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

[rui no onna]

I have several use cases specifically for the mini for business (where the other models are too big) and why I got one but the average person does not have use cases for an ipad other than taking beauty shots for Instagram all day.

I doubt it. Smartphones have better cameras and it's pretty hard to take a selfie using an iPad (even a mini one).

Majority of people I know who have iPad minis tend to use them as ebook readers.

 

[erikkfi]

The best thing Apple can do is announce at a future WWDC that a variant of macOS is coming to the 2021 and later iPad Pros. Call it iPadPrOS. lol

The assumption since 2010 for the iPad has been that it needs a hobbled OS because it has very narrow computing power constraints. All of a sudden, in 2021 they visibly -- almost outrageously -- brought it to exact parity with their Macs! Those devices need a version of macOS with LaunchPad as a first "Space" and maybe a power mode that opens up when you plug it in and get a mouse and keyboard connected. Apple needs to do something here and while it won't be what I just described, it'll be something that really opens these devices up, I hope.

 

[Shreducator]

It’s funny because Steve Job talked about how he did not want the iPad to used like a computer. Fast forward to today where Apple now pretends an IPad can be your next computer in there marketing.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Apple has arguably worked itself into a corner; that the iPad, once marketed as a consumer product for the masses, now has variants with solutions that are looking for problems.

If you work from the use-case up, then a ‘regular’ iPad is just a great do-it-all device. But this strength comes from the fact that, as Apple itself has reiterated many times, it’s a single app experience. This is contrary to the multitasking, but I’m guessing that they are referring to the fact that the device defers to one app at a time - and for many tasks I would argue this is nice.

Equally the software is largely high quality, reliable and easy to use, which is contrary to Android. So for general consumers who just want a mobile device for consumption and specific tasks, it’s an ideal product.

The problem with iPad Pro on the other hand is that it doesn’t solve anything.

Better camera - Use the iPhone in your pocket, not that the camera in the regular iPads are at all poor.
More storage - Cloud sync, or use a removable storage drive via USB-C.
M1 processor - Nothing is taking advantage of it. Besides, anything A12 up is zippy fast.
Mini-LED display - Useful for some creative workflows, but that implies that ‘pro’ user would seek out this iPad over a Mac with mini-LED.

And this is all without considering iPadOS.

Unless Apple adds some form of ‘pro mode’ toggle in the Settings to activate a glut of new features that bring it more in line with the Mac, then workflows are barely going to improve. Apple is walking a fine line between alienating general consumers - young people, elderly and more - who just want to perform basic operations, and those who insist on greater functionality. I actually understand Apple’s hesitancy, though this is not true for their reluctance to offer the above solution.

Therefore, one must come to a few decisions. The iPad Pro is a mobile device; what specific scenarios would you rather have this in your bag than even a MacBook Air? Is it worth spending all this money - plus a Magic Keyboard potentially - when that money could be put towards something a lot more capable?

Honestly, I feel that if any ‘pro’ had an ounce of sense, they would just get a base iPad or maybe an older iPad Air and call it a day. The money saved could be put towards a nice MacBook, Pencil and other accessories.

 

[rui no onna]

Therefore, one must come to a few decisions. The iPad Pro is a mobile device; what specific scenarios would you rather have this in your bag than even a MacBook Air? Is it worth spending all this money - plus a Magic Keyboard potentially - when that money could be put towards something a lot more capable?

Honestly, I feel that if any ‘pro’ had an ounce of sense, they would just get a base iPad or maybe an older iPad Air and call it a day. The money saved could be put towards a nice MacBook, Pencil and other accessories.

For personal use, I pretty much prefer the iPad Pro 90% of the time (carry it in my purse everyday). Handles web browsing, reading, online banking and shopping just fine.

I don't bring the laptop with me unless I know there's a high likelihood of needing to do something that the iPad can't.

For my usage and preferences, iPads rank higher in terms of ease of use than laptops. To me, that's worth a certain premium.

I don't need nor want a nice MacBook. If my M1 MBA is any indication, it will just sit unused anyway.

 

[Night Spring]

I find iPad hard to hold to be honest even in the night while watching movies in the bed, this could be due to the folio cover I have and the size of the device but I have to hold the damn thing with my hand the whole time I use it. Setting up on my stomach or to the side is annoying for me as there is no adjustability to it,

I never got the folio cover for the iPad Pro, because I found it too heavy and awkward. I just got a screen protector and a third party TPU case that covers the back. When I'm using the iPad in bed, I raise my legs and rest the iPad on them. Like what the woman is doing in the picture below. This is very comfortable, and not tiring. I also have an iPad cushion, like the one in the second picture. I use that when watching videos.

