The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch Gen 6 is praised by Laptop Mag as a top-tier tablet that 'straight up slays the competition' with its stunning display, powerful M2 chip, and excellent cameras. Reviewer Rami Tabari notes it's 'easily one of the best tablets' but acknowledges the 'Apple tax' makes it unaffordable for many. YouTube reviewer Mike finds the M2 iPad Pro integrates well into daily workflows, though he notes that upgrading from previous M1/12x models isn't necessary. The device is lightweight at 1.5 pounds despite its large 12.9-inch screen, and offers a premium experience for professionals willing to pay a premium.
Full review
Performance and Power
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch Gen 6 delivers exceptional performance powered by the Apple M2 chip, which reviewers consistently praised for its speed and efficiency. Laptop Mag's Rami Tabari noted the M2's 'blazing-fast speeds' and 'powerful proprietary performance,' while Basic Apple Guy reported that the M4 chip (in the newer generation) is 'nearly 50% faster than the M2' according to GeekBench benchmarks, showing 3767 single-core and 14677 multi-core scores versus M2's 2544 and 9651. PCMag's Eric Zeman confirmed that the M2 chip 'boosts the tablet's speed and enable some new video capabilities,' though he emphasized that 'iPadOS is still a limiting factor' in making it a true laptop replacement. The performance improvements are particularly noticeable in app loading times and interface responsiveness, with Basic Apple Guy noting that 'apps open and the fluidity of how the interface responds still caught me off guard.' However, despite these impressive specs, the M2 chip doesn't fundamentally change the iPad Pro's core function as a tablet, as Mashable's Stan Schroeder pointed out, 'The M2 chip is nice, but other than that the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the same as the last generation.'
TechRadar and other reviewers noted that while the M2 chip provides substantial performance gains, these improvements are most evident in intensive tasks rather than everyday use. The processor's capabilities are particularly beneficial for creative professionals who use demanding applications like video editing or 3D rendering. However, the tablet's performance is still constrained by the limitations of iPadOS, which lacks the full desktop functionality that would make it a true replacement for a laptop. The M2 chip's efficiency is also reflected in battery life, with reviewers noting that the iPad Pro's battery lasts longer than previous generations, though specific measurements varied. The M2 chip's performance is impressive, but it doesn't overcome the fundamental limitations of the tablet form factor or the operating system's constraints.
Display Quality and Visual Experience
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch Gen 6 features a stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, which reviewers consistently described as 'the prettiest screen I've seen on a tablet.' Laptop Mag's Rami Tabari highlighted the display's 'adaptive 120Hz refresh rate' and noted how 'the rolling hills of pink grass popped on the iPad's display.' The display's brightness reached up to 555 nits, which is significantly higher than the average tablet brightness of 422 nits, according to Laptop Mag's measurements. PCMag's Eric Zeman praised the 'roomy display' and 'gorgeous' screen, while Basic Apple Guy noted that the OLED display 'looks much crisper' compared to the previous LCD version, eliminating the 'blooming' issues that were problematic with the mini-LED display. The display's color accuracy was also lauded, with a Delta-E score of 0.2, matching the MacBook's rating and outperforming the Surface Pro's 0.5 score. The ProMotion technology with 120Hz refresh rate provides 'some of the smoothest scrolling I've seen on a mobile device,' according to Laptop Mag's Henry T. Casey.
Despite the high praise for the display, some reviewers noted that the screen's brightness and color reproduction are impressive but not revolutionary. The display's performance is particularly notable in creative applications where color accuracy and detail are crucial. The 12.9-inch screen size provides an excellent canvas for creative work, but its large size makes it less portable than smaller tablets. Reviewers also mentioned that the display's performance is not without its drawbacks, as the OLED panel's lack of a nano-texture option (available only on higher storage tiers) was noted as a missed opportunity by Basic Apple Guy. The screen's quality is exceptional, but it's not the only factor that determines the tablet's overall value or usability.
Build Quality and Design
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch Gen 6 maintains Apple's signature design language with a sleek aluminum body that's both premium and functional. The device weighs 1.5 pounds and measures 11.0 x 8.5 x 0.25 inches, making it lighter than the iPad Air but heavier than the iPad mini. Basic Apple Guy noted that the device is 'the thinnest Apple product ever produced' at 5.3mm, which is 0.6mm thinner than the previous generation. The Space Gray finish features an anodized metal back that 'looked like stardust,' according to Laptop Mag's Rami Tabari, though the lack of color options was criticized by Basic Apple Guy who noted that 'the iPad get a nice blue, pink, and yellow' in other models. The design is described as 'sleek slate' with soft bezels that are barely noticeable, and the face of the tablet is 'clean as it's always been.' The device includes a magnetic charging prong for the Magic Keyboard at the bottom, and the front-facing camera is centered at the top. The iPad Pro's build quality is consistently praised, with reviewers noting that it feels 'surprisingly light' despite its large size.
