Unlocking the M1 Magic: A Deep Dive into the Apple iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) and Its Unfulfilled Promise

The iPad Pro lineup has consistently housed the most advanced Apple chipsets, and this year’s iteration introduces Apple’s M1 SoC, which has outperformed Intel processors in devices like the MacBook Air, Mac mini, and, more recently, the iMac. Besides the upgraded processor, the new iPads sport increased RAM, a Thunderbolt connection, an improved Face ID front camera, and the option for 5G connectivity.

Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models this year come with these advancements, the primary distinction being the display technology. The 12.9-inch version features a cutting-edge ‘Liquid Retina XDR’ display that utilizes mini-LED backlighting for enhanced brightness and contrast, making it particularly suited for HDR content editing and viewing. Unfortunately, this isn’t the model Apple provided for my testing, so this evaluation will focus on the 11-inch version with its standard ‘Liquid Retina’ LCD.

iPads weren’t originally crafted as laptop replacements, yet the latest Pro variants appear equipped with hardware that challenges the MacBook Air. Coupled with peripherals like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, an iPad Pro could effectively serve as a laptop. The pressing question remains, is it advisable?

The 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch) closely resembles its 2020 predecessor

 

Apple iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) pricing and variants in India

The price for the iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) begins at Rs. 71,900 for the 128GB Wi-Fi-only model, with substantial increases as storage capacities rise. For the first time, Apple explicitly outlines the RAM differences among the variants. The 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB versions each come with 8GB of RAM, while the 1TB and 2TB versions feature 16GB. Additionally, cellular (5G) versions carry an extra Rs. 14,000 charge across all storage variations.

This results in the iPad Pro (11-inch) being quite pricey. The 1TB 5G model provided by Apple retails for an astounding Rs. 1,48,900. This places it in the premium Ultrabook or even MacBook Pro market, excluding any necessary accessories, which are essential to fully leverage this device’s capabilities. The 2021 iPad Pros are still offered in just two hues — Silver and Space Grey.

Apple iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) design

At first sight, the 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch) appears nearly identical to the 2020 version. Yet, there are subtle variations. Although the dimensions and thickness are the same, the newly designed 11-inch model is slightly lighter (468g compared to 473g for their 5G counterparts). The design features a matte aluminum body with visible antenna bands along the flat edges and a pill-shaped cutout on the right side for additional 5G antennas.

The 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch) impressively combines slimness and lightness for a tablet of its size

 

It includes four speakers overall, a Thunderbolt (Type-C) port at the base, and a SIM tray positioned on the right. The Indian cellular models (A2459) accommodate one eSIM and a standard SIM, allowing for network switching while traveling, though active dual-SIM use like on an iPhone is unavailable. The devices sold in India support Sub-6GHz 5G, while mmWave 5G is exclusive to models in the USA. On the back, the iPad Pro features a dual-camera protrusion in the upper right corner, a large Apple logo centrally placed, and three contact pins at the bottom for accessory connections.

The display mirrors that of the previous year’s iPad Pro, still regarded as among the finest available in a tablet – second only to Apple’s new 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display incorporates an IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 2,388×1,668 pixels. It supports features seen on prior Pro models, including a 120Hz refresh rate, 600 nits brightness, True Tone temperature adjustment, and comprehensive coverage of the P3 wide color spectrum. The display boasts rounded corners in line with the frame. Its thick black bezels offer ergonomic benefits for tablet use.

The contact pins at the back of the 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch) facilitate accessory power like Apple’s Magic Keyboard

 

The front features a TrueDepth camera system for Face ID, integrating a new 12-megapixel sensor as well as a functionality called Centre Stage – more on this later. Within the packaging, you’ll find standard documentation, a 20W charger, and a USB Type-C to Type-C cable. Overall, while the new 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch) maintains a similar external appearance, it’s the internal modifications that elevate its performance.

Apple iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) specifications and software

The most significant enhancement with this generation is undoubtedly Apple’s new M1 SoC, claimed to provide up to 50% faster CPU and 40% faster GPU performance compared to the A12Z Bionic chip in the 2020 iPad Pros. While no one has seriously criticized last year’s models for sluggishness, the additional performance is certainly welcome. Notably, unlike some base model Mac computers that use M1 chips with a 7-core integrated GPU, all variants of the 11-inch iPad Pro come equipped with the complete 8-core GPU. The amount of RAM varies, as previously mentioned.

The iPad Pro 2021 additionally supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5. It features a LiDAR scanner within its rear camera arrangement. There are five microphones designed for studio-quality audio recording and activation for Siri from afar. The USB Type-C port now supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 standards akin to those found in Apple’s Mac computers. This capability enables higher bandwidth connections, allowing for connections like Apple’s Pro Display XDR at its maximum 6K resolution.

