iPad Pro The 2018 iPP is still a beast

[achappy]

I've been using the '18 iPP for a few years and I recently purchased and M1 to try out. With Stage Manager disabled, I'm having a hard time really seeing much difference between the two in my normal day to day usage. For me, the iPP is more of a "light" laptop content consumption replacement as I always use it with a MK but it's mainly just browsing, messaging, social media, PiP of some shows, some light photo and video editing with built-in apps. I love Slide Over as I normally have 4-5 apps in Slide Over that I'll access quickly and then move out of way.

With the exception of the slight screen differences (M1 is brighter and appears crisper), with SM disabled I really can't tell much of a difference, even with the RAM difference (I don't really have issues with reloads on the '18). The A12X is still a powerful chip.

With SM enabled, I do like the flexibility of having more apps but I lose the space for Safari browsing and some pages actually render differently as you resize. I don't use an external monitor so I'm deciding if long term I'll use SM enough to keep it. Plus I have a feeling iPadOS17 will continue the M1 specific features of iPadOS so keeping the M1 is a better long term option. But I could stay on my '18 iPP with no issues.

 

[Digitalguy]

I have both the 12.9 2018 and M1 and I use both... equally.
Each has it's slight advantages:
The 2018 is slightly thinner and lighter so better for reading
The 2021 has less Safari reloads and louder speakers.

There there are some very specific elements that make them complementary
My 2018 has 256 vs 128 for the M1, but the M1 has 5G. Also the 2018 has a matte screen protector which improves pencil use a lot, while for the M1 I did not ruin the miniled with a matte screen protector, but then I don't use the pencil.

CPU/GPU speed difference is irrelevant, they are both instant and smooth.

I am so glad I have both and don't have to choose. And when one is charging the other is generally charged.

 

[rui no onna]

And when one is charging the other is generally charged.

Yep. I use mine a lot for reading so it's nice to have an alternate.

Also, 30W fast charging on the newer iPads is really useful. I normally swap iPads at 30-50%. However, if the "inactive" iPad has low charge, I can continue using the "active" iPad for an hour (~10% drain) and swap when the other iPad reaches 80-90%.

 

[mox358]

I currently have the 2018 11” and really have no complaints with its performance or features. It has been one of the best Apple purchases I’ve ever made.

That being said, I have been considering upgrading to a 12.9” Pro for the larger screen space. Also, the M1 or M2 should be pretty future proof for iPadOS updates right?

 

[estabya]

I got the 2018 11" Pro at launch and feel the same way. In fact, I ended up picking up an iPad mini last year to complement my Pro instead of replacing it, as I usually do every 3 years. I use it mainly for browsing and document editing with the Magic Keyboard, but sometimes I break out the Pencil and do some modeling for my 3D printer.

I don't foresee myself picking up a new one this year unless the rumors are wrong and the 11" Pro gets an OLED/MiniLED screen.

 

[GMShadow]

I've got the 2020, so the same as yours plus an extra GPU core and 2GB of RAM, and I agree. Even pushing it a bit it really doesn't break a sweat.

 

[d5aqoëp]

Stage Manager is the biggest flop show of iPadOS 16. I have disabled it and that keeps me sane. On 11" display, I hate to resize windows and waste my time. I need every app full screen.