Apple 12.9-Inch iPad Pro (2021) - Ridiculously Powerful

M1 was Apple’s first custom processor, and never in my years of writing about notebooks have I seen a processor that’s so powerful and efficient. In my review, I said it rewrote the notebook rulebook. So what did Apple do next? Naturally, it took the M1 chip and put it in the iPad Pro.

- Kenny Yeo

And get this, Apple is claiming the new M1 iPad Pro to offer up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to 40% faster GPU performance over last year’s model. That’s like adding ghost peppers to a very spicy mala dish or another 1,000hp to a Bugatti Chiron – you get the idea.

AT A GLANCE

PROCESSOR Apple M1

DISPLAY Liquid Retina XDR (2,732 x 2,048 pixels)

MEMORY 8GB / 16GB

STORAGE From 128GB

NETWORK WiFi 6, 5G

I know some people were hoping for a redesign since the iPad Pro has looked the same since 2018. I would have preferred a redesigned chassis with squared-off corners to bring its overall aesthetic in line with the new iPhones and iMac.

The 11-inch model will work with and fit all existing accessories. Both iPad Pros still have the same magnetic mount on their sides for users to pair and charge second-generation Apple Pencils.

The larger 12.9-inch model, on the other hand, is 0.5mm thicker and about 40g heavier because it has a new type of display. Although you don’t notice it in your hands, the added thickness means it might face compatibility issues with some accessories, especially if the tolerances are tight. And although Apple said the new model might not fit the Magic Keyboard it designed for last year’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro, I got my unit to fit with no issues.