iPad Pro iPad has become quite useless and I regret purchasing it

[TiggrToo]

Got an iPad Pro less than a year ago. Mostly to consume video, I was very impressed with the mini LED screen. There, it has not disappointed. Overall however, I am very disappointed. Face ID simply sucks, partly because they use the camera on the short side of a very wide display. EVEN when I am holding it in Portrait mode, it can fail unless I tilt the top towards my face. I get a LOT of "Face not recognized." Reorienting it generally brings recognition. The camera needs to be located on the long side, not the short one as long as they are forcing this biometric on users. Frankly, I'd FAR prefer the touch ID system. I used same for a few years on a previous iPad Pro. Next why do I have to go through massive contortions to get rid of the lock screen? First I have to make sure it pointing at my face. Second I have to swipe up. Well, I have a 50% chance to even GET to my Home screen because half the time it brings up every notification I have gotten in the past 10 years! Turn off and start all over from the beginning. Oh and THAT is when the swipe works at all... for some reason about a third of the time, that swipe up simply does not respond. On my iPhone (or previous iPad Pro) with Touch ID, I press the button and 100% of the time I get to my home screen. AND that ties into the fact that touch in general becomes unresponsive maybe 25% or less of the time. No scrolling, no quitting apps, no launching apps, no nothing. Not for very long, but generally under a minute... trust me that feels exceedingly long. Bad design decisions and terribly software are jointly the issues here.

Echoing everyone else here. My launchday iPad Pro 12.9 has exhibited exactly none of the issues you've raised here, and it's been used heavily every single day.

I'd agree with others and say it's your personal tablet and nothing else.

My FaceId works a treat, there have been no issues with touch sensitivity, and I've seen no delays on anything.

 

[spiderman0616]

Sounds like there's something wrong with your ipad. Face ID is far superior to touch ID, it works so good. Mine unlocks even when the ipad is on a desk. You're putting the ipad in front of your face right when doing it?

Agree. The only feature I dislike on my mini 6 is TouchID. The iPhone has conditioned me to think no home button = FaceID, so I always just sit there waiting for it to unlock. This is after two months of owning it, so I don't think I'm ever going to be deprogrammed from FaceID at this point until something betters it.

 

[UBS28]

Echoing everyone else here. My launchday iPad Pro 12.9 has exhibited exactly none of the issues you've raised here, and it's been used heavily every single day.

I'd agree with others and say it's your personal tablet and nothing else.

My FaceId works a treat, there have been no issues with touch sensitivity, and I've seen no delays on anything.

I disagree. The Face ID is not as reliable as it is on my iPhone and it has to do with the position of the camera most likely.

 

[TiggrToo]

I disagree. The Face ID is not as reliable as it is on my iPhone and it has to do with the position of the camera most likely.

And all the other issues that the poster spoke about?

 

[bondr006]

I disagree. The Face ID is not as reliable as it is on my iPhone and it has to do with the position of the camera most likely.

What iPad do you have? My M1 iPad Pro 11 face ID and swiping gestures are just as quick and reliable as my iPhone 12 Pro Max. No face ID or swiping problems at all from either.

 

[DeepSix]

I went to see the Ultra today. Honestly? It’s nice but it doesn’t blow me away like it is for everyone else. The screen on my Note 10+ is still better. I definitely still prefer the iPad aspect ratio. It’s bigger and thinner, great but it’s still an android tablet at the end of the day. The keyboard is way inferior to the Surface Pro type cover and the S-Pen doesn’t feel any better than my Apple Pencil. Just personal preference but I actually like the smooth glass feel of the Pencil on iPads. The S-pen feels nice but nothing to rave about for me. I definitely wouldn’t switch for this reason. I saw the S8 and S8+ as well and I was out of the store in 10 minutes. Nice tablets but they don’t blow me away by earth shattering mind blowing innovation.

