For a long time, tablets mostly played backup to laptops and desktops. But the iPad Pro really flipped that script, especially after Apple put the M1 chip inside. People started using these as their main computers, drawn in by the smooth multitasking and impressive power. The new M4 model keeps the momentum going, packing in fresh features for pros, creatives, and honestly, anyone who wants a powerhouse tablet.
Surprisingly, the M1 iPad Pro from 2021 still feels fast and relevant in 2025. It handles heavy software, AI apps, creative tools like Adobe, advanced games, and even external monitors without breaking a sweat. That’s pretty impressive, considering how quickly tech usually moves.
Key Takeaways
- The iPad Pro is still a flexible, capable device.
- Even older M1 models handle modern tasks well.
- Apple’s approach to software and hardware keeps these tablets running strong for years.
A Small Limitation, Yet a Predictable One
Battery life is always a telltale sign of how a device ages, and it’s no different with the iPad Pro. Over time, even the best batteries fade a bit. For example, seeing a battery health reading of 86% is actually pretty good—Apple says most folks will have about 80% after 1,000 charge cycles. But as that number drops, you’ll notice it doesn’t last as long between charges.
People adapt by turning on low-power mode, dimming the screen, or just being a little more strategic about usage. The 120Hz ProMotion display helps too, since it can lower the refresh rate to save energy. If you’re editing video, making music, or running demanding games, though, the battery might not stretch quite as far, and the system could slow things down a bit to conserve power.
The iPad Pro’s design leans into efficiency wherever possible. USB-C ports with Thunderbolt / USB 4 move data and power quickly, and Wi-Fi 6 keeps your connection solid while using less juice. Accessories like the Apple Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro are fantastic for productivity, but yeah, they do add a bit to the power drain if you use them a lot.
Still, you can get a solid five or six hours of heavy work out of the tablet before needing to plug in. With features like Face ID, True Tone, and advanced cameras with LiDAR scanners, it’s honestly wild how much this thing can do. Even when you put it next to the new iPad Pro models with their fancy Liquid Retina XDR or Ultra Retina XDR displays, the older Pro holds its own.
Exceptional Performer with Staying Power
The M4 iPad Pro really flexes its muscles with the new M4 chip inside. You get two sizes: a slim 11-inch or a bigger 13-inch model. The 13-inch version stands out with its OLED display, showing off deep blacks and punchy colors—great for gaming, drawing, and video work. The 11-inch sticks with LCD, but it’s no slouch in terms of sharpness and smoothness.
Performance at Its Core
The heart of the M4 iPad Pro is its balanced mix of performance and efficiency cores in the CPU. Multitasking feels easy, and it handles heavy workloads without stalling. Flipping between apps or editing videos? No problem. Exporting clips or rendering projects happens quickly, and the 10-core GPU keeps games and creative apps running smoothly.
There’s a 16-core Neural Engine under the hood, too. That means AI features—like live photo effects or image recognition—work instantly. If you’re into 4K editing or digital art, you’ll notice how fast and cool the tablet stays, even when you’re pushing it hard.
Gaming and Graphics
Gamers get a treat here. Popular games like Diablo Immortal or Call of Duty: Warzone run without hiccups at high settings. Even heavier titles like Resident Evil just need a little tweaking to play well. The combo of a bright screen and fast touch response makes for an immersive experience—no annoying lag or stutters.
Practical Workflow Enhancements
Creative folks will appreciate the M4 iPad Pro’s rendering chops. Apps like LumaFusion and DaVinci Resolve run smooth, making video playback and color grading less of a headache. The Stage Manager feature lets you juggle multiple apps at once, boosting productivity whether you’re working side by side or spreading out across windows. And since the device is slim and light, it moves easily from the coffee shop to the office.
| Specification | M4 iPad Pro |
|---|---|
| Chip | M4 |
| Display | OLED (13-inch) / LCD (11-inch) |
| GPU | 10-core |
| Neural Engine | 16-core |
The M4 iPad Pro feels ready for whatever comes next. Whether you’re working with huge files or just gaming, it’s a solid, future-proof tool that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it.
The Challenge of Tailoring Software
When Apple started putting M-series chips in the iPad Pro, the conversation quickly shifted to software. The hardware’s wild, but the iPadOS ecosystem—well, it’s a bit divisive, especially for folks who want it to be more like macOS.