 

[DeepSix]

Huh? What are you basing that on? I don't believe that one bit. And it's pretty condescending.

Sorry my bad. I'm just really frustrated with the device and taking out my frustrations.

 

[GuruZac]

The best thing Apple can do is announce at a future WWDC that a variant of macOS is coming to the 2021 and later iPad Pros. Call it iPadPrOS. lol

The assumption since 2010 for the iPad has been that it needs a hobbled OS because it has very narrow computing power constraints. All of a sudden, in 2021 they visibly -- almost outrageously -- brought it to exact parity with their Macs! Those devices need a version of macOS with LaunchPad as a first "Space" and maybe a power mode that opens up when you plug it in and get a mouse and keyboard connected. Apple needs to do something here and while it won't be what I just described, it'll be something that really opens these devices up, I hope.

Maybe the Samsung Tab 8 Ultra with Dex and many other aspects of its software that really make it a great productive tablet will inspire or have inspired Apple’s iPadOS team, because much as I love my M1 iPad Pro, the software has it locked down. I can’t imagine continued sales of the iPad Pro models if they don’t do something dramatic with the OS. I have read numerous buyer’s remorse stories of M1 iPad Pro users. People won’t be wowed by an M2 iPad Pro with a landscape camera module but the same tired OS.

 

[Isamilis]

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 mostly use my laptop and don't even pick up my iPad Pro anymore. I knew beforehand that iPad was severely limited in software. I don't know why this even exists anymore. Even the baseline MacBook Air has good value and could do heck more than the iPad.

Most of my gripes are with the software, it just cannot do much. It doesn't even have a good video player where I can watch local dolby vision content, the ones on the App Store are unnecessarily expensive. On my MacBook I can use Subler to convert an mkv DV file with 4-5 clicks and watch it on the QuickTime player. Everything is unnecessarily complicated on the iPad.

The files app is a hot mess as well on iPadOS 14. I haven't upgraded to the 15 as I have read posts about the battery life gone down to the *******. There isn't even the progress bar for copying/pasting files to and from the iPad and It sometimes fails when doing that. Every time I use the files app, I fold my hand and pray for it to go smoothly. The widgets on the iPadOS 15 has messed up the spacing on the home screen as well. Instead of adding some features the update has been an annoyance for the users. ymmv.

I am not an artist or a gamer. I did thought about picking up the Apple Pencil for the heck of it but I read forum posts about how it doesn't jive well with screen protectors so I just gave up on that idea.

Then I thought I could use it to read books but this damn thing is not that easy to hold or read on without getting fatigued eyes and hands.

It's a shame that such a good hardware is just completely hampered by the bad software experience.

For me, this has been the most regretful purchase I have ever made in my life. I am thinking about selling it but I don't know if it will fetch any good value where I live. I wished I had purchased a Mac mini or the Air instead of the iPad. Another Mac could have actually helped me in web development or other hobbies that I like exploring from time to time.

I don’t think too much on iPad replacement for laptop philosophy whatsoever. I have iMac (for family), MacBook Air and iPad Pro. I use them, just like flow. If I need big screen I use the iMac. If I need portability but need to run Mac program, then just pickup the MBA. Otherwise, especially for book reading and note taking (& conceptual drawing) I will get iPad. Sometimes I also use my iPhone to note my ideas. Just be opportunistic. I use whatever easier and practical and can fit my needs at that time. Those are all just tools, aimed to make my life easier, didn’t they?
Also note, I can still sell any of them if most of the time I didn’t use them.

 

[Mackilroy]

Apple has arguably worked itself into a corner; that the iPad, once marketed as a consumer product for the masses, now has variants with solutions that are looking for problems.

If you work from the use-case up, then a ‘regular’ iPad is just a great do-it-all device. But this strength comes from the fact that, as Apple itself has reiterated many times, it’s a single app experience. This is contrary to the multitasking, but I’m guessing that they are referring to the fact that the device defers to one app at a time - and for many tasks I would argue this is nice.

Equally the software is largely high quality, reliable and easy to use, which is contrary to Android. So for general consumers who just want a mobile device for consumption and specific tasks, it’s an ideal product.

The problem with iPad Pro on the other hand is that it doesn’t solve anything.

Better camera - Use the iPhone in your pocket, not that the camera in the regular iPads are at all poor.
More storage - Cloud sync, or use a removable storage drive via USB-C.
M1 processor - Nothing is taking advantage of it. Besides, anything A12 up is zippy fast.
Mini-LED display - Useful for some creative workflows, but that implies that ‘pro’ user would seek out this iPad over a Mac with mini-LED.