The iPad Pro's design is criticized for its lack of color options and the continued use of the same basic form factor for several generations. Mashable's Stan Schroeder noted that 'three generations of virtually no changes is too much,' and that Apple 'needs to change something—anything' about the iPad Pro's design. The device's size, while providing an excellent display, makes it less portable than smaller tablets, and the placement of the front camera on the short edge means it's awkward when using the tablet in landscape orientation. The Smart Keyboard, while functional, has been criticized for its shallow key travel and the lack of a touchpad, which Basic Apple Guy noted as a 'little lacking' compared to laptop keyboards. The overall design is elegant and premium, but it's also conservative and unchanged for several generations.
Accessories and Ecosystem
The iPad Pro's ecosystem is one of its strongest selling points, with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Gen 2 providing a laptop-like experience. The Magic Keyboard, which costs an additional $299, is described as 'great' by Laptop Mag's Rami Tabari, though Basic Apple Guy noted that 'the Smart Keyboard needs a touchpad' and that 'the biggest learning curve for me was getting used to the shallowness of its keys.' The Apple Pencil Gen 2 is also praised for its precision and responsiveness, with Basic Apple Guy noting that 'Pencil Hover is a neat trick' that makes the tablet's display sense the proximity of Pencil and perform a simple task before you even touch it. The Magic Keyboard's magnetic connection and the Apple Pencil's magnetic charging are convenient features that enhance the user experience. However, the accessories add significantly to the overall cost, with the complete package of iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil reaching $2,477, according to Laptop Mag's review. The accessories are essential for those who want to use the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, but they also represent a significant additional expense.
The ecosystem's integration with iPadOS is both a strength and a limitation. While the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil work seamlessly with the tablet, the lack of Stage Manager improvements and the continued limitations of iPadOS prevent the iPad Pro from being a true laptop replacement. Basic Apple Guy noted that 'Stage Manager is still buggy' and that 'iPadOS is still a limiting factor' in making the iPad Pro a viable alternative to a laptop. The accessories enhance the tablet's functionality, but they don't change the fundamental nature of the device. The lack of a touchpad on the Magic Keyboard and the awkward placement of the front camera are ongoing issues that reviewers have noted. Despite these limitations, the accessories are essential for the iPad Pro's productivity capabilities.
Battery Life and Power
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch Gen 6 offers impressive battery life, with reviewers noting that it 'lasts longer than an average workday' and that the battery life is 'decent' compared to previous generations. Laptop Mag's Rami Tabari mentioned that the iPad Pro offers 'decent battery life (shorter than last year, though),' indicating that while the battery is good, it's not necessarily superior to previous models. PCMag's Eric Zeman noted that the battery life is '10 hours (est.)' and that the device 'can fill a hotel room or office with music.' Basic Apple Guy reported that the M4 iPad Pros show 'impressive battery life' with 'standby time appears longer' and that he can use it 'without changing for 2-3 days' despite the battery appearing similarly sized to the M2 version. The battery performance is particularly good for a device of this size and power, though it's not exceptional compared to other tablets in the market. The iPad Pro's battery life is sufficient for most users, but it's not a standout feature compared to other tablets.
Despite the positive reviews of battery life, some reviewers noted that the iPad Pro's battery performance is not necessarily better than previous generations. The device's power consumption is high due to its powerful M2 chip and high-resolution display, which means that while it can last a full day of typical use, it may not outperform other tablets in extended usage scenarios. The battery life is adequate for most users, but it's not a distinguishing factor in the tablet's overall performance. The iPad Pro's power management is efficient, but it's not exceptional compared to other high-end tablets. The battery life is good, but not revolutionary, and it's not a major selling point for the device.
Camera and Audio Performance
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch Gen 6 features a dual-camera system with a 12MP main camera and a 10MP ultra-wide camera, which was removed in the latest generation according to Basic Apple Guy. The rear camera supports ProRes recording up to 4K at 30fps, and the front camera supports Smart HDR 4 for photos, according to Mashable's Stan Schroeder. The cameras are praised for their quality, with PCMag's Eric Zeman noting that the iPad Pro has 'capable cameras' and that the rear camera 'supports ProRes video support.' The audio performance is also notable, with the iPad Pro featuring four speakers that can dynamically shift audio depending on how the device is held, according to PCMag's review. The speakers are described as 'booming' and capable of filling a room with music, though Basic Apple Guy noted that 'the front camera placement' is awkward and that 'Apple continues to place the camera on one of the short edges of the tablet.' The camera system is functional and good for its intended use, but it's not a standout feature compared to other tablets.
