iPad Pro Is it time to upgrade from an original iPad Pro?

[jerryk]

I have been noticing that my original iPad pro 9.7 is struggling more and mode with each new OS update. Right now it hangs once or twice a week and has issues with charging sometimes. I am wondering how long before IPadOS no longer supports this thing, and if I should look at upgrading.

Any advice on which Mx iPad Pro makes the most sense to upgrade to? Is there any reason to wait for M3? The primary use is media consumption, light productivity work on travel when I don't have my M2 14" MBP, and some gaming.

 

[coffeemilktea]

The primary use is media consumption, light productivity work on travel when I don't have my M2 14" MBP, and some gaming.

I imagine you'd be perfectly fine with the iPad Air with its M1 chip. Heck, depending on the games you play, even the "regular" iPad (the 10th generation one) would work alright. ✌

But if you specifically want the iPad Pro, I'd say wait until the next generation launches around October(?) and see if it comes with nice features. At the very least, it'll stay fast on whatever the next OS version is.

 

[JCCL]

I imagine you'd be perfectly fine with the iPad Air with its M1 chip. Heck, depending on the games you play, even the "regular" iPad (the 10th generation one) would work alright. ✌

But if you specifically want the iPad Pro, I'd say wait until the next generation launches around October(?) and see if it comes with nice features. At the very least, it'll stay fast on whatever the next OS version is.

Most of the rumors point to the iPad not receiving a major update until next year, and apparently it come with a heftier price tag

OP, if you need once today I would get either the iPad Pro 11 or iPad Air 5th Gem, but if you can get by with what you have I would see what happens with iPadOS 17 and if yours continues to be supported.

 

[darngooddesign]

I have been noticing that my original iPad pro 9.7 is struggling more and mode with each new OS update. Right now it hangs once or twice a week and has issues with charging sometimes. I am wondering how long before IPadOS no longer supports this thing, and if I should look at upgrading.

The latest article says that it wont get the next OS.

Any advice on which Mx iPad Pro makes the most sense to upgrade to? Is there any reason to wait for M3? The primary use is media consumption, light productivity work on travel when I don't have my M2 14" MBP, and some gaming.

The M3 will probably be a little faster with battery life improvements. Probably get a landscape front camera with a new Pencil 3 design to accommodate it. But for your needs a refurbished M1 Pro would be fine.

 

[Digitalguy]

The main reason to wait for M3 next year (Spring 2024) is that the 11" will be getting an OLED screen.

 

[darngooddesign]

The main reason to wait for M3 next year (Spring 2024) is that the 11" will be getting an OLED screen.

Isn't OLED supposed to come with a significant price increase?

 

[Digitalguy]

Isn't OLED supposed to come with a significant price increase?

My guess is it will increase by $100, to $900 and the 12.9" will stay at $1099. Worst-case scenario is $999 and $1199, but I don't think it's likely.

 

[darngooddesign]

My guess is it will increase by $100, to $900 and the 12.9" will stay at $1099. Worst-case scenario is $999 and $1199, but I don't think it's likely.

That would be my assumption but the reports had it as several hundred due to the type of expensive OLED Apple is supposed to use. I do think that both the 11” and 13” will get OLED.

 

[MarkC426]

Isn't OLED supposed to come with a significant price increase?

I think your right...

In the UK, the M2 was a £250 increase in price over the M1 (12.9").
M1 £999
M2 £1249
M3 .....?
So if the trend continues, it could be the same increase again.....

 

[antiprotest]

Get the Apple refurbished M1 (3rd gen).

Best deal: Fast chip -- faster than what most iPad tasks will make use of. Individually cleaned and inspected. New battery. New shell. Same warranty as new device.

Refurbished iPad - iPad Pro 11"

Save up to 15% on a refurbished iPad Pro 11" at Apple Online Store with free delivery. All models are Apple-certified with a 1-year warranty.

www.apple.com

 

[Thisismattwade]

The refurb M1 iPP is a screaming good deal. Time to ditch your 1st gen; you will be very happy.

 

[Populus]

I have been noticing that my original iPad pro 9.7 is struggling more and mode with each new OS update. Right now it hangs once or twice a week and has issues with charging sometimes. I am wondering how long before IPadOS no longer supports this thing, and if I should look at upgrading.

Any advice on which Mx iPad Pro makes the most sense to upgrade to? Is there any reason to wait for M3? The primary use is media consumption, light productivity work on travel when I don't have my M2 14" MBP, and some gaming.

iPad Pro user here (first 2018 now M2 model).

If you don’t have any kind of issues with OLED displays, have a good budget (it’s going to be even more expensive) and you can wait almost a year from now, you should wait, as the next iPad Pro is going to be a major revamp and the M3 is going to be awesome.

However, if you don’t meet any of the above mentioned conditions, an M2 iPad Pro is a great device. I don’t think I’ll regret buying it because my eyes cannot stand OLED displays, but if you do, OLED is going to provide much better image quality.

The only thing I could regret in the long run is getting the 128GB model, but for now it’s enough for my needs. I’m still thinking about selling it in order to purchase the 256GB model, but I’m not sure what I’ll end up doing.

TL;DR: if you can wait, you like OLED technology and you think you’ll be able to afford it (think that it’s going to be more than a thousand USD for the smaller one), then wait. Otherwise, just get the M2 as is a phenomenal device.