And this is all without considering iPadOS.

Unless Apple adds some form of ‘pro mode’ toggle in the Settings to activate a glut of new features that bring it more in line with the Mac, then workflows are barely going to improve. Apple is walking a fine line between alienating general consumers - young people, elderly and more - who just want to perform basic operations, and those who insist on greater functionality. I actually understand Apple’s hesitancy, though this is not true for their reluctance to offer the above solution.

Therefore, one must come to a few decisions. The iPad Pro is a mobile device; what specific scenarios would you rather have this in your bag than even a MacBook Air? Is it worth spending all this money - plus a Magic Keyboard potentially - when that money could be put towards something a lot more capable?

Honestly, I feel that if any ‘pro’ had an ounce of sense, they would just get a base iPad or maybe an older iPad Air and call it a day. The money saved could be put towards a nice MacBook, Pencil and other accessories.

There are reasons to want an iPad that have nothing to do with replacing a laptop. I enjoy drawing, and while I could certainly do that on most any iPad, it’s a better experience with a larger screen. I also use it to read, and I prefer the form factor compared to a laptop. I have an MBP, but for mobile use my iPad is superior.

 

[spiderman0616]

There are reasons to want an iPad that have nothing to do with replacing a laptop. I enjoy drawing, and while I could certainly do that on most any iPad, it’s a better experience with a larger screen. I also use it to read, and I prefer the form factor compared to a laptop. I have an MBP, but for mobile use my iPad is superior.

EXACTLY--This seems hard for people for some reason.

 

[dockgaze]

Therefore, one must come to a few decisions. The iPad Pro is a mobile device; what specific scenarios would you rather have this in your bag than even a MacBook Air? Is it worth spending all this money - plus a Magic Keyboard potentially - when that money could be put towards something a lot more capable?

Honestly, I feel that if any ‘pro’ had an ounce of sense, they would just get a base iPad or maybe an older iPad Air and call it a day. The money saved could be put towards a nice MacBook, Pencil and other accessories.

Well, maybe it’s just a more capable iPad that I want? Even if the “capability returns” become less so the more money that is spent. Please excuse my next simplistic comparison (it’s a metaphor too . . . not real dead tree or dead cow) - - - I don’t really “need” leather seats or burl wood in my car, but maybe it makes me feel good and I just want it! Apple’s premium product purchases are just that for many people. And since I already have a Magic Keyboard/Pencil2 from my ‘lesser’ Air4, maybe I’ll just decide that the better speakers etc etc are worth it to me next time around. Apple’s hardware & software are always evolving - and we’ll see where it goes! I wonder too . . . . how many Macbook Pro purchasers could do just fine with an M1 MBA, but the premium desire effect pushed them over the $$$ line? I mean nice tech is nice tech is it not!! ? So you can also surmise that my ‘case of use’ is not ‘pro’ (whatever that is) - and I much prefer the hardware modularity of the iPad line (to borrow Frederico V’s nomenclature).

 

[GuruZac]

MacBook is definitely the way to go if you have very specific software needs.

My 12.9 Pro is at times a replacement for things I used to do on a laptop - and at other times a complement to my laptop.

If I need a fully featured OS then I either use Jump Desktop on my iPad to access the laptop, or I use the laptop directly and use the iPad as a second display. 95% of the time I work on the iPad alone.

I would hate to go laptop only, as the iPad’s touch interface, versatility and Pencil compatibility are key things for me.

I am in the exact same boat. I find it a nice complement to my M1 MacBook Air, which to some probably think I’m nuts. I use my iPad Pro so much more because of the variable ways to interface with it, the beautiful miniLED display, much better speakers, and ability to use on/off my Magic
Keyboard. It’s the best all around device I’ve ever owned to be honest, but it is lacking in software and the hardware is screaming to be opened up.

 

[boss.king]

It kinda sounds like you bought a device that’s not suited to your needs. Just sell it if you don’t have a use for it—the earlier the better to get the most value for it.

 

[nexx27]

I agree. That’s why I returned the ipad 6 mini. Much happier with a kindle for reading and a mac mini+iphone xs max for everything else.

Still have a m1 air sealed in the box for selling. Dont think I need a laptop right now.

Now im waiting for apple to release a 5k display for it.

 

[pianostar9]

on iPadOS 14

What version specifically? Maybe you can have fun jailbreaking

 

[brilliantthings]

I love this discussion. I'm trying to work out which way I should go.