The camera system is functional but not revolutionary, with Basic Apple Guy noting that 'I've never actually taken a photo with that camera, so I can't complain that it's gone.' The removal of the ultra-wide camera in the latest generation was noted as a change, though it's not a major issue for most users. The audio performance is praised for its quality, with the four speakers providing 'surprisingly good' sound quality for a tablet. The dynamic audio adjustment is a useful feature that enhances the user experience, though it's not a major selling point. The camera and audio performance are adequate for most users, but they're not features that distinguish the iPad Pro from other tablets in the market.
Where It Falls Short
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch Gen 6 faces several significant drawbacks that prevent it from being a truly ideal device. The most prominent issue is its price, with the base model starting at $1,099 and the fully equipped version reaching $2,477, according to Laptop Mag's review. The high cost is compounded by the expensive accessories, particularly the Magic Keyboard ($299) and Apple Pencil Gen 2 ($129), which are essential for productivity but add significantly to the total cost. Basic Apple Guy noted that 'the Apple tax is real' and that 'the most stacked iPad Pro in the world' costs $2,877, which is 'just like our model except with 2TB of storage.' The iPad Pro's price point is prohibitive for many users, especially when compared to more affordable alternatives like the iPad Air or Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. The lack of color options is also criticized, with Basic Apple Guy noting that 'the iPad get a nice blue, pink, and yellow' in other models, but the Pro is limited to gray and silver. The device's design has remained largely unchanged for several generations, with Mashable's Stan Schroeder criticizing Apple for 'three generations of virtually no changes is too much.'
Another major limitation is the iPadOS, which continues to restrict the device's functionality as a true laptop replacement. Despite the powerful hardware, Basic Apple Guy noted that 'iPadOS is still a limiting factor' and that 'Stage Manager is still buggy.' The lack of a touchpad on the Magic Keyboard and the awkward placement of the front camera are ongoing issues. The device's form factor, while providing an excellent display, makes it less portable than smaller tablets, and the lack of a nano-texture display option (available only on higher storage tiers) is seen as a missed opportunity. The iPad Pro's performance is impressive, but it's constrained by the operating system's limitations, which prevent it from being a true productivity powerhouse. These issues, combined with the high price and lack of color options, make the iPad Pro a difficult recommendation for many users.
Who It's Best For
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch Gen 6 is best suited for creative professionals who require a powerful tablet for multimedia creation, video editing, and graphic design. Reviewers consistently noted that the device is 'a killer all around tablet that straight up slays the competition,' according to Laptop Mag's Rami Tabari, and that it 'offers a gorgeous 12.9-inch display, a great pair of accessories, bangin' speakers, powerful proprietary performance, and killer cameras all in a package that'll last longer than an average workday.' The device's performance is particularly beneficial for users who need to run demanding applications like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Creative Suite, which Basic Apple Guy noted are 'absolute overkill' for an iPad. The iPad Pro is also ideal for users who want a device that can function as a laptop replacement, though it's important to note that the device's limitations in iPadOS prevent it from being a true alternative to a laptop. The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Gen 2 are essential accessories for this use case, but they add significantly to the overall cost.
The iPad Pro is also suitable for users who value a premium tablet experience and are willing to pay a premium for the best display, performance, and ecosystem integration. The device's large screen and high-resolution display make it ideal for creative work, and the powerful M2 chip ensures that it can handle demanding tasks. However, the device is not recommended for casual users or those on a tight budget, as the price point and accessory costs are prohibitive. The lack of color options and the conservative design changes also make it less appealing to users who want a more customizable or modern-looking device. The iPad Pro is best for professionals who can justify the high cost and who need the performance and features that only this device can provide.
Strengths
- +Incredible 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 2732 x 2048 resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- +Powerful Apple M2 chip delivering strong performance
- +Impressive stereo speakers and killer cameras
- +Great compatibility with Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil for productivity
- +Decent battery life (10:40 hours)
Watch-outs
- −Expensive price tag starting at $2,477
- −Limited color options (only Space Gray and Silver)
How it compares
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch delivers unmatched performance and display quality compared to the iPad Air, which it outperforms in every aspect except price. However, it's significantly more expensive than the iPad (11th generation) and lacks the value proposition of the OnePlus Pad Go 2 for casual users.
Who this is for
At a glance: professionals needing top-tier performance.
Why you’d buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch
- Incredible 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 2732 x 2048 resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
- Powerful Apple M2 chip delivering strong performance.
- Impressive stereo speakers and killer cameras.
Why you’d skip it
- Expensive price tag starting at $2,477.
- Limited color options (only Space Gray and Silver).
Rating sources
Our 4.4 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
