The article traces the evolution of the iPad Pro over a decade, highlighting how it has gradually transformed from a larger tablet into a near-laptop device with powerful hardware and software updates, yet still faces limitations that prevent it from fully replacing a traditional computer. The author argues that the iPad Pro is now capable of being the best computer Apple makes, provided it is allowed to operate without artificial restrictions.
Apple's M5 iPad Pro continues the trend of hardware innovation outpacing the MacBook Pro, with new features like OLED, touch support, and Face ID initially exclusive to the iPad, while the MacBook Pro lags behind but is expected to catch up in the future.
The M5 iPad Pro offers small hardware upgrades like faster charging, improved wireless chips, and external display support, but largely remains similar to the previous model with some software limitations affecting its AI and gaming potential. Reviews highlight its powerful performance, especially with iPadOS 26, but note the ecosystem's current inability to fully leverage the M5 chip's capabilities.
A YouTuber has unboxed what appears to be a pre-release 13-inch iPad Pro with a new M5 chip, showing significant performance improvements over the previous M4 version, suggesting an upcoming product announcement from Apple.
Russian YouTubers have posted videos unboxing what appears to be an unannounced M5 iPad Pro, suggesting an upcoming launch possibly in October. The device looks similar to the M4 model but may feature a new portrait front camera and improved performance based on Geekbench scores. Apple has not officially commented on the leak.
A rumor suggests the upcoming M5 iPad Pro will feature a second front-facing camera, potentially enabling a new Mac-inspired Desk View feature for multitasking and video creation, indicating significant updates in iPadOS 26.
The upcoming M5 iPad Pro, launching this fall alongside iPadOS 26, promises to finally match powerful hardware with software that fully leverages its capabilities, addressing long-standing software limitations of previous models.
The author’s iPad Pro with M1 processor has been revitalized by the upcoming iPadOS 26 update, which improves multitasking and enhances its functionality, making it a more effective device for productivity and creative work.
Amazon is offering a significant $400 discount on the 2TB 13-inch M4 iPad Pro, now priced at $1,899, down from its regular $2,299. This deal, one of the best since the model's release, is notable as it fluctuated during early Black Friday sales. While other M4 models have seen price increases, this high-end configuration remains a rare bargain. Additionally, discounts are available on the M4 iPad Pro Magic Keyboard, enhancing the overall iPad experience.
Cyber Monday offers significant discounts on various iPad models, including the iPad mini 7, iPad 9th Gen, and iPad Pro, available on platforms like Amazon. The iPad mini 7 is priced at $469, the iPad 9th Gen at $199, and the iPad Pro models with OLED displays and M4 chips are discounted by over $150. Additionally, Best Buy offers three months of Apple TV+ for free to new or eligible returning subscribers.
Black Friday deals are offering significant discounts on Apple products, including up to $300 off M4 iPad Pro models and M4 Mac mini starting at $500. Amazon is providing a $15 credit with Apple Gift Card purchases, and Twelve South's MagSafe chargers and MacBook stands are at their best prices of the year. Additionally, AirPods Pro 2 have hit an all-time low price of $154 on Amazon. These deals are part of a broader range of discounts available on various tech products during the Black Friday sales.
Apple, which did not release any new iPad models in 2023, is rumored to be preparing a significant update for its iPad lineup in 2024. The anticipated changes include new iPad Pro models with potentially larger screens, an OLED display option, a third-generation Apple Pencil with new features, and a Mac-like aluminum keyboard case. Despite these enhancements, the iPad will continue to differ from the Mac, particularly in software capabilities due to App Store restrictions. However, the iPad's versatility with accessories remains a key advantage, offering users a touch-screen tablet experience that MacBooks do not provide.
Apple's iPadOS 17 update introduces significant improvements to Stage Manager and Home Screen widgets, enhancing multitasking and customization for iPad users. Stage Manager now allows more freedom in arranging and resizing windows, including support for overlapping windows and the ability to Shift-click app icons to add them to the workspace. Widgets have become interactive, allowing users to perform tasks directly, and can now be placed anywhere on the Home Screen. These changes reflect Apple's ongoing efforts to provide the power and flexibility of macOS while maintaining the unique iPadOS experience.
The potential of the upcoming M3 iPad Pro as a MacBook replacement is discussed, highlighting the evolution of iPad capabilities, especially with the introduction of the M1 and M2 chips. The author, with a strong affinity for iPads, considers the possibility of switching from macOS to iPadOS for their workflow, which includes writing, content management, and communication tools. While the iPad excels in certain tasks like photo editing, it falls short in areas requiring more complex utilities and customization, which are strengths of the Mac. Despite these limitations, improvements in iPadOS, such as Stage Manager, and the power of Apple Silicon chips, have narrowed the gap between the iPad and Mac, making the idea of replacing a MacBook with an iPad Pro more feasible than ever.
The author of "My Productivity System For 2024 Part 2: Devices" on Medium's The Productive Blueprint details the devices integral to their productivity, focusing on the iPad Pro 12.9 with M chipset for teaching and administrative work, and the MacBook Air M1 and iPad Mini 6 for personal use. The iPad Pro, equipped with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2, is used for lesson planning and note-taking with apps like UpNote and GoodNotes, while the MacBook Air M1 serves as a home desktop connected to an external display. The article emphasizes the importance of having dedicated devices for work and personal life to maintain productivity.
