iPad Pro Refurb IPP 12.9" M1 vs new Air 13" M2

[HiVolt]

My mom's 2017 iPad Pro 12.9" battery is getting bad, and is unlikely to be supported in newer iPad OS, so a replacement is going to be needed soon...

I was happy to see the 13" iPad Air get released, but it is still quite pricey here in Canada.

I am weighing the options as follows

Refurb iPad Pro M1 12.9" 128gb - $1049 CAD
New iPad Air M2 13" 128gb - $1099 CAD

From what I recall, there wasn't any huge leap from M1 to M2, and the better display, speakers, cameras is a plus for the iPad Pro M1.

My only question is future iPad OS Support, with M1 and M2 being very similar, would Apple discontinue support for the M1 much sooner than M2?

 

[semajm85]

M1 12.9 for sure. superior in every way except processor and weight.

 

[JPack]

WWDC is probably a good opportunity to see how Apple handles support for iPadOS. Historically, Apple supports devices based on launch date and M1 is 18 months older than M2.

 

[HiVolt]

WWDC is probably a good opportunity to see how Apple handles support for iPadOS. Historically, Apple supports devices based on launch date and M1 is 18 months older than M2.

I think I read rumors that it will require a processor with some neural engine (Bionic), which the A10X does not have.

It makes sense with the AI push.

 

[JPack]

I think I read rumors that it will require a processor with some neural engine (Bionic), which the A10X does not have.

It makes sense with the AI push.

Gurman says it'll need processors from last year or so, which means A17/M3. But non-AI support will still follow the launch date model.

 

[HiVolt]

If that's the case, then maybe I'll wait until the M2 Ipad Pro's hit the refurb store. Cuz i'm sure it will take a while for the M2 Air's to appear, at least in the Canadian refurb store which always takes longer to get stuff in.

 

[cibonak]

If that's the case, then maybe I'll wait until the M2 Ipad Pro's hit the refurb store. Cuz i'm sure it will take a while for the M2 Air's to appear, at least in the Canadian refurb store which always takes longer to get stuff in.

Marketplace

 

[Adelphos33]

1) I do a lot of work video calls with iOS devices. The new iPad Air is much better for that given the camera placement

2) The iPad Air is also lighter, which is a big deal

3) The M1 has a much better screen

4) The M1 also has the wide angle back camera, and slightly better speakers apparently (but I haven’t noticed any difference in the speakers)

I personally would buy the Air because I want a landscape camera, but otherwise it is a personal choice

 

[AlexJoda]

1) I do a lot of work video calls with iOS devices. The new iPad Air is much better for that given the camera placement

2) The iPad Air is also lighter, which is a big deal

3) The M1 has a much better screen

4) The M1 also has the wide angle back camera, and slightly better speakers apparently (but I haven’t noticed any difference in the speakers)

I personally would buy the Air because I want a landscape camera, but otherwise it is a personal choice

Just use the iPad in portrait mode for video calls. Problem solved…

 

[Adelphos33]

Just use the iPad in portrait mode for video calls. Problem solved…

Most of the time I am using the iPad on video calls, I am

1) Docked
2) Using it split screen with another app (Bloomberg, Notes, Safari, etc)

The landscape iPads (really all of them now, not just Pro) are the best work video call machines Apple currently makes (better than any Macbook)