he was just asking. But I can tell you that for the most part its the same as the previous models but with a better screen.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Ok I know it's like 2x faster and has a better screen but:

1. who cares about 2x faster and more ram when ipad os is as crippled and limited as it is
1a. I have literally never said "wow my 2018 ipad pro is too slow", it's actually incredibly powerful and fast again due to ios being limited
2. the screen is better in the M1 ipad but it has blooming, and the screen on the 2018 is already beautiful
2a. I read a ton of books on my ipad in dark mode so the blooming sounds awful to me
3. the M1 ipad is actually thicker than the 2018 so heavier to hold especially in bed reading
4. the m1 ipad has thunderbolt 4 but no proper multiple monitor support.... so what the heck is the point.

so in closing... did apple actually take a step backward with the new iPad? It honestly seems like they did. It looks like there is absolutely zero value proposition to upgrading in large part because iOS is still limited and as such doesn't really let you take advantage of the features.

I am just confused. Their hardware is too good and their software too limited such that there's no reason to upgrade at all. Why would they do this?

No step back by Apple. They just released a device you don't need really need.

 

[Abazigal]

Ok I know it's like 2x faster and has a better screen but:

1. who cares about 2x faster and more ram when ipad os is as crippled and limited as it is
1a. I have literally never said "wow my 2018 ipad pro is too slow", it's actually incredibly powerful and fast again due to ios being limited
2. the screen is better in the M1 ipad but it has blooming, and the screen on the 2018 is already beautiful
2a. I read a ton of books on my ipad in dark mode so the blooming sounds awful to me
3. the M1 ipad is actually thicker than the 2018 so heavier to hold especially in bed reading
4. the m1 ipad has thunderbolt 4 but no proper multiple monitor support.... so what the heck is the point.

so in closing... did apple actually take a step backward with the new iPad? It honestly seems like they did. It looks like there is absolutely zero value proposition to upgrading in large part because iOS is still limited and as such doesn't really let you take advantage of the features.

I am just confused. Their hardware is too good and their software too limited such that there's no reason to upgrade at all. Why would they do this?

Maybe it’s not aimed at 2018 iPad Pro users. Anyways, on to address your points.

1) I see it more as “why not?”. A13 is arguable overpowered for the iphone SE, but that’s what will also allow it to be supported for a minimum of 5 years.

Between 6gb ram and A14X chip and M1, why not just go with whichever option offers the better specs. You may not need it right away, but I think this will become more important in the future because it means your ipad will continue to be future-proof.

2) Can’t comment on the blooming issue, though that likely won’t be an issue if you are opting for the 11” M1 iPad Pro.

3) I don’t think the extra thickness or weight will be anything to complain about. Either way, irrelevant if you are going with the 11” iPad Pro.

4) Thunderbolt means faster transfer speeds using external drives?

All I can see from your points is that there really isn’t much of an incentive to upgrade for the money, but that’s also a good thing, because it means that 2018 iPad Pro users can expect to get another 2-3 years out of their current device without feeling like they are missing out on some indispensable feature.

If you were previously on the 2015 or 2017 iPad Pro and are in the market for something newer (especially the new form factor and redesigned accessories), why not?

 

[jeremiah256]

Going forward (more RAM, faster SoC, more storage options, additional screen option, Thunderbolt 4 port, etc) in ways you don’t need or want is still going forward.

 

[doboy]

OMFG, how many of these threads do we need?

 

[cardfan]

Ok I know it's like 2x faster and has a better screen but:

1. who cares about 2x faster and more ram when ipad os is as crippled and limited as it is
1a. I have literally never said "wow my 2018 ipad pro is too slow", it's actually incredibly powerful and fast again due to ios being limited
2. the screen is better in the M1 ipad but it has blooming, and the screen on the 2018 is already beautiful
2a. I read a ton of books on my ipad in dark mode so the blooming sounds awful to me
3. the M1 ipad is actually thicker than the 2018 so heavier to hold especially in bed reading
4. the m1 ipad has thunderbolt 4 but no proper multiple monitor support.... so what the heck is the point.

so in closing... did apple actually take a step backward with the new iPad? It honestly seems like they did. It looks like there is absolutely zero value proposition to upgrading in large part because iOS is still limited and as such doesn't really let you take advantage of the features.

