When the M4 iPad Pro was launched last May, I highlighted several issues regarding its functionality as a computer and expressed hope that iPadOS, which was set to be announced at this year’s WWDC, would address some of these concerns.
To get straight to the point, that did not happen. Of the problems I identified previously, only the ability to pin files in the Files app was added. iPadOS continues to present significant challenges for the iPad Pro hardware, and many obstacles remain that prevent users from fully realizing the iPad Pro’s potential.
Nevertheless, while writing this review, I made the decision to purchase an iPad Pro. I’d like to share how I reached this decision based on my experiences using the iPad Pro in various locations.
Inside the KTX
Shortly after getting my iPad Pro, I traveled to Busan. Instead of my usual MacBook, I opted to take my iPad Pro. I prefer a lighter setup when traveling, but I often brought my laptop because unexpected work can arise.
It’s not Independence Day, but what movie is playing? If you know, you’re a movie buff…
Once I boarded the KTX, I decided to watch a movie until I reached Busan. Since it was Independence Day in the U.S., I watched ‘Independence Day.’ The new tandem OLED display of this iPad Pro offers exceptional picture quality for viewing HDR movies. The brightness is particularly impressive, reaching 1,600 nits for HDR content and a maximum of 1,000 nits on a regular screen, ensuring readability in most outdoor settings. The colors are also remarkably accurate, making it a great tool for photo correction. This screen alone seems to justify an upgrade.
On the return KTX ride, I chose to edit my podcast. As a hobby, I’m working on an IT news podcast using Logic Pro X on Mac, and I’ve been enjoying editing on my iPad lately. I had previously edited with Logic Pro X on Mac, but was disappointed when I installed Logic Pro for iPad on my iPad mini. It struggled to load files I was editing on my Mac and often stuttered. I initially thought this could be attributed to Logic Pro being better suited for short music editing, but it was frustrating nonetheless.
Then I discovered an app called Ferrite. This app is optimized for editing podcasts, voice interviews, and the like, enabling me to edit much more efficiently than on my Mac. This efficiency was partly due to the fast processing speed of the M4 chip—much quicker than when I used this app on my iPad mini—but also because of the interface tailored for the Apple Pencil. Although I had purchased the Apple Pencil initially without significant use, this time I used it extensively until the battery was nearly depleted. This indicates that the iPad Pro serves as not only a device for streaming Netflix but also as a capable work tool.
The standout feature of the Apple Pencil Pro is the ‘squeeze’ gesture and the integrated haptic motor. In Ferrite, you can customize actions for both the existing double-tap gesture and the squeeze gesture. The subtle vibration feedback from the Apple Pencil, confirming your actions, is genuinely satisfying. Initially, I thought I could forego the pressure detection feature and just buy a basic pencil with a USB-C connection, but after properly utilizing the squeeze gesture, the benefits of the Apple Pencil Pro became clear—even at a higher price point.
After nearly finishing podcast editing, I decided to back up my photos. The iPad Pro features a Thunderbolt port. I connected a USB-C SD card reader to the Files app, which automatically transferred the photos to my cloud storage. I plan to edit these photos later at home using Lightroom. While it is possible to edit photos with Lightroom on the iPad, I still prefer using Lightroom Classic. However, in urgent situations, I can rely on the iPad for editing, which is reassuring.
Seoul Museum of History
One of the advantages of being a freelancer is the ability to work from anywhere. While working from home without the pressures of commuting is enjoyable, there are times when I need to work outside for a change of scenery.
One of my favorite places is the Seoul Museum of History, located near Gwanghwamun. The solemn atmosphere creates a quieter environment than a cafe, and I can save money by bringing my own coffee. There are numerous spaces within the museum suitable for reading, studying, or working, so I often settle down here to get some work done.
The bag I used to carry my iPad (left) and the smallest bag I could use for my laptop (right). Even the bag on the right would be too cramped to fit my laptop and charger, which forced me to leave out additional items.
In this case, the iPad Pro proves advantageous as it is much lighter than a MacBook. I have encountered varying opinions on the necessity of making the iPad Pro slimmer and lighter, but as someone who frequently carries and uses the device, I appreciate weight reduction so long as it doesn’t compromise performance. This is especially true when using additional accessories like the Magic Keyboard. (In fact, the backlight component, now less necessary since the screen has been changed to OLED, has significantly contributed to the device’s thinner design.)
Even with its reduced thickness, the battery remains robust. In fact, the battery capacity increased by approximately 9%, from 28.65Wh to 31.29Wh compared to the 11-inch model I used. While it has a smaller capacity than the MacBook Air, iPadOS’s effective power management ensures that the battery drains predictably, and above all, it lasts longer. Unlike the MacBook, which necessitates bringing a charger while working outdoors, the iPad can easily last all day if fully charged in the morning. This means I can carry my iPad more effortlessly, with just a few accessories in a suitably sized sling bag, unlike the bulkier backpack needed for a laptop.
