Apple IPad Pro 1st Gen (2018): Review & Features

Hey guys! Today, we're going to take a super close look at the Apple iPad Pro 1st Gen from 2018. This bad boy, when it first dropped, was a real game-changer in the tablet world. If you're thinking about picking one up, or just curious about what made it so special, you've come to the right place! We're going to unpack everything you need to know, from its killer design to its powerhouse performance. So grab a snack, get comfy, and let's dive into the world of the 2018 iPad Pro!

Design and Display: Sleek, Shiny, and Stunning

Let's kick things off with the look and feel of this tablet. The Apple iPad Pro 1st Gen (2018) really upped the ante with its design. Forget those chunky bezels of the past; Apple went for a super sleek, edge-to-edge display. This makes the whole device feel incredibly modern and immersive. It's thin, it's light, and honestly, it just feels premium in your hands. The aluminum unibody construction is what you'd expect from Apple – solid, durable, and it just looks and feels great. Plus, with its Liquid Retina display, the colors just pop! We're talking about vibrant reds, deep blues, and everything in between. Whether you're watching your favorite movies, editing photos, or just scrolling through social media, the visual experience is top-notch. The ProMotion technology, which offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, is a real standout feature here. What does that mean for you, guys? It means everything feels smoother. Scrolling is buttery, drawing with the Apple Pencil is incredibly responsive (almost like drawing on real paper!), and gaming is just that much more enjoyable. It adapts to what you're doing, so it's not always running at 120Hz, which helps save battery life. And let's not forget about Face ID. This was one of the first iPads to ditch the Home button and embrace Face ID for unlocking and authentication. It's convenient, secure, and just works seamlessly. You can unlock your iPad with a glance, authorize purchases, and it even works in landscape mode, which is a huge win for tablet usability. The speaker system is also impressive, delivering rich, full sound that makes media consumption a joy. So, from a design perspective, the 2018 iPad Pro was a masterclass, setting a new standard for what a premium tablet could look and feel like, and it still holds up incredibly well today.

Performance: Powerhouse Under the Hood

Now, let's talk about what really makes the Apple iPad Pro 1st Gen (2018) tick: its performance. This tablet was equipped with Apple's A12X Bionic chip, and let me tell you, this thing is a beast. Even by today's standards, it's incredibly powerful. For its time, it was basically a mobile workstation. This chip is an octa-core processor with four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, combined with a seven-core GPU. What this translates to in real-world use, guys, is speed. Everything is just lightning fast. Apps open in an instant, multitasking is a breeze, and even the most demanding games run without a hitch. Editing 4K video, running complex graphic design software, or juggling multiple heavy-duty apps simultaneously – the 2018 iPad Pro can handle it all without breaking a sweat. This level of performance is what really blurred the lines between a tablet and a traditional laptop. It wasn't just for casual browsing or watching videos anymore; it was a genuine productivity tool. The A12X Bionic chip was designed with machine learning capabilities in mind too, powering features like advanced computational photography (though less relevant on an iPad, the underlying tech is there) and enhanced augmented reality experiences. So, if you're into AR apps or want to explore those kinds of immersive experiences, this iPad is more than capable. The responsiveness of the interface, the speed at which tasks are completed, and the overall fluid user experience are all testament to the power packed into this device. For creatives, students, professionals, or anyone who needs a powerful, portable computing device, the performance of the 2018 iPad Pro is a massive selling point. It truly was ahead of its time and continues to offer a robust and reliable performance for a wide range of tasks.

Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard: The Productivity Duo

When you talk about the Apple iPad Pro 1st Gen (2018), you absolutely have to talk about its accessories, specifically the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Smart Keyboard Folio. These aren't just add-ons; they're essential components that unlock the true potential of this device, transforming it into a versatile productivity and creativity powerhouse. The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly. This is a massive improvement over the first generation's charging method, which was a bit awkward. The responsiveness is phenomenal – it feels incredibly natural, like pen on paper. For artists, illustrators, designers, and even students taking notes, this stylus is a game-changer. The precision, the tilt sensitivity, and the pressure sensitivity allow for a wide range of creative expression and detailed work. You can sketch, paint, annotate documents, mark up PDFs, and jot down notes with incredible accuracy and ease. It makes the iPad Pro a legitimate digital sketchbook and note-taking device. Then there's the Smart Keyboard Folio. This accessory provides a full-sized, comfortable typing experience, protecting your iPad's screen when closed and easily folding into a stand for typing or viewing. It connects seamlessly via the Smart Connector, meaning no batteries or Bluetooth pairing are needed – just snap it on, and you're good to go. While it might not offer the same tactile feedback as some dedicated laptop keyboards, it's a significant upgrade for anyone looking to do serious typing on their iPad. Combined, the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio transform the iPad Pro from a media consumption device into a true laptop alternative. You can draft emails, write reports, create presentations, edit spreadsheets, design intricate artwork, and take detailed notes, all on one portable device. This accessory ecosystem is a huge part of why the 2018 iPad Pro was so revolutionary and why it remains a compelling option for many users today who prioritize versatility and portability in their workflow.