 

[Digitalguy]

I went to see the Ultra today. Honestly? It’s nice but it doesn’t blow me away like it is for everyone else. The screen on my Note 10+ is still better. I definitely still prefer the iPad aspect ratio. It’s bigger and thinner, great but it’s still an android tablet at the end of the day. The keyboard is way inferior to the Surface Pro type cover and the S-Pen doesn’t feel any better than my Apple Pencil. Just personal preference but I actually like the smooth glass feel of the Pencil on iPads. The S-pen feels nice but nothing to rave about for me. I definitely wouldn’t switch for this reason. I saw the S8 and S8+ as well and I was out of the store in 10 minutes. Nice tablets but they don’t blow me away by earth shattering mind blowing innovation.

You probably went there with the wrong expectations. Probably a Samsung Tab S user could have gone to an Apple store to see the M1 iPad pro when it came out and say the same, no earth shattering innovation. I don't know who is everyone else, but if you mean youtube reviewers, some don't even realize that many of the features they are raving about were already there in the Tab S7+ (oled, multitasking, dex, front camera in the right place, thin and light for the size etc).
You are right, the keyboard is nothing special, much inferior to the Magic Keyboard (still better than the smart keyboard though).
The pencil is a matter or preference, with a screen protector, I prefer the Apple pencil, without I prefer the S-pen.
The main big deal over the S7+ for me is the size (I too prefer the iPad aspect ratio, but for watching a 16:9 video with the 12.9in it's around 11.9in because of the aspect ratio, while the ultra is 14in, that's why I am glad to have both) and the added performance (I don't do anything intensive, but it turned browsing heavy sites from sluggish like with the 2015 iPad pro to snappy like the 2018 iPad pro)

 

[Mainsail]

It seem like the most satisfied iPad customers are the ones that buy the basic model. Of course, the basic iPad is popular because of the low price. Also, I think people buy this model with the idea of only using it as a simple tablet. I would guess the most consumers don't buy expensive accessories for the base model, so they aren't tempted to try to turn it into a laptop replacement. They tend to use it for casual computing activities and Apps: Mail, iMessages, Safari, Photos, Contacts, Calendar, Reminders, Notes, Files, FaceTime/Zoom, Books/PDFs, and Streaming TV/Video. If your mobile computing needs are simple, then this makes a lot of sense....save the heavy lifting for the laptop or desktop back at home or the office.

Once you start investing in Pro models with expensive Apple accessories, you raise the bar for performance and expectations. Higher expectations often lead to greater disappointment. It's hard to be disappointed with a $300 iPad.

 

[Caputo]

Now, this will depend on the individual use case but I want to share my experience.

I bought iPad Pro 12.9 M1 6 months ago, I had the Air 2 previously. Initially I used to use it as a multimedia/Youtube device and was so impressed by the display and speakers. But as I bought the MacBook Pro 16, the use case of iPad Pro has completely diminished for me.

I agree with what you’re saying and I can see both sides of the debate for and against the iPad Pro.

The iPad Pro is a reflection of the individual’s workflow and it’s complexity. I too, have the 12.9 iPad Pro and while it was great at first, my increasingly complex workflows do not fit into an iPad-only workflow even as I write this on that same device.

The magic is, IMO, in the more niche devices like the iPad mini where the boundaries of what it can do *in comparison to the iPhone* are more exciting then when you compare the iPad Pro and the MacBook.

 

[rgarjr]

It seem like the most satisfied iPad customers are the ones that buy the basic model. Of course, the basic iPad is popular because of the low price. Also, I think people buy this model with the idea of only using it as a simple tablet. I would guess the most consumers don't buy expensive accessories for the base model, so they aren't tempted to try to turn it into a laptop replacement. They tend to use it for casual computing activities and Apps: Mail, iMessages, Safari, Photos, Contacts, Calendar, Reminders, Notes, Files, FaceTime/Zoom, Books/PDFs, and Streaming TV/Video. If your mobile computing needs are simple, then this makes a lot of sense....save the heavy lifting for the laptop or desktop back at home or the office.

Once you start investing in Pro models with expensive Apple accessories, you raise the bar for performance and expectations. Higher expectations often lead to greater disappointment. It's hard to be disappointed with a $300 iPad.

I concur, once people spend over a grand for an iPad Pro, they start having high expectations for their device.

 

[igauravarora]

I agree with what you’re saying and I can see both sides of the debate for and against the iPad Pro.