The 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch) features a brilliant display, and iPadOS supports basic multitasking functionality

 

The iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) operates on iPadOS 14 (tested on 14.6), which feels sleek and polished. Multitasking is facilitated through features like Split View and Slide Over, which require some familiarization but function effectively once mastered. Widgets can be pinned permanently to the home screen (in landscape mode) or accessed with a right swipe. The overall user experience is reminiscent of the iPad Air (2020) we evaluated earlier this year, though system animations and scrolling feel significantly more fluid due to the high refresh rate. Unfortunately, basic apps such as a calculator and weather forecast remain absent, necessitating alternative downloads.

Anticipated improvements with the forthcoming iPadOS 15 update promise to enhance many features, like placing widgets freely on the home screen (similar to the iPhone), new accessibility enhancements for Split View and Slide Over, among others that align with the upcoming iOS 15 update.

Apple iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) performance

Let’s explore this section through two usage experiences — first, utilizing the iPad Pro in regular tablet mode and second, as a productivity device with the optional Magic Keyboard and Pencil.

When used as a tablet, I found the new iPad Pro 2021 impressively light for its size. Holding it one-handed for extended periods remained comfortable. The touch response was superb, and the interface felt extremely responsive on the 16GB RAM model. There’s a significant chance of obstructing the FaceID sensor while employing the iPad Pro in landscape mode, but the interface provides helpful prompts to notify you during unlocking or app login.

Games perform impressively on the 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch)

 

The display offers excellent color calibration straight out of the box, with brightness more than satisfactory. Colors appeared vibrant and striking without excess. Games and videos executed flawlessly on the iPad Pro 2021’s screen. Asphalt 9: Legends and Call of Duty: Mobile performed superbly, with the audio from the four speakers providing clear dialogue and mid-range frequencies, although bass response was somewhat lacking. The sheer power of the M1 SoC is evident in benchmarks, with the M1 iPad Pro (11-inch) posting scores of 10,41,519 in AnTuTu, compared to 6,48,660 from the 2020 iPad Air with the A14 Bionic, and approximately 7,00,000 from the 2020 iPad Pro (11-inch).

The iPad Pro (11-inch) features cameras that rank among the best for tablets. While the rear camera hardware remains unchanged from the prior model, it adds support for Smart HDR 3 for photos this year. You receive a 12-megapixel main camera lacking OIS, capable of recording up to 4K 60fps video, a 10-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a True Tone flash. It would have been advantageous to include a Night mode or the capacity for Dolby Vision HDR video recording in this year’s Pro model, but such features are absent.

For a tablet, the 2021 iPad Pro’s cameras perform admirably

 

One minor inconvenience I encountered was the camera app lacking options to adjust resolution or frame rate directly from the viewfinder in video mode, necessitating navigation to the main iOS Settings. Nevertheless, the image and video quality were impressive for a tablet. AR applications and games thrive on the Pro models due to the LiDAR sensor, which enhances the creation of an accurate virtual environment. Experiencing games like Angry Birds AR was enjoyable, and apps like JigSpace provided realistic 3D object visualizations. Apple Clips also features engaging AR filters that display beautifully on the iPad Pro.

Sample image from the rear camera of the 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch)

Sample image from the front camera of the 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch)

 

The front camera incorporates a new 12-megapixel sensor with a wide 122-degree field of view. It also features Smart HDR 3 and can record videos at up to 1080p. A new function, Centre Stage, utilizes AI to identify your face and remain centered within the frame at all times. If you move about, it automatically crops and repositions the shot to keep you centered. This feature works well with applications like FaceTime, Zoom, and Cisco WebEx Meet, and it can be easily turned on or off as needed.

The iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) handles standard tablet tasks with ease, yet with the powerful M1 SoC within, many may question its potential as a laptop substitute for more demanding tasks. Personally, I find this solution to be somewhat mixed; while it may work sufficiently for some, it might not be the best fit for all.

I’ve been pairing the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) with the iPad Pro (11-inch) for a few weeks, during which time I rarely needed to revert to my MacBook Air for work tasks, unlike my experience with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE (Review). This is largely because most of the applications I depend upon for work are already optimized for Apple’s tablets, something you can’t generally say for the Android system. Programs like Slack, Pages, and Microsoft Word function excellently, even when utilizing them in Split View or Slide Over configurations.

Using the optional Magic Keyboard enables the 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch) to function as a laptop

 

There are exceptions, however, such as Zomato and Instagram, which only operate in portrait orientation and appear to be merely blown-up iOS apps on a larger screen. My USB Type-C hub was recognized without issues, enabling me to access SD cards, pen drives, etc., through the Files application.

The Apple Magic Keyboard is compatible with last year’s 11-inch iPad Pro as well as the iPad Air (2020). It’s excellent for typing and incredibly well-constructed, although it comes with notable drawbacks for its high price point, which were discussed thoroughly in our iPad Air (2020) review. The Pencil is a valuable tool for those who enjoy drawing or sketching, though I didn’t utilize it extensively during my testing period, but that’s a personal preference.