Cameras: More Than Just for Selfies

Let's talk cameras on the Apple iPad Pro 1st Gen (2018). Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: "Who uses an iPad camera?" And yeah, for a long time, it was mostly for FaceTime calls or the occasional quick snap. But Apple seriously stepped up the camera game with this generation of iPad Pro. The rear camera is a 12MP shooter with an ƒ/1.8 aperture. This isn't just your average tablet camera; it's a capable shooter that can capture some really impressive photos and videos. Think vibrant, detailed shots in good lighting. It also supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps, which is pretty stellar for a tablet. This means you can shoot high-quality video content directly from your iPad, which is super handy for content creators, vloggers, or even just for documenting family events in high fidelity. The front-facing TrueDepth camera is also quite advanced. It's used for Face ID, of course, but it's also great for FaceTime calls, offering sharp and clear video. Beyond just basic use, the advanced camera system on the 2018 iPad Pro also enables some cool features. Augmented Reality (AR) experiences are a big one. The LiDAR scanner, introduced in later models but the groundwork was laid here with its powerful processing, combined with the capable cameras, allows for more immersive and accurate AR applications. Imagine measuring spaces, visualizing furniture in your room, or playing AR games that feel more grounded in reality. For productivity, the camera is also surprisingly useful. You can easily scan documents, whiteboard notes, or even use it for video conferencing with a high-quality feed. So, while it might not replace your dedicated DSLR or smartphone camera for professional photography, the camera system on the 2018 iPad Pro is far more capable than you might expect, offering solid performance for everyday tasks, content creation, and even some more advanced applications. It's a testament to Apple's approach of integrating powerful technology across their entire device lineup.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Powering Through Your Day

When you're investing in a device like the Apple iPad Pro 1st Gen (2018), battery life and connectivity are obviously super important, right? You want to be able to take it with you and use it without constantly hunting for a power outlet. Apple generally does a pretty solid job with battery life on their iPads, and this 2018 model is no exception. Under typical usage – think web browsing, watching videos, some light productivity work, and social media – you can comfortably expect to get through a full day on a single charge. Of course, if you're pushing it hard with demanding tasks like video editing or playing graphics-intensive games, the battery will drain faster, but that's true for any powerful device. The USB-C port is a significant upgrade here. It replaces the older Lightning port, offering much greater versatility. You can connect to external displays, cameras, SD card readers, and other accessories much more easily. Plus, USB-C generally supports faster charging and data transfer speeds, which is a big win for productivity. For wireless connectivity, you've got Wi-Fi 802.11ac, which offers fast and reliable internet access for browsing, streaming, and downloading. If you opt for the cellular model, you'll also get LTE support, giving you internet on the go wherever you have a signal. Bluetooth 5.0 is also included, ensuring stable connections with accessories like the Apple Pencil, wireless headphones, and keyboards. The inclusion of USB-C really future-proofed this device, making it compatible with a wider range of peripherals and charging solutions. So, whether you're working remotely, traveling, or just using it around the house, the battery life is dependable enough for most users, and the connectivity options are robust and modern, ensuring you can stay productive and connected wherever you are. It’s a solid package that allows you to really rely on your iPad Pro throughout the day.

The Verdict: Still a Contender?

So, guys, after all this talk, is the Apple iPad Pro 1st Gen (2018) still worth considering today? Absolutely! While newer iPad Pro models have come out with even more advanced features, the 2018 model remains an incredibly capable and powerful tablet. Its stunning Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, the blazing-fast A12X Bionic chip, and the excellent support for the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) and Smart Keyboard Folio make it a fantastic device for a wide range of users. For students, artists, writers, or anyone who needs a portable powerhouse for work or creativity, this iPad Pro still delivers. It offers a premium experience that punches well above its weight, especially if you can find it at a good price on the used market. Sure, it might not have the absolute latest processor or the newest camera tech, but the core experience – the smooth display, the snappy performance, and the versatility with accessories – is still incredibly strong. It's a testament to how well-built and forward-thinking the design and engineering were back in 2018. If you're looking for a high-performance tablet that can handle demanding tasks and offers a brilliant display without breaking the bank on the newest model, the 2018 iPad Pro is definitely a contender you should have on your radar. It’s a classic for a reason!