I am just confused. Their hardware is too good and their software too limited such that there's no reason to upgrade at all. Why would they do this?

It boils down to do you view/edit hdr content? If this isn’t you then keep the 2018 iPad and ignore the 2021 iPad Pro. Chances are apple will have oled in future. They’ll have mini led MacBooks. Be patient.

 

[Bobcat32]

I have the 2020 and the other day performed a 3D scan of the living room. The massively larger than the iPhone screen helped with performing the scan and was a joy to use visually. Already triumphs the 2018 there.

In Minecraft the render distance is farther and faster as it’s tied directly into ram and the SoC how far rendering is done. The 6 GB and the faster processor with one more graphics core has helped tremendously in my gaming. A half win and a win win with the 2020 and then now the 2021 respectively over the 2018.

After all the ruckus dies down and people ACTUALLY start buying the iPad Pro 2021 12.9 people will realize that all of that nay saying about the screen was misplaced and was simply bandwagoning and that screen is actually far superior to traditional LCD in almost every way.

If you watch jerryrigs everything the iPad Pro 12.9 actually survived the bend test way better than the previous 2018 and 2020. Therefore the added structural integrity from the increase in thickness is actually a good thing whether you believe so or not. If the device feels heavier to you and your arms can’t take it then it’s best you get the magic keyboard to offset that ‘weight’ and then place it on your lap or desk.

Thunderbolt 4 for the time being is awesome for external storage medium and transfer rates. I can’t see how this is a bad thing. I think we need proper single monitor support first before we ever get multiple.. Apple is slow but not stupid. Give it time.

If you have the 2018 you have a legit device and you had best keep it as long as possible to make it worthwhile. 5-6 years. That’s how long there are softwares updates. And the device WILL work between then and now. You’re not supposed to care about the upgrades between now and then anyways. It will iteratively compound all of these upgrades and you will be rewarded for waiting. With a legit iPad. 2024? Ya that iPad will be sick

 

[AutomaticApple]

You wrote all that without even actually using the M1 iPad pro.....

That's the unbelievable part!

 

[tsa1]

Lmao meant to quote the reply above this, but yeah.

 

[aacemyan]

I still dont understand why people complain about apple innovating on a regular basis. We should be thankful that hardware keeps getting faster instead of staying stagnant for years on end (intel 14nm anybody?). If you want to upgrade feel free, if not your current ipad is fine. we should all be thankful that these iPads have such a great lifespan compared to phones and computers.

I’ve had a 2018 11”, 2020 12.9” and 2021 12.9”. Compared to last years model, apple has upgraded almost every aspect of the device (screen, desktop grade processor, ram, ssd speed, wireless connectivity, cameras, etc.). Not sure what everyone was expecting?

 

[UBS28]

If you are doing on light things on your iPad Pro so that you do not notice the speed, then you should not have upgraded.

The screen is alot better and the machine is a lot more powerful.

The M1 iPad Pro is the best update Apple did in years.

If you got a screen with blooming, then get it replaced.

 

[aacemyan]

If you are doing on light things on your iPad Pro so that you do not notice the speed, then you should not have upgraded.

The screen is alot better and the machine is a lot more powerful.

The M1 iPad Pro is the best update Apple did in years.

If you got a screen with blooming, then get it replaced.

Don’t all screens have blooming? Wasn’t aware there was solid evidence that certain iPads have less than others

 

[UBS28]

Don’t all screens have blooming? Wasn’t aware there was solid evidence that certain iPads have less than others

I actually haven‘t seen blooming on mine yet quite surprisingly. I have seen some pictures on the internet of others having it though.