iPad M1 iPad Pro 5 years on

[mackard]

Yes, 12.9 inch. Running powerful on ipados 18.7.1, probably its forever version, snappy, smooth, assertive, 120fps, universal control working perfectly with the other macs. Does its special hdr for movies and has 4 speakers.

At this point the only thing that will kill this gem of a device is pressing the update button.

EDIT: Also i have a bit of an irony that my most powerful mac is an i9 intel macbook pro, so technically its more powerful than the machine its often a side display to. With the current ram / memory crisis will probably pick up a m4 mini or an m6 refresh when its launched, assuming it hasn't gone up.

 

[rm5]

I just bought one (12.9" M1) refurbished for around $500, which was a good deal, I thought. It's still shipping, so I haven't gotten to experience it yet. I currently have an iPad Air 4th generation (A14 chip), which runs great still, but I need the bigger display. I'm a pianist, and have recently been playing all sorts of classical pieces as a collaborative pianist (with singers, string players, etc.), and the small display on the iPad Air just doesn't work for me anymore. I had previously either printed scores out, or sucked it up with the small display, but neither of those things I feel are permanent solutions (TONS of paper consumption... hundreds of pages, which I'm unwilling to print).

I was, alas, unwilling to spend $1000+ on a brand new iPad Pro, and feel that the M1 is recent enough to get me by for at least a few years.

 

[ScanTheNavian]

So this thread made my try to appreciate mine more. I've felt that my 11" was heavy enough to warrant the purchase of a future iPad Mini, but I decided to try using it without the case(I'm very careful with my devices) and wow, it's actually very lightweight. I have no idea how my simple silicone case made it feel much heavier. It's now comfortable holding with one hand.

I also didn't know how easy it was to use yt-dlp in A-shell on it. Sometimes a simple change of thinking can be very beneficial.

 

[mackard]

Further, since buying this model, somethings fundamentally changed in (just??) their ipad line at least.. at some point in the last few years, apple isn't shy of making the lowest cost / value models actually have a poor experience out of the box. I've been to the apple store a number of times, picked up a value ipad, and had it feel like it was running a few years of obsolescence updates... in the store... no shame at all.

Apple 15-20 years ago would have never ever had a model like that.

So given id probably go for the ipad air for a replacement, knowing apple doesn't have any shame in selling brand new as a current device an already obsoleted experience... if im running flawless pro motion experience now... why would i give that up just to have something "new"?

 

[Kal Madda]

Further, since buying this model, somethings fundamentally changed in (just??) their ipad line at least.. at some point in the last few years, apple isn't shy of making the lowest cost / value models actually have a poor experience out of the box. I've been to the apple store a number of times, picked up a value ipad, and had it feel like it was running a few years of obsolescence updates... in the store... no shame at all.

Apple 15-20 years ago would have never ever had a model like that.

So given id probably go for the ipad air for a replacement, knowing apple doesn't have any shame in selling brand new as a current device an already obsoleted experience... if im running flawless pro motion experience now... why would i give that up just to have something "new"?

I have an iPad 11th Gen in addition to my daily driver iPad Pro, runs smooth as butter on iPadOS 26, I haven’t had any issues with it feeling slow. I’ve actually been very impressed by it’s performance compared to my iPad Pro. Can’t beat the Pro for really heavy stuff like 3D, but can actually do lighter 3D scenes, and holds up perfectly fine for everything else. Definitely a very strong value. 👍🏻

 

[rui no onna]

Further, since buying this model, somethings fundamentally changed in (just??) their ipad line at least.. at some point in the last few years, apple isn't shy of making the lowest cost / value models actually have a poor experience out of the box. I've been to the apple store a number of times, picked up a value ipad, and had it feel like it was running a few years of obsolescence updates... in the store... no shame at all.

Apple 15-20 years ago would have never ever had a model like that.

So given id probably go for the ipad air for a replacement, knowing apple doesn't have any shame in selling brand new as a current device an already obsoleted experience... if im running flawless pro motion experience now... why would i give that up just to have something "new"?