Do you think the screen resembles a Mac? It might just be my imagination.
Since my primary work involves writing, having a keyboard accessory is essential. This time, I opted to carry a mouse and keyboard separately rather than the Magic Keyboard. If my intention was to use the iPad strictly as a laptop, the Magic Keyboard would have sufficed. However, after starting to edit podcasts with the Apple Pencil Pro, I found it more beneficial to have separate peripherals rather than constantly attaching and detaching the Magic Keyboard. One of the iPad Pro’s standout features is its adaptability to different situations, and carrying these items separately maximizes that advantage. If I wanted a break while working at the table, I could simply take the iPad to the sofa to read or watch a movie.
When the Smart Folio is laid flat.
When the Smart Folio is positioned upright.
In this context, Apple’s genuine Smart Folio case has received a significant enhancement: the ability to adjust the angle when used as a stand. This allows you to customize the angle depending on the height of your chair and desk. For someone, like me, who carries a separate keyboard and mouse, this is an essential accessory, even if a bit pricey.
On that day, my main task was to write this review, but I also needed to use Photoshop for a while. Fortunately, I have Photoshop on my iPad too… Wait, there are layers that I can’t edit on the iPad. The iPad version and the desktop version still aren’t fully compatible. In this instance, I had to seek assistance from my MacBook at home. How did I manage that? I used an app called Jump Desktop, and provided that my network connection was reliable, I could work at Mac’s speed. This setup allowed me to manage not only basic Photoshop tasks but also podcast audio processing that requires an extended duration. However, this remote setup might pose difficulties for heavy-duty tasks like video editing.
It all depends on your writing style, but…
I deliberately chose not to dwell on the software limitations of iPadOS. I’ve discussed these issues frequently, including my own experiences, and I was primarily interested in whether it was truly possible to work around these limitations and maximize the use of the iPad Pro.
In conclusion, I was able to accomplish most of my work on the iPad Pro without significant issues, with a few exceptions. While some tasks required adjustment, the overall experience was surprisingly satisfying, largely due to the various apps that facilitated my workflow. This was particularly noteworthy given that the iPad Pro (512GB Wi-Fi) featured in this review costs 1.79 million won.
The irony is that all the productive work I managed to do on my iPad was thanks to third-party developers. I spent considerable time composing this review on my iPad. The third-party apps I utilized, such as Ulysses, Ferrite for podcast editing, and Jump Desktop for remote access to my Mac, were critical to my productivity. While Apple created the hardware, operating system, iCloud, and App Store ecosystem, it was ultimately the developers who helped me bypass the limitations inherent in iPadOS.
This situation makes it particularly disheartening to hear reports of Apple distancing itself from developers lately. If Apple is not committed to enhancing the iPad’s software situation, they should ease restrictions, enabling developers to do more. My perception of the 1.79 million won price tag being reasonable is not due to Apple’s creation of impressive screens and fast processors, but rather the contributions of third-party developers who enable these advancements to reach their fullest potential. Ultimately, app developers thrive on the ecosystem Apple established, while Apple relies on developers to ensure the success of its products; it is a mutually beneficial relationship.
The iPad “Pro” truly earns its name based on how it is utilized.
Ultimately, the most crucial question to consider when purchasing an iPad Pro is, “Can I justify this price?” The answer rests on how one intends to use it. As mentioned in my previous article, I do not consider the iPad Pro overpriced given its hardware. Apple has incorporated cutting-edge technologies into the iPad Pro. The real question is whether I can leverage this advanced hardware within the software limitations imposed by Apple. If you lack confidence in this capability, it may be better to consider the M2 iPad Air or the 10th-generation iPad.
While I strive for rationality, the iPad Pro complicates those considerations. It’s thinner, lighter, and its vibrant screen continues to captivate. Given the frequency of my iPad usage, I find myself constantly pondering whether it’s worth such an investment.
So I asked myself, well, I think I’ve made good use of it… Should I buy it?
Exploring the M4 iPad Pro: Real-World Experience and Insights
When the M4 iPad Pro was introduced last May, certain limitations of the iPad as a computer became evident, raising hopes for enhancements in the upcoming iPadOS. However, upon the release of iPadOS at this year’s WWDC, the expected improvements were largely absent. The only significant feature added was the ability to pin files in the Files app. Despite this, iPadOS continues to pose challenges for users aiming to fully leverage the capabilities of the iPad Pro hardware.
Despite these challenges, I decided to purchase an iPad Pro. This article shares my journey and experiences while utilizing the device in various settings.