The iPad Pro is a reflection of the individual’s workflow and it’s complexity. I too, have the 12.9 iPad Pro and while it was great at first, my increasingly complex workflows do not fit into an iPad-only workflow even as I write this on that same device.

The magic is, IMO, in the more niche devices like the iPad mini where the boundaries of what it can do *in comparison to the iPhone* are more exciting then when you compare the iPad Pro and the MacBook.

iPad mini does look really enticing for what it's worth. I saw some youtube video where the this guy tried to replace his iPhone with the iPad mini and I wonder if there's a market of people who would do that. For me, it isn't that big a jump from Max phones to the iPad mini, it would still look like a brick in the pocket, however, mini does give you some additional perks like usb-c and generally a mini desktop-esk experience. I guess that's a debate for another time. Nonetheless, there's definitely some magic in that mini form factor.

 

[James Godfrey]

I managed to find a slightly used 2020 12.9 iPad Pro with Cellular (256GB) for $499 in December - while there's no way I could have justified paying full retail price for it, being able to get it for that price was a no-brainer. It actually replaced an 11" Pro I had at my prior job and had to be turned in when I got laid off last year.

Yeah 100% that is a very good price ?

 

[sparksd]

iPad mini does look really enticing for what it's worth. I saw some youtube video where the this guy tried to replace his iPhone with the iPad mini and I wonder if there's a market of people who would do that. For me, it isn't that big a jump from Max phones to the iPad mini, it would still look like a brick in the pocket, however, mini does give you some additional perks like usb-c and generally a mini desktop-esk experience. I guess that's a debate for another time. Nonetheless, there's definitely some magic in that mini form factor.

I have the 12 Pro Max and the Mini 6 and for me it is a large enough size delta that I have zero interest in replacing the phone with the Mini. If I have a jacket with large pockets, the Mini can fit in one. But looking to warmer weather with a light jacket or sweatshirt - no way does it fit and I'd rather just have the phone (unless I want the Mini with me and I'm willing to carry it in my hands or in a bag or pack).

 

[spiderman0616]

I have the 12 Pro Max and the Mini 6 and for me it is a large enough size delta that I have zero interest in replacing the phone with the Mini. If I have a jacket with large pockets, the Mini can fit in one. But looking to warmer weather with a light jacket or sweatshirt - no way does it fit and I'd rather just have the phone (unless I want the Mini with me and I'm willing to carry it in my hands or in a bag or pack).

Exactly--I am of the same attitude. My mini 6 was a splurge purchase, so I maxed it out and put it on the data plan and everything. As you said, if it's warm weather and I need to "travel light" as I go through my day, the 13 Pro Max is power house enough for me to have in my pocket. If I think I'm going to be doing a lot of sitting around somewhere and can maybe get some light work done, I'll leave the iPhone behind and bring the mini 6. If I'm going to have to do a LOT of typing, I'll bring my Mac.

Three different devices, three different form factors, three different sets of use cases, all of which somewhat overlap. I can switch different models of each thing in and out of the lineup, but the fact is that they all belong there in some form for their own specific reasons, independent of which model I'm using.

 

[DeepSix]

You probably went there with the wrong expectations. Probably a Samsung Tab S user could have gone to an Apple store to see the M1 iPad pro when it came out and say the same, no earth shattering innovation. I don't know who is everyone else, but if you mean youtube reviewers, some don't even realize that many of the features they are raving about were already there in the Tab S7+ (oled, multitasking, dex, front camera in the right place, thin and light for the size etc).
You are right, the keyboard is nothing special, much inferior to the Magic Keyboard (still better than the smart keyboard though).
The pencil is a matter or preference, with a screen protector, I prefer the Apple pencil, without I prefer the S-pen.
The main big deal over the S7+ for me is the size (I too prefer the iPad aspect ratio, but for watching a 16:9 video with the 12.9in it's around 11.9in because of the aspect ratio, while the ultra is 14in, that's why I am glad to have both) and the added performance (I don't do anything intensive, but it turned browsing heavy sites from sluggish like with the 2015 iPad pro to snappy like the 2018 iPad pro)

The only side of caution is the software. Android can be hit or miss on larger screen devices. They’re trying to get better with A12L but it will take a while for apps to catch up and be optimized for the larger screen experience. Tab s8 has amazing hardware, but the amount of good quality apps on the app store makes the iPad better.

