The iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Generation), released in April 2021, is one of the most impressive tablets in Apple’s lineup. It offers an unparalleled combination of portability, power, and cutting-edge features, making it the perfect device for creative professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts. With the addition of the M1 chip, Thunderbolt support, and a stunning Liquid Retina display, the 3rd Gen 11-inch iPad Pro elevates tablet computing to new heights.
Design: Sleek and Lightweight
The iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Gen) maintains Apple’s iconic design ethos of simplicity and sophistication. It features a flat-edged aluminum chassis, ultra-thin bezels, and a nearly edge-to-edge display, giving it a sleek, modern appearance.
Weighing just 466 grams (Wi-Fi) or 468 grams (Wi-Fi + Cellular) and measuring 247.6 mm x 178.5 mm x 5.9 mm, it is lightweight and incredibly portable, making it easy to carry in a backpack or briefcase.
The 11-inch size strikes the perfect balance between portability and screen real estate, ideal for users who want the performance of a Pro device without the bulk of the 12.9-inch model. Available in Space Gray and Silver, the iPad Pro exudes professionalism and minimalism.
Liquid Retina Display: Stunning Visuals
The iPad Pro 11-inch features a Liquid Retina display, which delivers vibrant colors, sharp details, and fluid motion. While it doesn’t have the mini-LED technology of its 12.9-inch counterpart, the 11-inch display still offers an exceptional visual experience with:
- 2388 x 1668 resolution at 264 PPI for crisp, detailed images.
- ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth scrolling and animations.
- P3 wide color gamut for lifelike colors.
- True Tone for adjusting the display’s color temperature based on ambient light.
- Up to 600 nits of brightness, making it easy to use in bright environments.
Whether you’re editing photos, watching movies, or playing games, the 11-inch Liquid Retina display provides an immersive and enjoyable experience.
M1 Chip: Desktop-Class Performance
The M1 chip, Apple’s custom silicon, powers the iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Gen), bringing desktop-class performance to the tablet. With an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, the M1 chip ensures unmatched speed and efficiency.
This makes the iPad Pro capable of handling the most demanding tasks, such as:
- Editing 4K and even 8K video.
- Rendering 3D models.
- Running professional-grade apps like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, and Final Cut Pro (iPadOS 17).
- Playing graphically intensive games.
Compared to its predecessor, the M1 chip delivers 50% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance, making it the most powerful 11-inch iPad ever. The inclusion of the M1 also positions the iPad Pro as a viable alternative to laptops, especially for creative professionals and multitaskers.
iPadOS: Productivity Unleashed
The iPad Pro runs on iPadOS, Apple’s tablet-optimized operating system. iPadOS is designed to make the most of the iPad’s hardware, offering features like:
- Multitasking: Split View and Slide Over allow you to use multiple apps simultaneously.
- Stage Manager: Enhanced multitasking with overlapping windows for a desktop-like experience (introduced in iPadOS 16).
- Files App: A more robust file management system, allowing you to organize and transfer files with ease.
- Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) Support: Take notes, sketch, and annotate documents with incredible precision.
The M1 chip and iPadOS work together seamlessly, ensuring a smooth, efficient user experience for both casual and professional tasks.
Cameras: Ultra-Wide Capabilities and Center Stage
The iPad Pro 11-inch is equipped with a powerful camera system that makes it versatile for photography, videography, and video calls.
Rear Camera:
- 12MP Wide camera for sharp, high-quality photos and 4K video recording.
- 10MP Ultra-Wide camera with a 125-degree field of view for capturing more in a single frame.
- LiDAR Scanner for AR (augmented reality) applications and enhanced low-light photography.
Front Camera:
- A 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera introduces Center Stage, a feature that automatically pans and zooms during video calls to keep you in the center of the frame. This is especially useful for FaceTime, Zoom, and Teams calls.
With these cameras, the iPad Pro becomes more than just a tablet; it’s a tool for creativity, collaboration, and content creation.
Thunderbolt Support: Next-Level Connectivity
One of the most significant upgrades in the iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Gen) is the inclusion of Thunderbolt/USB 4. This port offers:
- 40Gbps data transfer speeds, allowing you to connect high-speed external storage devices.
- Support for external displays with up to 6K resolution, making it ideal for video editors and professionals.
- Compatibility with a wide range of peripherals, such as cameras, audio interfaces, and docking stations.
This level of connectivity transforms the iPad Pro into a powerful workstation, capable of handling professional workflows.
5G and Wi-Fi 6: Future-Ready Connectivity
For users who need reliable internet on the go, the iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Gen) offers 5G connectivity in cellular models. With support for mmWave 5G in the U.S., the iPad can achieve lightning-fast download speeds in supported areas.
Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 ensures faster and more stable wireless performance, making it easier to stream, download, and collaborate online.
Accessories: Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
The iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Gen) is compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) and Magic Keyboard, both of which enhance its functionality:
- The Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the iPad for pairing and wireless charging. It’s a must-have for artists, designers, and students who need precision input.
- The Magic Keyboard provides a full-size keyboard and trackpad, turning the iPad into a laptop-like device for typing, coding, and editing.
These accessories unlock the full potential of the iPad Pro, making it a versatile tool for productivity and creativity.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
Despite its power-hungry components, the iPad Pro 11-inch delivers excellent battery life. Apple promises up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi and up to 9 hours on cellular. This ensures the iPad can keep up with your work and play throughout the day.
Storage Options
The iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Gen) comes with a range of storage options, starting at 128GB and going up to a whopping 2TB. This flexibility ensures there’s a model for every user, whether you need basic storage for casual use or massive capacity for professional projects.
Who Should Buy the iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Gen)?
The iPad Pro 11-inch is ideal for:
- Creative Professionals: Designers, photographers, and video editors who need a portable powerhouse.
- Students: For note-taking, research, and multitasking with iPadOS and Apple Pencil.
- Business Users: For presentations, remote work, and high-speed connectivity with 5G.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want cutting-edge technology in a compact form factor.
Pricing
The iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Gen) starts at $799 for the base Wi-Fi model with 128GB of storage. Cellular models and higher storage configurations come at additional costs, but the price reflects its premium performance and versatility.
Conclusion
The iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Generation) is a technological marvel that brings the power of a MacBook into a portable tablet form. With the M1 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, Thunderbolt connectivity, and support for powerful accessories, it’s a device that caters to professionals and casual users alike.
For those seeking a lightweight yet powerful tablet that can handle intensive tasks while remaining versatile and portable, the iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Gen) is the perfect choice. It’s not just a tablet—it’s a window into the future of computing.