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In this article, I give you my Apple iPad Pro (2018) review with specs included. The Apple iPad Pro (2018) marks the third iteration of the iPad Pro series, featuring a 12.9-inch display. However, unlike its predecessor, this model boasts a significantly smaller footprint, making it more manageable and easier to handle. Additionally, the 10.5-inch version has transitioned to an 11-inch size, maintaining the physical dimensions while maximizing screen real estate by reducing bezels.

This redesign extends beyond mere size adjustments, presenting a complete physical overhaul that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. The introduction of straight edges facilitates improved grip and handling, particularly beneficial for the larger 12.9-inch model, which previously suffered from a lack of ergonomic design. Furthermore, the reduction in bezel size not only contributes to a sleeker appearance but also enhances the overall visual appeal.

One of the most notable departures from previous models is the transition from a Lightning port to a USB-C port. This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of positioning the iPad Pro as a viable alternative to traditional laptops, offering increased versatility and compatibility with a wide range of accessories and peripherals. The inclusion of USB-C opens up a myriad of possibilities, allowing users to connect external devices such as displays, cameras, and USB-C docks seamlessly.

However, while the adoption of USB-C heralds a new era of connectivity and functionality for the iPad Pro, it also introduces certain limitations and challenges. Although Ethernet connectivity is now possible, the absence of native support for flash drives and SD cards remains a glaring omission. Despite the introduction of a rudimentary file browser, users are still unable to access external storage devices directly, hampering the device’s utility as a productivity tool.

Furthermore, the removal of the headphone jack, reminiscent of the controversial decision made with the iPhone, may prove inconvenient for users who prefer wired audio solutions. While adapters are available to facilitate compatibility with traditional headphones, this shift towards wireless audio may alienate some users and necessitate additional accessory purchases.

In terms of performance, the iPad Pro (2018) delivers exceptional speed and responsiveness, thanks to the inclusion of the A12 CPU, which ensures smooth multitasking and fluid operation. While not as powerful as the A12X CPU found in the latest iPad Pro models, the A12 still offers ample performance for most users’ needs, whether browsing the web, editing photos, or playing games.

Visually, the iPad Pro (2018) impresses with its sleek design and modern aesthetics, featuring angular edges and curved corners that exude sophistication. The reduction in bezel size enhances the immersive viewing experience, while the inclusion of Face ID offers convenient and secure authentication.

Overall, the iPad Pro (2018) represents a significant step forward in Apple’s tablet lineup, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design and enhanced functionality. While certain limitations and omissions may detract from its appeal for some users, particularly those reliant on external storage and wired audio solutions, the device’s overall performance and versatility make it a compelling choice for professionals and creatives alike. As Apple continues to refine and iterate upon the iPad Pro series, future iterations may address these shortcomings and further solidify its position as a viable laptop replacement.

Fortunately, the Apple iPad Pro (2018) retains its impressive quad-speaker setup, positioned on each side when held in landscape mode, delivering exceptional audio quality. Despite the device’s compact size, these speakers produce remarkable bass and volume, enhancing the viewing experience for movies, music videos, and other multimedia content.

In terms of performance, the iPad Pro (2018) boasts significant upgrades, including the powerful A12X Bionic CPU, renowned for its exceptional speed and efficiency. Benchmarks reveal a substantial improvement in performance compared to its predecessor, with multi-core scores rivaling those of high-end MacBook Pro models. Additionally, graphics benchmarks demonstrate remarkable gains, with the device outperforming the previous iPad Pro by a significant margin.

The impressive performance of the iPad Pro (2018) raises questions about its intended use, particularly considering Apple’s assertion that it can rival gaming consoles like the Xbox One. While there is no shortage of iOS games available, the lack of optimized titles for the iPad Pro may limit its appeal to gaming enthusiasts. However, with the potential for developers to create more graphically sophisticated games for the platform, the iPad Pro (2018) could attract a broader audience.

Regarding pricing, the iPad Pro (2018) is available in two sizes: 11-inch and 12.9-inch, with starting prices of $799 and $999, respectively, for the 64-gigabyte Wi-Fi-only models. Adding LTE connectivity incurs an additional cost of approximately $130. Users can also opt for higher storage capacities, with options available up to one terabyte, albeit at a premium price point.

Alongside the iPad Pro (2018), Apple introduced the Apple Pencil 2, which offers improved ergonomics and functionality compared to its predecessor. While the new Apple Pencil shares the same technology and drawing experience as its predecessor, it features a more convenient magnetic attachment system for charging. This eliminates the need for awkward storage solutions and allows for wireless charging, enhancing user convenience. Additionally, the updated design includes a flat edge for improved grip and a satin finish to prevent slippage.

Despite these advancements, the iPad Pro (2018) retains its signature drawing experience, ensuring continuity for users transitioning from previous models. However, Apple’s decision not to enable cross-compatibility between the old and new Apple Pencil models may inconvenience some users who own both devices. Nonetheless, the overall improvements in technology and design position the iPad Pro (2018) as a formidable contender in the tablet market, offering unparalleled performance and functionality for a wide range of users.

In discussing accessories and additional features, the Apple Smart Keyboard Cover emerges as a noteworthy option. While some users may have reservations due to its resemblance to the Yoga problem prevalent in many 360-degree hinge Windows laptops, I find it preferable.