While the base iPad doesn't offer the same longevity as the iPad Pro, I wouldn't say the recent models offer an obsolete experience upon launch. Less premium with the lack of fully laminated display, ProMotion and other niceties, sure. I don't think they're obsolete though.

My mom recently bought an iPad (A16) and it doesn't feel any slower compared to my other iDevices for your typical end-user tasks (browsing, video streaming, social media, etc). I also gave my mom my iPad Air 4th gen (same A14/4GB as the 2022 iPad 10th gen) as her backup iPad and even that feels just as speedy.

 

[Ctrlos]

UPDATE: The new LG updates to iWork have made them slow to a crawl on the M1 iPad Pro. Its in a position where the iCloud versions are now better than the native ones.

 

[Digitalguy]

So this thread made my try to appreciate mine more. I've felt that my 11" was heavy enough to warrant the purchase of a future iPad Mini, but I decided to try using it without the case(I'm very careful with my devices) and wow, it's actually very lightweight. I have no idea how my simple silicone case made it feel much heavier. It's now comfortable holding with one hand.

I also didn't know how easy it was to use yt-dlp in A-shell on it. Sometimes a simple change of thinking can be very beneficial.

This is a factor often omitted in the countless threads 13 vs 11, 11 vs mini etc. People use their iPads with a case and complain it's too heavy.
I hold all my iPads with no case on (except the mini), that's why I prefer Apple accessories because they are magnetic and you can remove the keyboard or folio easily. For me the accessories are only used as a static stand, when I hold the device I hold it naked. On the larger model I don't even want a screen protector or a skin, or the pencil, every 10gr matter.
Since the iPad 2 I have mentioned the "600gr threashold" below which I am confortable holding a device. The regular iPad got there with the first air in 2013. The larger model got there with the M4 (as long as it's bare naked it's under 580gr).

 

[Kal Madda]

This is a factor often omitted in the countless threads 13 vs 11, 11 vs mini etc. People use their iPads with a case and complain it's too heavy.
I hold all my iPads with no case on (except the mini), that's why I prefer Apple accessories because they are magnetic and you can remove the keyboard or folio easily. For me the accessories are only used as a static stand, when I hold the device I hold it naked. On the larger model I don't even want a screen protector or a skin, or the pencil, every 10gr matter.
Since the iPad 2 I have mentioned the "600gr threashold" below which I am confortable holding a device. The regular iPad got there with the first air in 2013. The larger model got there with the M4 (as long as it's bare naked it's under 580gr).

Yeah, absolutely. 👍🏻. I used a thin silicone case for a brief stint with my 11” M1 iPad Pro when I first got it, and it felt significantly heavier and the ergonomics in hand were worse, even though it was a relatively thin case. I ended up moving to just using the iPad without a case when I’m using it as a tablet, and I’ve never had an issue using it that way. Now the only case I use with my 13” is the Magic Keyboard Case, and a tablet sleeve when I travel with it. I like the feel of the aluminum. 👍🏻

 

[Meedoss]

Yeah, absolutely. 👍🏻. I used a thin silicone case for a brief stint with my 11” M1 iPad Pro when I first got it, and it felt significantly heavier and the ergonomics in hand were worse, even though it was a relatively thin case. I ended up moving to just using the iPad without a case when I’m using it as a tablet, and I’ve never had an issue using it that way. Now the only case I use with my 13” is the Magic Keyboard Case, and a tablet sleeve when I travel with it. I like the feel of the aluminum. 👍🏻

Yeah I would do that if I could find a MGK at a descent price, have a folio as it makes a good stand for now, was a freebie though.

 

[Meedoss]

Found 1 for $120AUD off.

 

[Kal Madda]

Found 1 for $120AUD off.

Awesome! A Magic Keyboard Case? I got mine used so it was cheaper. 👍🏻. Sounds like a great deal! 🙂👍🏻

 

[Meedoss]

Awesome! A Magic Keyboard Case? I got mine used so it was cheaper. 👍🏻. Sounds like a great deal! 🙂👍🏻

Yeah new one, can't find anything used near me, eBay was similar price but would be posted, got it at local office works store they price match.

