APPLE iPAD PRO (M1)
Chip it up and start again
Apple’s M1 processor has found its way into the already-streets-ahead iPad Pro… but there’s more at play in this flagship tab than raw power
from £749 / stuff.tv/iPadPro
The 2018 iPad Pro made good on Apple’s promise of an all-screen device that ‘becomes’ whatever app is running. The 2020 model improved things further, with a better camera setup, Lidar and the lovely Magic Keyboard. This year’s update looks identical, but represents bigger change than you first realise.
From a design perspective, it remains a premium and sleek (if slightly weighty) slate, but the key is what’s new to tempt existing iPad users to upgrade… like stuffing an M1 chip inside. It smacks of overkill, but Pro users never tire of more oomph, and apps that demand power will excel on this hardware.
During testing, this iPad deftly dealt with everything we threw at it, from video and image edits to sequencers and console-grade games. Performance peaked at M1 MacBook Pro levels and, in some cases, software pushed the iPad ahead. That’s great… but it pays to look past the power.
I just diode in your arms
Our 12.9in Pro’s display (1) echoes previous models, but everything looks richer. That’s down to over 10,000 Mini LEDs, versus 72 normal LEDs in last year’s model. Brightness hits 1000 full-screen nits and ruins other iPad displays when handling HDR content. The catch: the 11in model doesn’t get the upgrade.
Follow view, follow me
The rear dual-camera/Lidar setup remains, but now it’s all about the front-facing 12MP ultrawide TrueDepth camera with its 122° field of view (2). On video calls, a tracking system called Center Stage keeps you in frame. It’s odd at first, watching smooth, regular adjustments while the iPad is motionless… but it works.
Central reservations
Center Stage is intelligent enough to adjust itself for extra people and ignore those passing through. Two minor negatives: the system doesn’t (yet) appear to work when recording, and it might trigger people with vestibular disorders. However, the feature can be disabled in settings on a per-app basis.
Thunderful life
Apple’s penchant for minimalism means the Pro sticks with just one port (3), but this USB-C connector supports Thunderbolt and USB 4. In theory, Thunderbolt unlocks support for large external displays; but in practice, most apps mirror the iPad’s display, leaving black bars left and right. This feels increasingly absurd.
System of mercy
The platform remains poor for coding, but other high-end tasks are supported by superb pro apps. For games, this iPad is strong too. Where things fall short is iPadOS itself, which lags behind iOS in some areas (widgets, App Library) and macOS in others (Files being like a Fisher-Price Finder, that flawed external display support).
GOOD MEH EVIL
Powerful, fluid and responsive
Display is stunningly
Options can rapidly get expensive
iPadOS’s flaws do grate
Center Stage is fun and useful
Doesn’t like external displays
Tech specs
Screen 11in 2388x1668 / 12.9in 2732x2048 Liquid Retina Processor Apple M1 OS iPadOS 14 RAM 8/16GB Storage Up to 2TB Battery life Up to 10hrs Connectivity USB-C, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5 Cameras 12+10MP rear, 12MP front Dimensions 248x179x5.9mm, 466g (11in) / 281x215x 6.4mm, 682g (12.9in)
And as puck would have it…
Apple AirTag
from £29 / stuff.tv/AirTag
Filed under ‘gadgets you never knew you needed’, smart tags from Samsung, Tile and now Apple help you locate lost items.
Apple’s steel pucks use a U1 ultra-wideband (UWB) chip combined with Bluetooth and NFC to calculate the precise location of whatever item they’re attached to: car keys, wallet, spouse, dog, etc. Setup is as easy as pairing AirPods on iOS, with limited functionality on Android.
On iPhone, the Find My app becomes your personal lost-and-found office – and it’s dead easy to navigate. The pucks are also discreet for tucking away if they’re not hanging off your keys; they’re rated IP67 against water and dust, and the battery should last a year.
The usage case, then, is clear… but are Apple’s intentions? Gadgets like the AirPods Max and Apple TV remote don’t have AirTag tech built in, but conversely the firm’s implementation of UWB and the U1 chip extends far beyond simply finding things. With AirDrop, Car Keys and tune-transfers to HomePods already using the tech, we can expect to see greater mapping of everything and everyone. AirTags are just the beginning.
Stuff says ★★★★✩
The 2021 iPad Pro offers a more meaningful update than the last one did. The new display is wonderful and the M1 powerful, with only Apple itself holding things back on the OS front. For newcomers and owners of pre-2020 Pros, we’ve no hesitation in recommending it. Got last year’s model?
Maybe hang on for another year.
@CraigGrannell
STUFF SAYS ★★★★★
This year’s iPad Pro is absolutely the best tablet around, bar none – you’ll pay for the privilege, but you’ll love what you get