Advantages of iPadOS:
- It’s fast. The interface is buttery smooth and super responsive.
- If your workflow fits what iPadOS does well, it feels lightweight and efficient.
- Features like Stage Manager let you have up to four apps open at once, which is a big step up for multitasking on a tablet.
Drawbacks of iPadOS:
- But let’s be real—iPadOS just isn’t a full macOS replacement. If you need traditional, flexible software, it can feel limiting.
- Stage Manager is a mixed bag. Some people love it for external displays or AR setups, but others find it doesn’t really fill the gap left by desktop multitasking.
iPadOS vs macOS
| Feature | iPadOS Strengths | macOS Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Snappy and responsive interface | Multi-tasking across a broader software suite |
| Software Support | Seamless for apps built around touch and portability | Compatible with professional-grade legacy apps |
| Flexibility | Stage Manager support for additional displays | Full desktop-class support with superior multitasking |
Apple doesn’t seem eager to market the iPad Pro as a MacBook replacement, and that’s probably because iPadOS just isn’t there yet. The software still puts up some walls you can’t climb over if you need true desktop power.
Expectations for Pro-Grade Apps
Developers haven’t rushed to bring full macOS-level pro apps to iPadOS, but there’s been some progress. Native apps like Notes have gotten smarter, thanks to Apple’s AI upgrades. These tweaks are subtle, but they hint at Apple’s long-term goal of making the iPad Pro a real productivity machine.
Older models like the M1 and M2 iPad Pros still get new iPadOS updates, which is reassuring for anyone on the fence about buying the latest M4. But honestly, the future of iPadOS depends on whether developers get on board with more powerful, pro-level apps. That’s the real test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Specification Differences Between the M4 iPad Pro and the 2021 iPad
The M4 iPad Pro packs a powerful M4 chip for better performance and multitasking, while the 2021 iPad runs on the A13 Bionic chip, which is more for everyday stuff. The Pro offers bigger screens—11-inch and 13-inch—while the 2021 iPad tops out at 10.2 inches. Storage is another win for the Pro, which goes up to 2TB, compared to the 2021 iPad’s 256GB max. Plus, the Pro has Thunderbolt support, something you just won’t find on the 2021 iPad.
Comparison of Camera Quality Between the M4 iPad Pro and the 2021 iPad
The M4 iPad Pro packs some impressive camera tech, including LiDAR technology for accurate depth-sensing. That really steps up augmented reality in ways you can actually notice.
Its rear camera uses better wide and ultra-wide lenses. Meanwhile, the 2021 iPad has a decent 12MP camera, but it just doesn’t have those extra features.
The iPad Pro lets you record video in ProRes and handles low-light scenes much better. That gives it a pretty clear edge for anyone into photography or video.
Battery Performance Insights: M4 iPad Pro vs. 2021 iPad
Both models promise solid battery life for everyday stuff. But the M4 iPad Pro, thanks to its M-series chip, manages power more efficiently when you push it with demanding tasks.
Plus, the Pro’s fast charging via USB-C is honestly just more convenient. The 2021 iPad doesn’t quite keep up there.
Enhancements in the M4 iPad Pro Over Older iPad Pro Models
The M4 chip brings a noticeable boost in processing power and graphics. Stuff just moves faster, and pro-level workflows feel smoother.
Its OLED display stands out with deeper colors and higher contrast. If you care about visuals, it’s hard not to appreciate that.
Apple Pencil feels more responsive, which creative folks will love. Plus, there’s more storage, so you don’t have to stress about running out of space.
Is the 2021 iPad Pro Better Than Earlier Versions of the iPad Air?
The 2021 iPad Pro easily beats the iPad Air in areas like hardware and display. ProMotion and the higher-res screen make a real difference if you’re picky about visuals.
Still, the iPad Air is a smart pick if you just want something reliable without dropping extra cash on pro features.
Display Technology: M4 iPad Pro Versus iPad 10th Generation
The M4 iPad Pro rocks OLED displays with punchy colors and noticeably less glare. That’s a big plus if you’re into creative work or just want your movies to pop.
Meanwhile, the iPad 10th generation sticks with Retina technology. It’s totally fine for browsing or streaming, but honestly, it can’t quite match the Pro’s flair when it comes to serious media editing.
The Pro’s bigger screen options also pull you in more—there’s just something about that extra space.
