Misaligned Expectations

To grasp what I was anticipating, we must rewind to Apple's "Spring Loaded" event. Last April, Apple unveiled that the powerful M1 Apple Silicon chip, which was featured in the latest MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, and iMac, would also be integrated into the new iPad Pro.

On top of that, the iPad Pro was set to receive an upgrade to its base model RAM, boosting it to 8GB, with an option to upgrade to 16GB! This revelation ignited widespread speculation online. Why was Apple using a "Mac" chip in an iPad? What purpose would such memory serve?

Future Proofing?

In a YouTube video, Rene Ritchie suggested that Apple might simply be future-proofing the iPad. However, while Apple has recently been over-engineering their processors, they have historically been conservative when it comes to RAM in their devices. Flagship iPhones often come with significantly less memory than their Android counterparts. Apple’s efficiency in managing memory is a known advantage, but having a tablet with the same RAM as their current Macs raised questions.

I initially considered the future-proofing argument but dismissed it; the figures didn’t align unless something was on the horizon that required such capacity.

The Mac Experience on iPad Pro

Many, myself included, took these developments to mean that professional Mac applications, if not macOS itself, would soon be available on the iPad. Perhaps we could dual-boot into macOS with a Magic keyboard, run a virtual macOS environment, or have an iPad-based macOS that allowed iPad apps to run in their own windows.

Before we get deeper, I acknowledge the counter-argument.

The Touchscreen Mac Debate

Apple has consistently maintained that a Mac remains a Mac, and an iPad remains an iPad, asserting that no one desires a touchscreen device paired with a keyboard and mouse. But isn't it possible that some users do?

Moreover, Apple has often contradicted its own statements in the past. Remember when Steve Jobs claimed that no one reads anymore? Look at Apple News and Books today. And the countless criticisms of styluses?

The Software Question

Perhaps Apple simply intended to bring its professional Mac applications to the iPad. Final Cut, Logic Pro, Xcode—imagine an iPad "Pro" equipped with applications capable of professional work. Many users already leverage iPads for their tasks, but this felt distinct. Regardless of whether it was macOS or Mac applications, it promised to be exciting, especially given the iPad Pro announcement’s timing.

The Purchase

With anticipation building, I ordered a silver 12.9" iPad Pro with 1TB storage and cellular capabilities, totaling $1,999. Unfortunately, despite my efforts to secure an early order, my choice was backordered and wouldn’t ship until June—after WWDC.

That turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

WWDC 2021

Come June 7th, 2021, I tuned into the WWDC keynote expecting big reveals. The usual announcements began, and then it was time for iPadOS. The first feature unveiled? Widgets—predictable yet appreciated. Improvements in multitasking and keyboard shortcuts followed, but then came the realization: none of this resembled the update I had envisioned.

Managing Expectations

Apple thrives on buzz and secrecy, leading to rampant speculation about its next moves. Leaks sometimes prove accurate, but often they don’t. While it’s not entirely Apple's fault that my expectations were misaligned, the company’s actions had set the stage for this disappointment. When Tim Cook is seen installing an M1 chip into an iPad, it implies that the iPad could perform like a Mac—yet that was not the reality.

Capabilities Limitations

Apple would like you to believe that the iPad Pro is a "Pro" machine capable of everything a Mac can do—but that’s not the case. A meme circulating online humorously compares the new iPad Pro to a Ford Pinto with a high-performance engine—a powerful device hampered by numerous software limitations.

Support for file systems, devices, external monitors, and applications all hinge on software decisions made by Apple. The M1 chip is remarkable, but it sits idly within the iPad Pro, waiting for its full potential to be unlocked.

Order Cancellation

Consequently, I canceled my iPad Pro order on the last day of WWDC before it shipped.

I had hoped this M1-powered device would provide a seamless experience—functioning as a powerful notebook during the day and a versatile tablet at night. A do-it-all device capable of handling both professional and casual tasks.

Yet, as things stand, it cannot fulfill that role, nor will it likely do so anytime soon. One must question whether Apple ever intends for that capability to exist or if the iPad is destined to remain a secondary device to the Mac.

Final Thoughts

Critics might argue that it benefits Apple financially for customers to purchase both a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro—and they may be right for now. Apple knows, however, that it's better to cannibalize its own products than let competitors take market share.

While my situation as an Apple developer is unique, if the iPad Pro never meets my expectations, I might consider alternatives, like the Microsoft Surface hybrid device.

In his video, Rene expressed hope that Apple is developing the next generation of Xcode, Final Cut, and Logic Pro—applications designed with tablets in mind. Perhaps those will eventually arrive.

Until then, I’ll keep my $1,999.

Is It Just Me?

Some might view this as merely my opinion, and I encourage them to explore what others are saying:

• Gizmodo — The iPad Pro Is as Powerful as It Can Be — Now What?
• SixColors (Jason Snell) — 2021 iPad Pro review: All systems go, but where?
• MKBHD — iPad Pro M1 Review: The Ultimate Spec Bump
• Rene Ritchie — M1 iPad Pro (2021) Review
• The Verge — iPad Pro (2021) review: dream screen
• The Guardian — Apple iPad Pro M1 review: stunning screen and so much power
• iJustine — 2021 M1 iPad Pro 5G ??
• Engadget — iPad Pro (2021) review: Apple’s hardware may have outpaced its software
• MacStories — iPad Pro 2021 Review: Future on Standby
• CNBC — Apple’s new iPad Pro is super powerful and has an amazing screen, but the iPad Air is still best for most people
• Engadget — iPad Pro (2021) review: M1 power, but begging for new software

A quick read or view of any of these sources reveals a shared sentiment: the 12.9" iPad Pro with M1 is a fantastic piece of hardware, but it is limited by its software.

Vote with Your Wallet

Ultimately, I don’t expect my individual purchasing choices to sway Apple significantly. However, all I can do is vote with my dollars. Perhaps others share my feelings, and collectively, our decisions could lead to change.

Who knows? They might even add up to something substantial.

Conclusion

What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree? Is there something I’ve overlooked? I’d love to hear from you—please leave a comment below.

Until next time.

For the record, I firmly believe that an iPad without cellular capabilities is severely limited.