While I managed to complete all my daily work tasks using solely the iPad Pro, it seems to me that the M1 SoC is not being fully utilized. It is important to note that although Apple utilizes the M1 designation for the same chip across the latest iPad Pro, Mac Mini, iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models, Apple doesn’t disclose clock speeds or additional specifications. These devices impose different thermal constraints, meaning you won’t achieve identical sustained processing power across all models.

The optional Apple Pencil serves as a practical tool for artists and designers

 

Apple claims that numerous professional applications like LumaFusion for video editing, Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for photo editing, and Procreate for graphic design have been optimized for M1, which is fantastic. However, I would greatly appreciate having the option to run full desktop applications on the iPad. Unfortunately, this seems unlikely even with the arrival of iPadOS 15 later this year.

For example, Adobe Premiere Rush functions smoothly on the iPad Pro, and I was able to edit and manage multiple high-resolution video streams from a GoPro Hero9 Black and a GoPro Fusion without any complications. Nevertheless, it’s hard not to imagine the potential of using the desktop versions of Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere on an iPad. While acceptable alternatives exist for such programs for the iPad, you will typically need to adjust to a different workflow and likely purchase these applications separately.

Moreover, iPadOS doesn’t provide full multitasking or file system access like a Mac does. Another considerably missing feature is comprehensive external monitor support. You can mirror the iPad Pro on an external display, but what’s truly needed is the ability to utilize an external monitor without necessitating the iPad’s screen to remain active at all times.

Apple iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) battery performance

Apple suggests a battery life of up to 10 hours for web browsing or video playback, and during my testing, I found these claims to be largely accurate. In reality, I often achieved runtime nearing 12 hours on a single charge. This duration decreased slightly with extensive use of AR or video editing applications, but overall, the battery life was quite commendable. In our HD video loop test, the iPad Pro (11-inch) performed for just under 11 hours. I was especially impressed with the battery life during typical use, given that I had the iPad Pro (11-inch) continually docked to the Magic Keyboard while also intermittently charging the Apple Pencil.

Unlike its treatment for iPhones, Apple still includes a charger in the box (20W), and with this, I managed to charge the iPad Pro (11-inch) to 54% in an hour and nearly 97% within two hours. If you use a higher wattage USB-PD charger, the iPad Pro will charge faster. I was able to charge the iPad Pro (11-inch) to 63% in an hour and bring it to 100% in under two hours with a OnePlus 65W fast charger and a compatible third-party cable.

Although the 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch) can function as a laptop, the M1 MacBook Air remains the more logical option

 

Conclusion

Apple has undoubtedly made a significant impact with the M1 SoC, and it’s only logical to observe this chip being implemented across a range of devices. I wouldn’t be shocked to see that future iPhone Pro models could adopt a version of this SoC as well. However, if you anticipated a dramatic leap in app performance or battery longevity when comparing an M1-based iPad Pro to the 2020 iPad Pro featuring the A12Z Bionic, then you might find yourself disillusioned. I specifically mention the 11-inch model, as I haven’t tested the new 12.9-inch version with its advanced mini-LED display.

The iPad Pro series has consistently utilized top-tier Apple chipsets, yet it has been constrained by iPadOS and the available applications. It appears that iPadOS 15 will not introduce any substantial transformations in iPad usage or the applications accessible, leading to the new iPad Pros harboring considerable untapped potential awaiting software advancements. There may be performance improvements in certain M1-optimized applications relative to the 2020 iPad Pros, though the differences might be negligible unless your tasks can genuinely leverage them.

The unfortunate reality is that we may never witness true desktop-class applications on the iPad, regardless of its processing power, due to a single reason — Apple simultaneously sells laptops and desktop computers and likely prefers not to let the iPad overshadow the sales of its other products.

If you’ve already invested a sizable amount into a 2020 iPad Pro (11-inch), it’s prudent to forgo upgrading to the 2021 model. Unless you experience performance challenges with your commonly used applications (which should be infrequent), I doubt the M1 11-inch model will significantly alter your experience. If your work demands editing HDR content on the fly, an upgrade to the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro may be beneficial, but be aware that you will need to adjust your workflow to accommodate iPad-specific applications.

For most individuals eager to experience the capabilities of Apple’s M1 SoC, I believe the superior option remains the MacBook Air. It’s the best-value Apple computer available and offers far more versatility in software and functionality than an iPad. The new 2021 iPad Pro (11-inch) is an outstanding device; yet, for the amount you would spend on a tablet, considering the larger 12.9-inch variant for its superior display would be wise. If a compact form factor is your priority and a few features are not crucial, the current-gen iPad Air is the next best alternative.