 

[KPOM]

UPDATE: The new LG updates to iWork have made them slow to a crawl on the M1 iPad Pro. Its in a position where the iCloud versions are now better than the native ones.

What are your plans? Are you going to stick with the iCloud versions or upgrade? The M1 holds its own against the A16 so I’m a bit surprised. Perhaps the single core performance is more important and why the low cost MacBook will have an A18 or A19.

 

[Kal Madda]

Yeah new one, can't find anything used near me, eBay was similar price but would be posted, got it at local office works store they price match.

Awesome! Congratulations, I think you’ll like it. 🙂👍🏻

 

[rui no onna]

What are your plans? Are you going to stick with the iCloud versions or upgrade? The M1 holds its own against the A16 so I’m a bit surprised. Perhaps the single core performance is more important and why the low cost MacBook will have an A18 or A19.

Single-core is usually more important than multi-core for typical tasks. It’s 3D, video editing, etc. where the multi-core shines.

I’ve noticed app updates are also faster with M1/16GB/1TB versus A14/4GB/256GB (same generation chipset). Not sure if that’s due to the extra cores, RAM or faster storage. Probably all of the above.

One of these days, I’ll try comparing app install speed across some of the more recent iPads in the household (A14/4GB/256GB, A16/6GB/128GB, M1/8GB/256GB, M1/16GB/1TB and M4/16GB/1TB).

 

[rm5]

I’ve just received the iPad Pro today. Overall, it works well. However, it was a refurbished model and so the battery isn’t the best. CoconutBattery reports just above 80% health. I started it with 90% charge, and after a few hours it was at 50%. Not great but also not terrible—I’ve experienced worse. The top of the display looks a little worn, too, like it’s lost a bit of color, but it’s only visible when viewing the white pages of sheet music, and isn’t that significant.

I was contemplating returning it for another one, but I just think that’s too much of a hassle, between me not being near any FedEx store, and me possibly having to pay for the shipping, box, etc. There’s a local shop that does battery replacements, and I’ve used them for my previous MacBook and previous iPhone. They do it for about $50 cheaper than Apple. My nearest Apple Store is also 150 miles away so that’s not viable.

Others I’ve asked have suggested to immediately return it, but I just think it’s not worth it. I don’t even know if I’m going to be able to find another one at a similar price if I do. And, it’s far easier (and maybe even cheaper) to just have the battery replaced. If I do indeed change my mind and decide to return it, I have 29 more days.

Anyway, those are my thoughts.

 

[Isengardtom]

I loved my M1 for 3 years. Used it every day

But the M4 is better for me because it’s lighter, the OLED screen is nicer and the battery started to degrade on the M1. Was still ok, but not great

After 320 cycles my M4 is now at 90% health.

 

[ScanTheNavian]

I loved my M1 for 3 years. Used it every day

But the M4 is better for me because it’s lighter, the OLED screen is nicer and the battery started to degrade on the M1. Was still ok, but not great

After 320 cycles my M4 is now at 90% health.

This is why I like to wait several gens between purchases and not upgrade each year. Partly because there's a pleasure in longing for something, but also because the differences become discernable and exciting. For my needs I can probably go with my M1 for several more years, perhaps with a new battery in between, but when I do upgrade it'll be fascinating to experience the advancements. I think I'll restrain myself from even touching a new iPad until it's time. 😄

 

[Ctrlos]

What are your plans? Are you going to stick with the iCloud versions or upgrade? The M1 holds its own against the A16 so I’m a bit surprised. Perhaps the single core performance is more important and why the low cost MacBook will have an A18 or A19.

I use Pages for all sorts of things and find thew web version does the job for 90% of my needs. I use it a lot on my work PC and at times a Chromebook. Probably a little knee-jerk on my part but it has made me reconsider using the iPad Pro for general computing when it can't actually deal with it now. I'll keep it around for LiDAR and so on (its not mine but a work iPad) but I now find myself looking at maybe an Honor Pad 10 or if I can find one the Pixelbook Go as a road computer.