I have a iPad Pro 2018 with Magic keyboard with trackpad. I used to you that setup as my daily driver everything. Then I bought a M1 MBA and most of the time I want to type, I reach for it. This means that the magic keyboard and trackpad iPad Pro setup is less useful. I still love the iPad Pro as a consumption device and I always run the video call part of Zoom meetings on the iPad with a Hoverbar Duo. But for these purposes alone I dont need a display as big as 11".

I'm now wondering if I should get rid of my iPad Pro and accessories and replace it with an iPad mini 6. I'll miss the non-bluetooth non-battery keyboard, but I could always carry a lightweight keyboard (ideally usb-c) with me for this.

 

[igauravarora]

What version specifically? Maybe you can have fun jailbreaking

Oh I contemplated that as well. I'm still on 14.5.1 so it's possible but I didn't find any tweaks that would make me jailbreak the iPad. I don't like theming stuff so I am mostly interested in the utility tweaks. I'm open to suggestions

I do have a side-loading service, idk if it's against rules to name them so I will not. That basically covers somewhat the need for the jailbreak

I mostly used a sideloaded tweaked youtube app and a torrent client. That torrent client is a hit and miss as well.

After that dive into the sideloading world, I searched if i could load any other operating system on it, virtualisation I mean. There does exist an app for it but it's a pain to use. I saw that snazzylabs video on it, he goes quite deep on it.

On reading about this stuff I came to know that iPad doesn't even let the apps full utilise the 8gb of ram which is quite a shame. Maybe it could have been fixed on the 15? Idk. So knowing this, 16gb ram model of the iPad is quite "literally" useless if one is just buying the upper model for the ram. Sorry I went on a rant lol

 

[Vermelho]

The last but not the least thing is that I am glad that you enjoy using your iPad and all the people here in this thread as well. If people can utilise the iPad the way they intend it to be then all my power to you.

I get it, and it's both habits as well as specific needs that shape the device(s) that get used.
I have a very dear relationship with my 1st generation iPad pro 9.7 (2016). I'd had earlier iPads, but this was a big jump. Drawing and taking notes with the pen is fun and convenient, The apple keyboard makes my writing and communication needs easy. It's a great sofa everything browser, from news to social media, to light video consumption. But the irreplaceable use is for music (mostly chords/lyrics) which transformed the experience from the loose pages I had for years.
Unfortunately, it's dying. It doesn't charge reliably (yes, I've cleaned the socket carefully and tried different cables) and gives accessory incompatible notices now. The keyboard no longer connects.
I want a new 12.9 iPad pro, but the sticker shock keeps me in envy mode. I will buy one at a reasonable used price if you disgruntled owners truly want to retreat.

 

[igauravarora]

It kinda sounds like you bought a device that’s not suited to your needs. Just sell it if you don’t have a use for it—the earlier the better to get the most value for it.

Yes, I'm trying to sell it. I am getting offered half the price of it. I'll try and see if I can get a better deal. I have made up my mind to sell it. I still have my air 2 lying around just in case I get fomo

 

[I7guy]

I bought my wife the ipad pro m1 with the magic keyboard and she loves doing her work on it. Unfortunately only about 99% of the work can be done on the ipad. For some very specific things, the surface pro is used. But she loves watching videos from the major providers as well as surfing and email...and of course doing her day job on it. And of course, for what the dang thing cost a very nice windows laptop could have been purchased. But the ipad is just turn it on and go and the battery life is pretty, pretty good.

 

[igauravarora]

I never got the folio cover for the iPad Pro, because I found it too heavy and awkward. I just got a screen protector and a third party TPU case that covers the back. When I'm using the iPad in bed, I raise my legs and rest the iPad on them. Like what the woman is doing in the picture below. This is very comfortable, and not tiring. I also have an iPad cushion, like the one in the second picture. I use that when watching videos.

View attachment 1959039
View attachment 1959040

I never knew of that cushion haha it looks cute. The lady in the picture, I have hard time sitting like that, I have lower back issues. I do have an amazon basics stand which comes in handy sometimes.

 

[pow-spectral-let]

Agreed. I got the iPad Pro with keyboard case and Pencil mostly for Zoom whiteboarding and some “light work”. Even for very light work (simple spreadsheet editing, note taking) I wish I would have gotten the MBA instead.

 

[sparksd]

I never knew of that cushion haha it looks cute. The lady in the picture, I have hard time sitting like that, I have lower back issues. I do have an amazon basics stand which comes in handy sometimes.

I have a similar lap pillow that works great with a tablet, all the way up to my 12.9 -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017VRDPJW

 

[igauravarora]

I have a similar lap pillow that works great with a tablet, all the way up to my 12.9 -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017VRDPJW

Damn! this looks really nice and useful.