Inside the KTX: A Journey to Busan
Instead of my usual MacBook, I opted for the iPad Pro on my trip to Busan. Traveling lighter is always preferable, but I had previously taken my laptop to accommodate work needs. However, I was eager to test the iPad Pro’s capabilities on the go.
On the KTX ride, I chose to watch ‘Independence Day’ to suit the occasion of American Independence Day. The new tandem OLED display of the iPad Pro offered unparalleled picture quality for HDR movies, showcasing brightness levels of up to 1,600 nits. This made reading easy in brightly lit environments. The accuracy of the colors proved beneficial for photo editing as well, making the upgrade seem worthwhile.
On my return journey, I decided to edit a podcast episode. I had been using Logic Pro X on my Mac, but my experience with Logic Pro on the iPad mini had been disappointing due to performance issues. Fortunately, I discovered Ferrite, an app tailored for podcast and audio editing. The faster processing speed of the M4 chip and an interface optimized for the Apple Pencil significantly improved my editing speed. Surprisingly, I found myself using the Apple Pencil more than I ever had before, proving that the iPad Pro is capable of being a productivity machine and not just a media consumption device.
The Apple Pencil Pro’s features, such as the ‘squeeze’ gesture and integrated haptic feedback, enhanced my editing experience in Ferrite. The subtle vibration feedback after a successful gesture added a layer of satisfaction to the workflow. Initially skeptical of the need for pressure detection, I soon realized its benefit through practical usage.
After finishing my podcast edits, I connected my USB-C SD card reader to the iPad Pro to back up the photos I took during the trip. With the convenience of the Thunderbolt port and the Files app, transferring images to cloud storage was seamless. Although I also have Lightroom for the iPad, I prefer using Lightroom Classic on my Mac for serious edits. However, having the option to edit on the iPad in urgent situations offers peace of mind.
A Productive Day at Seoul Museum of History
The flexibility of being a freelancer allows for varied work environments. One of my favorites is the Seoul Museum of History, where the atmosphere encourages focused work. Together with my personal coffee, the museum provides a quieter alternative to cafes, making it an ideal spot for productivity.
Carrying the iPad Pro allowed me to travel light, significantly easing the burden compared to my MacBook setup. Many users debate the necessity of making the iPad Pro thinner, but from my experience, the weight reduction contributes positively to mobility without sacrificing performance. Even with attachments like the Magic Keyboard, the iPad Pro remains surprisingly nimble.
Despite its sleeker design, the iPad Pro’s battery capacity had a notable increase, providing up to 9% more power compared to the previous model. iPadOS’s efficient power management means I can work all day without needing to charge regularly—a stark contrast to my MacBook’s demands for constant recharging.
As a writer, having a keyboard accessory is essential for my workflow. This time, I chose to carry a separate keyboard and mouse instead of the Magic Keyboard. This setup provided me the flexibility to adapt my work category according to need and location. The versatility of the iPad Pro shines when you can seamlessly transition between tasks.
The Smart Folio Case: Enhanced Functionality
The Smart Folio case introduced a welcome addition: adjustable angles for standing. This adaptation helps me find an optimal working position and is especially advantageous when paired with a separate keyboard and mouse. Despite its higher price point, the adjustable feature is indispensable for comfy work sessions.
While working on my review at the museum, I pivoted to using Photoshop on the iPad. Faced with compatibility issues—like certain layers being unavailable on the iPad version—I had to resort to my MacBook at home. Thankfully, I found a solution in Jump Desktop, which allowed me to remotely access my Mac seamlessly over a good network connection, demonstrating the versatility of the iPad Pro even in instances where the software falls short.
Maximizing the iPad Pro: Practical Tips and Experiences
My experience highlighted that despite iPadOS’s limitations, there are ways to maximize the capabilities of the iPad Pro. By leveraging third-party apps, I found solutions that enhanced productivity. The following apps proved invaluable:
- Ferrite: Ideal for podcast editing with user-friendly interfaces.
- Ulysses: My go-to for writing, allowing seamless syncing.
- Jump Desktop: A remote desktop application that bridged the gap between devices.
Quick Comparison Table: iPad Pro vs. MacBook Air
| Feature | iPad Pro | MacBook Air |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight and portable | Heavier than iPad Pro |
| Battery Life | Long-lasting with efficient management | Requires frequent charging |
| Versatility | Can adapt to various tasks easily | Less flexible for on-the-go tasks |
| Screen Quality | OLED with excellent HDR support | Good quality, but not OLED |
In summary, the iPad Pro has proven itself more than just a device for leisure; it has become a central tool in my work. Despite some frustrations with iPadOS, its hardware and third-party apps genuinely expanded its utility. Ultimately, the value of the iPad Pro correlates directly with how one chooses to utilize it. The question isn’t solely whether it’s costly, but rather whether it’s justifiable based on personal usage.
