The iPad Pro 11 inch 1st Gen All You Need to Know
Released in 2018, the iPad Pro 11-inch (1st Generation) brought a new era of powerful performance and sleek design to Apple’s tablet lineup. As the first in its size category, it became an instant hit among creative professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts alike. This article will take an in-depth look at the iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 model, examining its key features, design elements, performance capabilities, and available accessories, while also comparing it to other devices in Apple’s lineup. Whether you're looking to understand how this device fits into Apple's innovation strategy or considering it as your next purchase, this comprehensive guide will cover it all.
Design and Display
The iPad Pro 11-inch introduced a new design language for Apple's tablet series, moving away from the traditional home button and opting for a near bezel-less design. This shift not only provided more screen real estate but also gave the device a futuristic look, in line with Apple’s design philosophy seen in the iPhone X series.
- Liquid Retina Display: The 11-inch Liquid Retina display is one of the highlights of this model. It features ProMotion technology, which delivers a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, making everything from scrolling to drawing incredibly smooth. Whether you're watching high-definition videos or working on detailed graphic designs, the display ensures vibrant colors and crisp images.
- True Tone and Wide Color Gamut: These features adjust the screen's color and brightness to match the ambient lighting, providing a more natural viewing experience. The P3 wide color gamut ensures accurate color reproduction, making it perfect for professionals in photography, video editing, and digital art.
Performance and Power: Apple’s A12X Bionic Chip
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) is powered by the A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine, a processor that was groundbreaking at its launch. This chip brought desktop-level performance to the iPad, making it a viable option for tasks typically reserved for laptops.
- 8-Core CPU and 7-Core GPU: The A12X features an 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU, delivering a performance boost of up to 35% over the previous generation iPads. This allows users to run demanding applications, such as Adobe Photoshop or video editing software, with ease.
- Neural Engine: The Neural Engine in the A12X enhances machine learning tasks, such as image recognition, AR experiences, and even facial recognition, making the device smarter and faster in handling AI-related tasks.
- Storage Options: With storage options ranging from 64GB to a whopping 1TB, the iPad Pro 11-inch can handle large files, whether you're storing high-resolution videos, extensive design projects, or gaming apps.
The combination of these hardware elements ensures that the iPad Pro 11-inch can handle tasks typically associated with MacBooks or other high-end PCs.
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) and Accessories
One of the standout features of the iPad Pro 11-inch is its support for the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation). The redesigned Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly, making it incredibly convenient to use for professionals in creative fields.
- Precision Drawing: The Apple Pencil is known for its precision, low latency, and pressure sensitivity, making it a top choice for digital artists, designers, and note-takers.
- Smart Keyboard Folio: Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio transforms the iPad Pro into a productivity powerhouse. The magnetic attachment and lack of pairing or charging make it easy to use, whether you're typing out long documents or replying to emails.
- USB-C Connectivity: The USB-C port opens up a world of possibilities for connecting external storage, cameras, and even external displays, further enhancing the iPad’s versatility. Whether you're transferring large media files or expanding your workspace, this feature provides added
- flexibility that Apple’s previous Lightning connectors could not.
iPad Pro vs iPad Air vs Traditional PCs
One of the main questions potential buyers have is whether to opt for the iPad Pro or other devices like the iPad Air or a traditional PC. Here’s a quick comparison:
- iPad Pro 11-inch vs iPad Air (2020): The iPad Air offers great value with its A14 Bionic chip and similar design language, but the iPad Pro 11-inch excels in terms of raw power with its A12X chip, better display (120Hz vs 60Hz), and support for the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil. For those in need of more processing power for tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, or multitasking, the iPad Pro is the better choice.
- iPad Pro 11-inch vs Traditional Laptops: The iPad Pro 11-inch blurs the lines between a tablet and a traditional laptop. While it may not replace a high-end MacBook Pro or PC for every user, its portability, powerful chip, and accessories like the Magic Keyboard make it a viable option for professionals who require flexibility and mobility.
Operating Systems: iPadOS and Software Ecosystem
The iPad Pro 11-inch initially launched with iOS but now runs on iPadOS, a specialized operating system that enhances the multitasking capabilities of the device.
- Split View and Slide Over: With iPadOS, users can run multiple apps simultaneously, making it easier to work on complex projects or switch between tasks like browsing, note-taking, and video conferencing.
- Files App and External Storage: The Files app on iPadOS offers a more traditional file management experience, which is further enhanced by the iPad’s USB-C port for connecting external storage devices. This feature is crucial for professionals who work with large files, such as photographers or videographers.
- App Store and Pro Apps: The vast array of apps available on the App Store makes the iPad Pro 11-inch a highly customizable device. From productivity tools like Microsoft Office to creative apps like Procreate and LumaFusion, users can tailor their iPad to suit their workflow.
Innovations in Creativity and Productivity
Apple has positioned the iPad Pro 11-inch as a tool not just for entertainment but also for creative professionals. Whether you're a graphic designer, video editor, or musician, the combination of the powerful hardware, Apple Pencil, and iPadOS allows for a level of creativity previously unseen on a mobile device.
- Digital Art: Applications like Procreate and Adobe Fresco are perfect for illustrators, providing a canvas-like experience. The iPad Pro’s responsive display and precision Apple Pencil make it an ideal tool for sketching and painting.
- Music Production: With apps like GarageBand and Logic Pro, musicians can create, edit, and produce music on the go. The iPad Pro's processing power ensures smooth audio playback and editing, even for complex projects.
The iPad Pro 11-inch (1st Generation) (2018) continues to be a remarkable device even years after its release. Its powerful A12X Bionic chip, stunning Liquid Retina display, and support for Apple Pencil 2nd Gen make it a versatile tool for professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts alike. When compared to the iPad Air or traditional laptops, the iPad Pro offers a unique blend of portability, power, and creative potential. Whether you're in the market for a new tablet or looking to upgrade your creative toolkit, the iPad Pro 11-inch is an option worth considering.