 

[Isamilis]

UPDATE: The new LG updates to iWork have made them slow to a crawl on the M1 iPad Pro. Its in a position where the iCloud versions are now better than the native ones.

Yeah, longevity of iPad that we discussed is pre 26 (pre LG). For iPad (including M1 iPad Pro) with iPadOS 26 is still questionable .

 

[CloudChief]

I use Pages for all sorts of things and find thew web version does the job for 90% of my needs. I use it a lot on my work PC and at times a Chromebook. Probably a little knee-jerk on my part but it has made me reconsider using the iPad Pro for general computing when it can't actually deal with it now. I'll keep it around for LiDAR and so on (its not mine but a work iPad) but I now find myself looking at maybe an Honor Pad 10 or if I can find one the Pixelbook Go as a road computer.

What functions are lagging? I just tried the new update on my a14 air and it seems ok. Not trying to do the My Pc DoEsN’T hAvE any ProBlEMs thing. Just wondering what specifically is lagging. I know some folk who use iwork a lot so might warn them

 

[Shifts]

Still on my 2018 11" (256 GB) iPad Pro. I am surprised I am still fairly happy with it. There is no immediate need to upgrade it, but I do see signs. It is absolutely nuts that it is still running as well as it does, and does most of what I need without (much) hesitation. Running iPadOS26.2.

Looking into upgrade options now and am looking at refurbished alternatives:
iPad Pro M4 11" (256 GB): €835. Checking how much space is left on my current one, I am using only 93 GB. 256 GB would probably last me.
iPad Pro M4 11" (512 GB): €915. Could future proof with double the storage, but considering how little I have filled up my 8 year old iPad Pro, it does not feel like a top priority.
iPad Pro M4 11" (1 TB, 16 GB): €1000. No need for this enourmous amount of storage, but future proofing with lots of RAM maybe?
iPad Pro M5 11" (256 GB, 12 GB): €1105.

Since I hang on to my iPads for a very long time, I believe only the last two are the real options here, as more RAM will for sure extend my usage more than plenty of space. But it seems to be the 1TB M4 is a better deal than the M5, all things considered. In another 8 years, I probably will fill that 256 GB storage, but might not be annoyed with insufficient amount of RAM.

Thoughts?

 

[Kal Madda]

Still on my 2018 11" (256 GB) iPad Pro. I am surprised I am still fairly happy with it. There is no immediate need to upgrade it, but I do see signs. It is absolutely nuts that it is still running as well as it does, and does most of what I need without (much) hesitation. Running iPadOS26.2.

Looking into upgrade options now and am looking at refurbished alternatives:
iPad Pro M4 11" (256 GB): €835. Checking how much space is left on my current one, I am using only 93 GB. 256 GB would probably last me.
iPad Pro M4 11" (512 GB): €915. Could future proof with double the storage, but considering how little I have filled up my 8 year old iPad Pro, it does not feel like a top priority.
iPad Pro M4 11" (1 TB, 16 GB): €1000. No need for this enourmous amount of storage, but future proofing with lots of RAM maybe?
iPad Pro M5 11" (256 GB, 12 GB): €1105.

Since I hang on to my iPads for a very long time, I believe only the last two are the real options here, as more RAM will for sure extend my usage more than plenty of space. But it seems to be the 1TB M4 is a better deal than the M5, all things considered. In another 8 years, I probably will fill that 256 GB storage, but might not be annoyed with insufficient amount of RAM.

Thoughts?

If you can get a good deal of the M4 iPad Pro with more storage and RAM, then I think that’s a good option. I have a base spec 13” M4 iPad Pro and love it. It’s my primary computer and daily driver. The only difference between the M4 and M5 as far as I’m aware is the chip, and the base RAM spec. So if you can get a good deal on the M4 with more RAM and storage, it could be a great option for you. I hope that helps. 🙂👍🏻

 

[Shifts]

Awesome, then we are using them the same way. Have a work-issued MacBook Pro, but maybe personal computing device has been my main and daily driver since I got it. Then you are confirming what I was thinking already.