iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st Gen Features Performance

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation), released in 2015, was Apple's bold step into the world of large-screen tablets, designed specifically for professionals and creatives. As the first iPad to feature a screen size comparable to a laptop, it quickly became a favorite for artists, designers, and productivity-focused users. In this article, we’ll explore the key features of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch, its performance, and the innovations that set it apart from other devices at the time. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, creative professional, or looking to understand the evolution of the iPad, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Design and Display

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2015) set itself apart with its large display and sleek design, marking a significant shift in Apple’s tablet lineup.

12.9-inch Retina Display: The iPad Pro 12.9-inch's display was, at the time, the largest ever on an iPad. It boasts a 2732x2048 resolution, delivering sharp visuals perfect for graphic design, photo editing, and video production. Whether you're watching movies, working on intricate projects, or simply browsing the web, the display offers a stunning visual experience.

Portable Yet Powerful: Despite its large size, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch remained thin and lightweight. Weighing just over 700 grams, it was easy to carry, making it suitable for professionals on the go who needed a larger workspace without the bulk of a laptop.

Performance: Powered by A9X Chip

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Gen) introduced the powerful A9X chip, which delivered performance comparable to many laptops at the time.

A9X Chip and 4GB RAM: The A9X chip in the iPad Pro was built for speed and efficiency, making multitasking a breeze. The 4GB of RAM further enhanced its ability to handle intensive apps like Adobe Photoshop, video editing software, and 3D rendering tools.

Laptop-Class Performance: The A9X chip allowed the iPad Pro to compete with traditional laptops, and its performance made it ideal for users who required a device that could handle demanding professional tasks while remaining highly portable. Whether you’re creating 3D models or editing 4K videos, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch handled it all with ease.

Productivity and Creativity: Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2015) was the first iPad to support the Apple Pencil, revolutionizing the way users interacted with the device.

Apple Pencil (1st Gen): The Apple Pencil allowed for precise drawing, note-taking, and editing on the large 12.9-inch screen. Its responsiveness and pressure sensitivity made it a favorite among artists, illustrators, and designers. For digital artists, apps like Procreate and Adobe Illustrator Draw became essential tools, further enhancing the iPad’s creative potential.

Smart Keyboard: The introduction of the Smart Keyboard transformed the iPad Pro into a productivity machine. The keyboard attaches magnetically to the iPad, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing. For professionals who use their iPads for writing reports, emails, or coding, the Smart Keyboard was an essential accessory that extended the device’s functionality.

Operating System: iPadOS and Software Compatibility

When the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Gen) launched, it ran on iOS, but it has since transitioned to iPadOS, which is specifically designed to enhance multitasking and productivity on iPads.

Split View and Slide Over: One of the standout features of iPadOS is its enhanced multitasking capabilities. With Split View, users can run two apps side by side, perfect for professionals who need to reference documents while working on other tasks. Slide Over allows you to quickly pull up an app without leaving your main workspace, improving workflow efficiency.

Pro Apps: The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is compatible with a wide range of professional apps, including the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Microsoft Office, and Affinity Designer. This makes it a versatile tool for professionals across various fields, including graphic design, video editing, and music production.

iPad Pro vs iPhone, MacBook, and Traditional PCs

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is often compared to other Apple products, including the iPhone, MacBook, and traditional PCs. Here’s how it stacks up:

iPad Pro vs iPhone: While the iPhone is more portable, the iPad Pro offers a much larger display and far greater processing power, making it ideal for creative professionals and those who need to multitask. The iPhone is perfect for quick tasks, but the iPad Pro’s larger screen and better app support make it a superior device for productivity.

iPad Pro vs MacBook: For users who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch was a groundbreaking device. It offered many of the same features as a MacBook, such as a full-sized keyboard (when using the Smart Keyboard) and powerful performance, but in a more versatile and portable form factor.

iPad Pro vs Traditional PCs: While traditional PCs offer a wide range of hardware configurations and software options, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch provided a more streamlined, touch-based experience. Its ecosystem of apps, designed specifically for the iPadOS, made it a serious contender in the creative and professional markets.

Accessories: Enhancing the iPad Pro Experience

Along with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, a range of accessories enhances the iPad Pro 12.9-inch experience. These accessories allow users to expand the functionality of the device and tailor it to their specific needs.

USB-C Adapter: While the iPad Pro 12.9-inch doesn’t have a built-in USB-C port like later models, third-party adapters allow users to connect external devices like hard drives, cameras, and monitors, making it a versatile option for professionals.

Cases and Stands: To protect the iPad and make it more functional for work or entertainment, a variety of cases, stands, and protective covers are available. Whether you're using it for sketching or as a portable media center, these accessories make the experience more comfortable and productive.

Innovations: Large Display and Enhanced Creativity

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) wasn’t just about raw performance; it also brought a suite of innovative features that paved the way for future iPads.

Multitasking and Split Screen: The large display on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch allows users to multitask more efficiently. Apps like Safari and Pages can be used side by side, enabling you to browse the web while writing or referencing documents while working.

Graphics Performance: The iPad Pro 12.9-inch’s GPU allowed for more graphically intensive tasks, such as 3D modeling and rendering. Professionals who rely on high-performance graphics for their work found this iPad a great companion for on-the-go productivity.

Categories and Compatibility with Other Devices

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch seamlessly fits into several categories found on iappleworld.com, including:

iPhone: The iPad Pro’s ecosystem is tightly integrated with the iPhone, allowing users to sync documents, photos, and messages seamlessly across devices.

PCs: The iPad Pro’s performance and multitasking capabilities allow it to function as a PC alternative for many users.

Accessories: From the Apple Pencil to various cases and adapters, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch works well with numerous accessories that expand its functionality.

Miscellaneous: The large display and powerful performance make the iPad Pro a perfect device for gaming, media consumption, and even AR (Augmented Reality) experiences.

Innovations: The iPad Pro 12.9-inch set a new standard for tablet design and performance, leading the way for future models and innovations in the tablet market.

Operating Systems: The shift from iOS to iPadOS introduced multitasking features that made the iPad Pro more powerful for professional work.

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation, 2015) was a revolutionary device that introduced a new era for tablets. Its large display, powerful performance, and support for accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard made it an essential tool for professionals and creatives. While newer generations have since been released, the 1st-gen iPad Pro remains a capable device for those looking to experience Apple’s take on portable, professional computing.