What I like about ipad is that the aspect ratio makes them feel like a real piece of paper in terms of size. Whereas the Samsungs feel like tablets. It just makes for reading on an ipad that much better because of the aspect ratio.

 

[Digitalguy]

The only side of caution is the software. Android can be hit or miss on larger screen devices. They’re trying to get better with A12L but it will take a while for apps to catch up and be optimized for the larger screen experience. Tab s8 has amazing hardware, but the amount of good quality apps on the app store makes the iPad better.

What I like about ipad is that the aspect ratio makes them feel like a real piece of paper in terms of size. Whereas the Samsungs feel like tablets. It just makes for reading on an ipad that much better because of the aspect ratio.

It depends on what you need. This is probably not true for everyone, or maybe only to a very limited extent.
Just to give you an example, the apps I mainly use are all on Android and just as good, with 2 exceptions, lumafusion, which is coming, and music creation apps, which are much less and more limited than on Mac and Windows but still a nice and quick alternative on iPad.
Other than that I mainly use Google apps, Microsoft apps, streaming apps (including plex), as well as my TV provider app, national TV app, TTS apps (not the same, but basically as good), cloud storage apps, remote desktop apps, my financial newspaper app (I have a subscription), external monitor apps (for this Android is actually better than what is on iPad, like sidecar, duet or luna) and browser apps.
None of these apps is inferior to the same or equivalent iPad app. I don't use the twitter or facebook much, but when I do, for twitter I use the PWA app and for facebook I use the browser, just like on Windows.
This just leaves the music apps for me, which I only use occasionally, mainly on holiday.
As for aspect ratio, I have already said it, I am a multi-device person, just like some like to have a smaller iPad and a larger one at the same time. I guess here on these forum, there are quite a few multi-iPad people, but iPad + Android tablet people are probably more rare here (although iPad + Android is probably even more complementary than several iPads, especially for someone that is mainly on Windows and/or has an Android phone).

 

[DeepSix]

It depends on what you need. This is probably not true for everyone, or maybe only to a very limited extent.
Just to give you an example, the apps I mainly use are all on Android and just as good, with 2 exceptions, lumafusion, which is coming, and music creation apps, which are much less and more limited than on Mac and Windows but still a nice and quick alternative on iPad.
Other than that I mainly use Google apps, Microsoft apps, streaming apps (including plex), as well as my TV provider app, national TV app, TTS apps (not the same, but basically as good), cloud storage apps, remote desktop apps, my financial newspaper app (I have a subscription), external monitor apps (for this Android is actually better than what is on iPad, like sidecar, duet or luna) and browser apps.
None of these apps is inferior to the same or equivalent iPad app. I don't use the twitter or facebook much, but when I do, for twitter I use the PWA app and for facebook I use the browser, just like on Windows.
This just leaves the music apps for me, which I only use occasionally, mainly on holiday.
As for aspect ratio, I have already said it, I am a multi-device person, just like some like to have a smaller iPad and a larger one at the same time. I guess here on these forum, there are quite a few multi-iPad people, but iPad + Android tablet people are probably more rare here (although iPad + Android is probably even more complementary than several iPads, especially for someone that is mainly on Windows and/or has an Android phone).

I agree with you but app optimization is just one factor. I still see the Ultra as purely a device that's going to be used horizontal most (if not all) the time. Multi-tasking, web browsing, it's made to be used in landscape for the best experience especially when you factor in the placement of the fingerprint scanner and camera. Web browsing in portrait on tabs just isn't as pleasant as the ipad. Using it in portrait, the balance of the device would be too front heavy. Also believe it's made to be used with the keyboard, it's not a handheld device at all. Ipad pro 11 is probably the limit to still be a handheld device.

Don't know why Samsung always have the S-pens at the back with the cover. It's awkward and they should learn from Apple and Microsoft to have it on the side. It's much easier and one less step. I know you can put the S-pen on the side on the Ultra but it doesn't charge. Over time that flap on the back keyboard will flap and become loose the more you open and close it. Plus just having the bump for the S-pen on the back prevents the device from laying completely flat when on a flat surface. So just these little gripes i have on Samsung tabs is why I still prefer the ipad.