PS: as some users have suggested, the Apple Official Refurb M1 iPad Pro is another good option, if the budget is tight.

 

[Thisismattwade]

TL;DR: if you can wait, you like OLED technology and you think you’ll be able to afford it (think that it’s going to be more than a thousand USD for the smaller one), then wait. Otherwise, just get the M2 as is a phenomenal device.

This is a good summary of why I'm holding onto our 2018 11" for a little longer. 👍

 

[bradbomb]

I had a OG 2015 12.9" iPad Pro (128GB no True Tone, no ProMotion, Cell model) that I just recently retired last month. I jumped on a deal with Expercom and bought the 11" M1 iPad Pro WiFi with 256 GB on storage. I am very happy with it. Originally, I thought I would want the 12.9 for the Mini-LED display and just screen real estate, but this upgrade was worth the price at $679 and am really happy with the 11" screen.

 

[erikkfi]

I had my iPad Pro 9.7's battery replaced about 16 months ago and that gave it a new lease on life. Still, slower or less-optimized apps really give it trouble. Even the NYT app chugs, while the Washington Post one is fine. One more year of updates would be a miracle, but I'm coming to terms with the fact that this is the beginning of the end for the old girl.

Like others have said, I'm going to hold out until the next Pro release either way. I feel that the M3 Pro with OLED would be another "special" release like the 9.7 Pro was back in 2016, with enough great specs and features to help it hold on as a great device even as new ones came out. With its laminated display and four-speaker arrangement, I'd take my old Pro over a 9th- or even 10th-generation iPad, and that's been a nice feeling.

 

[brilliantthings]

I recently bought an M1 iPad Pro. I'm very happy with the upgrade.

 

[FeliApple]

I had my iPad Pro 9.7's battery replaced about 16 months ago and that gave it a new lease on life. Still, slower or less-optimized apps really give it trouble. Even the NYT app chugs, while the Washington Post one is fine. One more year of updates would be a miracle, but I'm coming to terms with the fact that this is the beginning of the end for the old girl.

Like others have said, I'm going to hold out until the next Pro release either way. I feel that the M3 Pro with OLED would be another "special" release like the 9.7 Pro was back in 2016, with enough great specs and features to help it hold on as a great device even as new ones came out. With its laminated display and four-speaker arrangement, I'd take my old Pro over a 9th- or even 10th-generation iPad, and that's been a nice feeling.

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is my favourite iPad ever, and in my opinion, extremely underrated.

When Apple originally designed the iPad, they were very clear about what they wanted: a 9.7-inch screen with that form factor. Apple has repeatedly stated that that form factor is what they wanted to do. History proves it: it is the iPad with the most iterations ever, with 9 (iPads 1st through 6th-gen; iPad Air and iPad Air 2; and its best iteration: the 9.7-inch iPad Pro). The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is the most feature-complete iPad of that size: in a way, it’s how Apple chose to perfect the original idea they had. Many of its features still stand out today: it’s what you said about the speakers and the laminated display.

Apple can launch whatever they like, but as they will not release another 9.7-inch iPad, this one will remain as the best iPad Apple ever made with their original design intention.

I have an iPad Air 5, but I’m going to keep this one. Like I said: it’s my favourite iPad ever.

 

[Apple2501]

No. If you have to ask you dont need it. It will let you know when it’s time to go….. through usage.

 

[orionquest]

For that use case, no. IF you just want something new well then that's different buy it.

 

[saltcityman11]

Me, generally, I only replace every 3 years.

 

[rui no onna]

Me, generally, I only replace every 3 years.

In the OP’s case, it’s been 7 years (assuming he got it at launch).

Personally, I don’t even like 4GB RAM devices on iPadOS 16 never mind 2GB.

 

[TGM85]

As others have recommended: I would seriously consider getting an Apple refurbished 11” iPad Pro M1. I bought one a month ago and I’m very happy with it.

The M1 is ludicrously overpowered for most iPadOS tasks and will be great for years to come. It will most likely be supported for many years as well. The M2 is a bit more recent and a still faster chip, but imho it’s not worth the premium over the M1.

You can wait for M3, but I wouldn’t.

 

[zidarko]

Upgraded from the original iPad Pro to an iPad Air 5 a year ago. Good upgrade. Everything but the external monitor works as advertised.

I had to recycle the aforementioned iPad Pro because the battery swelled badly and the device is vintage.

 

[CharlesShaw]

The refurb M1 iPP is a screaming good deal. Time to ditch your 1st gen; you will be very happy.

Agreed about the deal. I’m finally going to recycle and replace my display-troubled 10.5” with an Apple refurbished M1 Pro. The 2017 10.5” launch price was US$649 (I got mine in a deal in 2018). Adjusting $649 for inflation is about $800 in 2023, so the current Pro prices are not bad, but the refurbished M1 price is indeed an exceptional value.

 

[FeliApple]

Agreed about the deal. I’m finally going to recycle and replace my display-troubled 10.5” with an Apple refurbished M1 Pro. The 2017 10.5” launch price was US$649 (I got mine in a deal in 2018). Adjusting $649 for inflation is about $800 in 2023, so the current Pro prices are not bad, but the refurbished M1 price is indeed an exceptional value.

Why recycle it though? Doesn’t it work well enough to keep it?

I could’ve traded in my 9.7-inch iPad Pro, but I would’ve gotten $40, and for that, I kept it.
(I wouldn’t have sold it regardless, but it’s just to make a point).