The keyboard cover offers increased stability compared to its predecessor, eliminating the need for intricate origami-like maneuvers to find the ideal positioning. Despite its improved stability, it remains slightly top-heavy, particularly in the larger 12.9-inch variant. However, at a price ranging from $179 to $199, it lacks backlighting and a trackpad, which would enhance its functionality further.

Apple’s decision to exclude a trackpad may raise questions, considering the challenges users face when editing text or performing other tasks that require precise cursor control. While the iPad Pro’s touch interface is intuitive, certain tasks, such as selecting text, can be cumbersome. The addition of a trackpad could mitigate these challenges, providing a more seamless user experience. Nevertheless, the absence of a trackpad does not detract from the iPad Pro’s stunning display quality.

The iPad Pro’s display remains one of its standout features, boasting TruMotion technology, a 120Hz refresh rate, and support for the P3 color gamut. These attributes ensure vibrant colors, crisp images, and smooth motion, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and creative tasks. Furthermore, the display’s minimal reflectivity enhances visibility, even in brightly lit environments, distinguishing it from competing Windows 2-in-1 devices.

Despite its exceptional display quality, the iPad Pro exhibits a peculiar issue with third-party apps, wherein some apps display a black border around the interface. This issue may stem from the device’s transition from Touch ID to Face ID, necessitating adjustments to accommodate the new authentication method. While this issue may affect the user experience temporarily, it is likely to be resolved through software updates from app developers.

The transition from Touch ID to Face ID represents a significant change in the iPad Pro’s design, enabling a sleeker, bezel-less appearance. Face ID offers a seamless authentication experience, irrespective of the device’s orientation, enhancing user convenience. Additionally, the inclusion of Face ID aligns the iPad Pro with Apple’s broader ecosystem, ensuring consistency across its product lineup.

In terms of camera performance, the iPad Pro delivers impressive results, with a 12-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. The front-facing 7-megapixel camera supports portrait effects and Animoji, providing users with creative tools for capturing photos and videos. Moreover, the inclusion of a higher-wattage charger in the box addresses concerns regarding the device’s charging speed, offering faster charging times and improved convenience for users.

While the iPad Pro’s battery life remains consistent with Apple’s claims of up to 10 hours of usage, the inclusion of a short charging cable may inconvenience some users. However, the device’s compatibility with higher-wattage chargers from other manufacturers mitigates this issue, allowing users to achieve faster charging speeds with third-party accessories.

The iPad Pro (2018) continues to impress with its sleek design, exceptional display quality, and robust performance. While certain drawbacks, such as the absence of a trackpad and third-party app compatibility issues, may affect the user experience, they are outweighed by the device’s numerous strengths. As Apple continues to refine its flagship tablet, the iPad Pro remains a compelling choice for users seeking a versatile and powerful computing device.

Let’s delve into the annual discourse surrounding the release of a new iPad Pro, particularly heightened this year due to the exorbitant prices, especially when you consider the 12.9-inch base model iPad Pro along with the additional $200 keyboard cover and $139 pencil, nudging the total cost slightly above that of the new 2018 13-inch MacBook Air base model. Let that sink in for a moment.

So, can your iPad Pro, whether 11 or 12.9 inches, serve as a replacement for your laptop? The answer, as always, is both a resounding yes and a hesitant no, contingent upon your individual needs and use cases. For many users, particularly those engaged in casual computing tasks at home, such as email, Netflix, word processing, and spreadsheet work, the iPad Pro suffices admirably. Indeed, I often find myself reaching for my previous-generation iPad Pro while lounging on the couch, bypassing my PC altogether for these routine activities. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations.

While the type cover provides a somewhat conventional keyboard experience, resembling the butterfly keyboard with slightly more tactile feedback, its lack of backlighting may deter some users. Furthermore, for power users like myself engaged in tasks such as Photoshop, photography, or web development, the iPad Pro falls short.

While the prospect of Adobe’s forthcoming Photoshop for iPad holds promise, certain applications, such as Dreamweaver or Xcode, remain inaccessible without resorting to remote connections to a Mac. Similarly, the web browser, while decent, may struggle with compatibility issues for users navigating content management systems or intranet platforms reliant on Java.

Thus, while the iPad Pro excels in certain domains, particularly drawing with Procreate and the Apple Pencil, which offers a peerless digital pen experience, its escalating price raises pertinent questions about its viability as a laptop replacement.

Indeed, the love-hate relationship with this product persists, as consumers grapple with the hefty investment vis-à-vis its iOS limitations. Yet, objectively assessing its hardware and performance reveals a device brimming with potential, albeit currently underutilized due to the absence of sufficiently demanding tasks. The allure of an Apple touchscreen Mac remains tantalizingly out of reach for now.

The iPad Pro’s unparalleled drawing capabilities rival even specialized art products like Wacom’s Cintiq line, making it an attractive proposition for artists seeking a more affordable yet versatile solution. The impending arrival of Adobe Photoshop CC for iPad promises to further bolster its appeal, potentially bridging the gap between desktop and tablet workflows seamlessly. Moreover, its prowess in office tasks and multitasking underscores its versatility, despite the inherent constraints of iOS.

While the iPad Pro represents a stunning piece of hardware, its true potential remains somewhat untapped, obscured by a confluence of exorbitant pricing and iOS limitations. However, for users willing to embrace its strengths while navigating its shortcomings, the iPad Pro offers a compelling blend of performance and portability, albeit at a premium.