Design and Build

The iPad Pro M1 (2021), available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, features a premium aluminum chassis with flat edges. The 11-inch model measures 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches (247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm) and weighs 1.03 pounds (466g Wi-Fi, 468g Cellular), while the 12.9-inch model is 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches (280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm) and 1.5 pounds (682g Wi-Fi, 684g Cellular). Offered in Space Gray and Silver, it includes Face ID, no Home button, and supports the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil (magnetic attachment) and Magic Keyboard. The USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) is a significant upgrade over the Air 5’s 10 Gbps. With no IP rating, it lacks water or dust resistance. Users praise the sleek, sturdy build but note the 12.9-inch model’s weight and high accessory costs.

• Aluminum chassis with flat edges
• Face ID, no Home button
• USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps)
• Supports 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard
• No water/dust resistance

iPad Pro M1 Display

The iPad Pro M1 offers two display options. The 11-inch model features a Liquid Retina IPS LCD (2360 x 1640, 264 PPI) with 120Hz ProMotion, True Tone, P3 wide color, and 600 nits brightness. The 12.9-inch model uses a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display (2732 x 2048, 264 PPI) with the same features, plus 1600 nits peak brightness (HDR) for superior contrast and blacks. Both are laminated, enhancing 2nd-gen Apple Pencil precision. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures fluid scrolling, but the 12.9-inch’s mini-LED outshines the 11-inch for HDR content. Users love the 12.9-inch’s near-OLED quality but note the 11-inch’s IPS is less vibrant. Outdoor visibility is strong, especially on the 12.9-inch.

• 11-inch: Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 120Hz
• 12.9-inch: Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED, 120Hz
• Resolutions: 2360 x 1640 (11-inch), 2732 x 2048 (12.9-inch), 264 PPI
• Brightness: 600 nits (11-inch), 1600 nits peak (12.9-inch)
• True Tone, P3 wide color, ProMotion
• Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating

Performance and Software

Powered by the Apple M1 chip (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine), the iPad Pro M1 comes with 8GB RAM (16GB for 1TB/2TB models) and storage options of 128GB ($799/$1099), 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB (up to $2199). Running iPadOS 14 (upgradable to iPadOS 18), it supports Apple Intelligence (e.g., Writing Tools) and updates until ~2028. The M1 offers desktop-class performance, up to 50% faster than the A12Z in the 2020 Pro, excelling in 4K video editing, AR, and gaming. Stage Manager enhances multitasking, but iPadOS still limits pro workflows compared to macOS. Users praise its power but criticize software constraints and the 128GB base storage.

• Apple M1 chip, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU
• 8GB RAM (16GB for 1TB/2TB)
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• iPadOS 14 (up to iPadOS 18)
• Apple Intelligence support

The M1 delivers unmatched tablet performance, but iPadOS’s limitations and base storage hold it back from being a true laptop replacement.

Camera System

The iPad Pro M1 features a dual rear camera: 12MP wide (f/1.8, 5x digital zoom) and 10MP ultra-wide (f/2.4, 125° FOV), with a LiDAR scanner for AR and low-light focus. The 12MP ultra-wide front camera (f/2.4, 122° FOV) includes Center Stage. It supports 4K video at 60fps (rear) and 1080p at 60fps (front). The cameras excel for AR, scanning, and video calls, but low-light performance is average. Center Stage and LiDAR are highlights, surpassing the Air 5’s single rear camera. Users find the setup versatile, though tablet photography remains secondary.

• Rear: 12MP wide (f/1.8), 10MP ultra-wide (f/2.4), LiDAR
• Front: 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.4, 122° FOV)
• Video: 4K 60fps (rear), 1080p 60fps (front)
• Features: Center Stage, Smart HDR 3, LiDAR

Battery and Charging

The iPad Pro M1 has a 7538mAh battery (11-inch) or 10758mAh (12.9-inch), lasting ~10 hours (11-inch) or ~12 hours (12.9-inch) for video playback, and 8–10 hours (11-inch) or 10–12 hours (12.9-inch) in real-world use. It supports 20W fast charging via USB-C (50% in ~45 minutes), with a 20W charger included. No wireless charging is offered. Battery life is strong, matching the Air 5 for the 11-inch but excelling with the 12.9-inch. Users report excellent endurance, though the 12.9-inch’s mini-LED display can drain faster in HDR mode.

• Battery: 7538mAh (11-inch), 10758mAh (12.9-inch)
• Video playback: ~10h (11-inch), ~12h (12.9-inch)
• Real-world: 8–10h (11-inch), 10–12h (12.9-inch)
• 20W wired charging (50% in ~45 min)
• 20W USB-C charger included

Connectivity

The iPad Pro M1 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, and optional 5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave in US) on cellular models ($999+ for 11-inch, $1299+ for 12.9-inch). It includes nano-SIM, eSIM, and GPS (A-GPS, GLONASS on cellular). Thunderbolt 4 enables faster data transfer and external display support (up to 6K). Connectivity is robust, with mmWave offering blazing speeds where available. Users report reliable Wi-Fi and 5G, though mmWave coverage is limited, and some note occasional 5G drops in weak areas.

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
• Bluetooth 5.0
• 5G (sub-6GHz, mmWave in US, cellular models)
• Nano-SIM, eSIM
• GPS: A-GPS, GLONASS (cellular)
• Thunderbolt 4 USB-C

Pricing and Availability

Launched at $799 (11-inch, 128GB Wi-Fi) and $1099 (12.9-inch, 128GB Wi-Fi), the iPad Pro M1 began pre-orders on April 30, 2021, with sales starting May 21, 2021, via Apple, carriers, and retailers. Cellular models add $200. Storage options reach 2TB ($1799/$2199). Discontinued on June 7, 2022 (11-inch) and May 7, 2024 (12.9-inch), it’s available refurbished for $600–$1200. The iPad Pro M2 ($799/$1099) adds Apple Pencil hover, but the M1 models remain powerful for pros at lower refurbished prices.