This may sound controversially ridiculous, however for the previous few years, my main laptop has been an iPad Professional. I first obtained enthusiastic about pushing tablets this manner when the M1 model got here out, and I’ve saved utilizing all of them the way in which as much as the latest M4-powered mannequin.
A number of weeks in the past, I went again to my M1 iPad Professional to see how effectively it handles next-gen apps which are pushing the boundaries of graphics and AI on a cellular system. So, the massive query is whether or not the four-year-old slate can nonetheless function a dependable workhorse in 2025?
The reply is resounding sure. Regardless that the M1 iPad got here out in 2021, it really works astoundingly effectively so far. It may nonetheless sail previous the Adobe suite with ease, deal with Metallic-charged video games, and drive your productiveness on an prolonged monitor with ease. However earlier than I dig into the optimistic, I’d like to spotlight…
The one caveat, and an anticipated one
The primary, and the one tangible drawback, I’ve run into is the battery. Since my M1 iPad Professional is 4 years previous, the battery has aged. One of many principal causes I switched to utilizing an iPad as my principal laptop was the chip inside. Who wouldn’t be enticed by the concept of a desktop-class chip inside a pill?
Apparently, the M1 silicon was not solely quicker, but additionally extra environment friendly. Plus, the 120Hz ProMotion show ensures that the display screen doesn’t draw a persistently excessive quantity of energy when it’s not wanted. I used to be usually getting a day’s price of labor completed on a single cost, however 4 years later, I’ve to combine low-power mode and frugal brightness to attain these outcomes.
I checked the analytics logs to seek out that the battery well being now stands at 86%, which isn’t unhealthy. Apple goes by a median of 80% battery well being left after 1,000 charging cycles. When the well being figures drop under 80%, the cost retention capability drops, which suggests the pill lasts fewer hours.
Extra importantly, efficiency optimizations kick into motion, which may decelerate sure processes. Throughout my assessments, I didn’t instantly really feel the slowdown, except I engaged in duties like video enhancing, music manufacturing, or AAA gaming at excessive graphics presets.
Total, I’m greater than glad with the battery endurance and per-charge mileage of the ageing pill. It nonetheless lasts me by means of the day and simply handles straight 5-6 hour bursts of sustained work with out draining a full tank.
Stellar performer, far into the long run
It’s roughly been a yr since I switched to the M4 iPad Professional and obtained completely hooked on it. The largest draw for me was its skinny construct and a stunning 13-inch OLED panel. It’s strikingly stunning, and after utilizing it, each different panel feels visibly uninteresting.
But, switching again to the M1 iPad Professional and its 11-inch LCD display screen, I didn’t really feel my workflow hampered. I did miss the darkish blacks and better brightness on the M4 trim, however the 2021 iPad Professional’s LCD display screen continues to be one of many best on the market.
Picture enhancing, sketching, or enjoying video games, you received’t precisely really feel the shortage of sharpness or distinction. I not too long ago slapped a matte display screen guard on the panel, and I actually like it as a result of the glare is gone and there may be additional grip on the floor for extra managed stylus motion.
The largest shock for me whereas utilizing a three-generation-old pill was the efficiency. I didn’t really feel it slowing down my workflow in any noticeable manner. App switching continues to be seamless, UI transitions are easy, and there are barely any stutters.
Sure, in comparison with the M4 iPad Professional, you possibly can add a number of extra minutes to the video exporting time. However when you’re involved about shedding entry to newer, extra superior options, there may be little to be frightened about. LumaFusion ran simply high quality, and a small video clip that wanted a little bit of color-grading in DaVinci Resolve additionally sailed easily.
I’ve largely been enhancing 4K video on my iPad in LumaFusion. Relating to making the video recordsdata and enjoying them again, it’s solely about 28-35% slower than my M1 MacBook Professional. The MacBook Air is simply about 20-23% quicker as a result of it could possibly get too sizzling because it doesn’t have a fan.
For my workflow, even with Stage Supervisor enabled, the iPad Professional labored simply high quality. My sister, who pushes it in her position as a dressmaker, says all her illustrating and sketching apps work chug alongside effectively. There aren’t any crashes, neither is there any sudden heating.
On the gaming entrance, you possibly can pull any title from the App Retailer library, and it’ll run within the highest graphics bracket with none hiccups. My periods with Diablo Immortal, Name of Obligation: Warzone, and Honkai Star Rail have been pleasing.
Solely after I pushed into the territory of titles reminiscent of Loss of life Stranding and Resident Evil that I’ve to tone down the graphics presets barely above the height ranges. The uncooked expertise, nevertheless, is not any much less immersive and fluid. Total, I’ve little to complain concerning the efficiency metrics, and I imagine that the M1 iPad Professional will simply proceed to carry its personal for the following couple of years.
Software program continues to be an acquired style
Software program was the weak hyperlink when Apple first pushed an M-series processor contained in the iPad Professional. That established order hasn’t modified so far. That’s each good and unhealthy information. iPadOS is my favourite working system for getting work completed as a result of it’s reliably snappier than macOS or Home windows. It’s a really divisive ecosystem, to be honest.
If it will get your job completed end-to-end, there may be arguably no higher various. Apple is aware of that fairly effectively, and that explains why it has by no means pushed an iPad Professional as a full substitute for a MacBook or a daily PC. The M1 iPad Professional exemplifies that reluctance (or excellence) practically in addition to its current-gen successor.
All the pieces you are able to do on the M4 iPad Professional, you possibly can accomplish on the M1 model, too. That features legacy apps in addition to these operating generative AI experiences and the entire Apple Intelligence stack. I’m additionally pretty optimistic concerning the lengthy software program replace state of affairs for this machine.
A key cause that I like-hate the iPad Professional is Stage Supervisor. I’ve all the time preferred having a setup the place I can plug my computing machine into an even bigger display screen. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with AR smartglasses such because the Viture One, and the expertise has been phenomenal.
Getting access to an almost 120-inch floating canvas that’s non-public, tracks alongside your head actions, and might accommodate 4 app home windows with no cramped format is a perk price relishing. Plus, these sensible glasses are pocketable, so it turns into far simpler to take care of the smaller 11-inch display screen on the iPad Professional.
I’m not a fan of Apple’s AI stack, however the arrival of Apple Intelligence has made a number of minor updates ot the native apps, reminiscent of Notes, which I respect. And given the present trajectory of app improvement focused at iPadOS, I’m hopeful that extra pro-grade apps and video games will land on the pill line.
Total, the M1 iPad Professional is a terrific testomony to Apple’s pill supremacy. I can’t fairly suggest the one I simply wrote about, but when your price range permits it, it’s best to get the M4 variant. Refurbished items of the M2 trim are nonetheless a unbelievable deal, and so is the brand new iPad Air with the M3 silicon.
Both manner, you’re getting a superb package deal with a peerless diploma of future-proofing.