Now if Samsung was to come out with the same device but in 4:3 aspect ratio then I would like it more. The multi tasking on Dex is really cool but after using multi-tasking on my ipad pro 11, honestly I think multi tasking on any tablet is overrated. It's a small device regardless so there are compromises and if I I want to multi-task nothing beats a desktop with a multi-monitor setup.

 

[Digitalguy]

I agree with you but app optimization is just one factor. I still see the Ultra as purely a device that's going to be used horizontal most (if not all) the time. Multi-tasking, web browsing, it's made to be used in landscape for the best experience especially when you factor in the placement of the fingerprint scanner and camera. Web browsing in portrait on tabs just isn't as pleasant as the ipad. Using it in portrait, the balance of the device would be too front heavy. Also believe it's made to be used with the keyboard, it's not a handheld device at all. Ipad pro 11 is probably the limit to still be a handheld device.

Don't know why Samsung always have the S-pens at the back with the cover. It's awkward and they should learn from Apple and Microsoft to have it on the side. It's much easier and one less step. I know you can put the S-pen on the side on the Ultra but it doesn't charge. Over time that flap on the back keyboard will flap and become loose the more you open and close it. Plus just having the bump for the S-pen on the back prevents the device from laying completely flat when on a flat surface. So just these little gripes i have on Samsung tabs is why I still prefer the ipad.

Now if Samsung was to come out with the same device but in 4:3 aspect ratio then I would like it more. The multi tasking on Dex is really cool but after using multi-tasking on my ipad pro 11, honestly I think multi tasking on any tablet is overrated. It's a small device regardless so there are compromises and if I I want to multi-task nothing beats a desktop with a multi-monitor setup.

I agree, it's an horizontal device. That's why I keep both. It's like, want a mini tablet or a large tablet, each has its advantages. So you can make your choice, or choose to have both. I don't use iPads in portrait for browsing. Only for viewing documents or reading.
S-pen placement is actually a better compromise than iPad pro. The pencil has to charge above the tablet, which prevents the proper placement of the camera. And the S-pen does not need charging except for some special functions, so I keep it like the pencil above the tablet most of the time.
I agree that multitasking is better on a desktop setup, but again Samsung is much better than iPad on this, because of size (14.6in) and full external monitor support with DeX on the monitor and OneUI on the tablet (lacking in iPadOS).

 

[G5isAlive]

I disagree. The Face ID is not as reliable as it is on my iPhone and it has to do with the position of the camera most likely.

I disagree. On either device if I don't look at the camera, Face ID does not work well. It's a matter of learning to look at the camera on the iPad and it works fine for me.

 

[Puonti]

I concur, once people spend over a grand for an iPad Pro, they start having high expectations for their device.

When I was shopping for a new iPad in 2017 I saw only one current model with a 12.9" screen so I got that one. I expected a large screen and that's what I got - had I purchased a cheaper, current iPad model that expectation would not have been met. 4+ years in and the screen's still large.

That is to say, you can't really generalize too much about price and expectations. Someone's bound to be looking differently at the same deal.

 

[rui no onna]

When I was shopping for a new iPad in 2017 I saw only one current model with a 12.9" screen so I got that one. I expected a large screen and that's what I got - had I purchased a cheaper, current iPad model that expectation would not have been met. 4+ years in and the screen's still large.

That is to say, you can't really generalize too much about price and expectations. Someone's bound to be looking differently at the same deal.

+1. I'm quite content with my Windows desktop and laptop. Tried MacOS (M1 Mac mini and MBA) and it's not for me.

Bought the M1 iPad Pro day 1 (despite already owning an M1 MBA) and my expectations were:

1. runs all the iPad apps I've been using for years

2. performs better, fewer crashes and doesn't need to be hard reset as often as my 2017 iPP

3. FaceID to make desktop use with keyboard+mouse easier (no need to constantly reach for the screen for authentication)

4. compatible with my existing Logitech Crayon

I think the disappointment is primarily from folks expecting the iPad Pro to be a 1:1 laptop replacement. Meanwhile, I just want a nice tablet and that's exactly what I got with the M1 iPP.

Mind, I once spent a couple grand over a couple years trying out Android and Windows tablets to get away from the "Apple tax". I ended up going back to the iPad. Buy cheap, buy twice.

 

[Digitalguy]

+1. I'm quite content with my Windows desktop and laptop. Tried MacOS (M1 Mac mini and MBA) and it's not for me.

Bought the M1 iPad Pro day 1 (despite already owning an M1 MBA) and my expectations were:

1. runs all the iPad apps I've been using for years

2. performs better, fewer crashes and doesn't need to be hard reset as often as my 2017 iPP

3. FaceID to make desktop use with keyboard+mouse easier (no need to constantly reach for the screen for authentication)

4. compatible with my existing Logitech Crayon

I think the disappointment is primarily from folks expecting the iPad Pro to be a laptop replacement. Meanwhile, I just want a nice tablet and that's exactly what I got with the M1 iPP.

Mind, I once spent a couple grand over a couple years trying out Android and Windows tablets to get away from the "Apple tax". I ended up going back to the iPad. Buy cheap, buy twice.

I have heard many times people saying if you spend over $1000 on a tablet you want to do more than consuming content (that's the laptop replacement narrative). They would be even more puzzled that some can spend $2000 for the 16GB version of the M1 pro (as you did, and in my case $1400 for the 16GB ultra), but then they find normal that people spend as much or more on things like a big 4k OLED TV, just for consuming content (let alone the fact that you, like me, use your tablets for quite a few years instead of upgrading every generation and spend much less on smartphones).
As for Android tablets, until a couple of years ago they were not worth it, except if you wanted as cheap as possible, but things have started to change thanks to Samsung. They main strength is however video watching. For your usage (a lot of reading) the aspect ratio makes them not an option, let alone the fact that the largest use OLED. Windows tablets, when used a lot for reading, are either too heavy or too under-powered compared to either Android or Apple, and they tend to get hot and some even noisy, so no surprise that they were not an good option either.

 

[rui no onna]

I have heard many times people saying if you spend over $1000 on a tablet you want to do more than consuming content (that's the laptop replacement narrative). They would be even more puzzled that some can spend $2000 for the 16GB version of the M1 pro (as you did, and in my case $1400 for the 16GB ultra), but then they find normal that people spend as much or more on things like a big 4k OLED TV, just for consuming content (let alone the fact that you, like me, use your tablets for quite a few years instead of upgrading every generation and spend much less on smartphones).

For me, it's the vacations that greatly relaxed my iPad budget. After an expensive, tiring and stressful 5-day trip to Disney World, I got to thinking I get much, much, much better entertainment value on a $/per hour basis from the iPad even if spend $1K every year to upgrade. Of course, with progress slowing down and top of the line going up to $2K+, I've actually been upgrading the iPad far less often.

As for Android tablets, until a couple of years ago they were not worth it, except if you wanted as cheap as possible, but things have started to change thanks to Samsung. They main strength is however video watching. For your usage (a lot of reading) the aspect ratio makes them not an option, let alone the fact that the largest use OLED. Windows tablets, when used a lot for reading, are either too heavy or too under-powered compared to either Android or Apple, and they tend to get hot and some even noisy, so no surprise that they were not an good option either.

I get migraines with OLED (one of the reasons I'm stuck with an iPhone SE2) so Samsung's a no go. I did want a 16:10 or 16:9 tablet so I can use cheap microSD cards for videos. Alas, I don't think I'd get much mileage out of a tablet that I know I'll only use for watching video (I prefer 4:3 for pretty much everything apart from videos).

 

[jagolden]

I concur, once people spend over a grand for an iPad Pro, they start having high expectations for their device.

Correct. And both of my 12.9” units meet those high expectations.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

I get migraines with OLED (one of the reasons I'm stuck with an iPhone SE2) so Samsung's a no go. I did want a 16:10 or 16:9 tablet so I can use cheap microSD cards for videos. Alas, I don't think I'd get much mileage out of a tablet that I know I'll only use for watching video (I prefer 4:3 for pretty much everything apart from videos).

FYI ?

Galaxy Tab S7/S8 - LED
Galaxy Tab S7+/S8+ - Super AMOLED
GALAXY Tab Ultra - Super AMOLED