Why I Switched To The 11-inch M4 iPad Pro!

We may earn compensation from reviewed products. Learn about our editorial policies.

84%

84%

• Design

  9
• Display

  9
• Processor

  9
• Camera and audio

  8
• Battery Life

  8
• Accessories

  8
• Value for money

  8
• User Ratings (1 Votes)
  5.6

I’ve done it, guys. My 13-inch M4 iPad Pro is all packaged up and ready to head back to Apple – just inside the return window.

Why have I done this, you ask? No, it’s not because I can’t see the point in upgrading from the M2 to the M4 version (although that remains a questionable upgrade for normal people) – nor is it because I can’t figure out how to use the M4 iPad Pro to its fullest.

I haven’t even decided to switch to the brilliant 13-inch iPad Air instead.

Nope, the reason my 13-inch M4 iPad Pro is going back is because I’ve decided to switch to the 11-inch version; you know, the one that I’ve always said was pointless given the existence of the iPad Air.

I’ve got some explaining to do, haven’t I?

My prior (stupid) disdain for the 11-inch iPad Pro

There was a time when I genuinely couldn’t figure out why anyone would buy an 11-inch iPad Pro. Compared to the always-awesome iPad Air, it was expensive and didn’t appear to offer much of an upgrade beyond a better display, more capable camera system, and FaceID.

I talked about this a lot. Too much, possibly. Whenever I raised my disdain (that’s a strong word – I just couldn’t quite figure it out) for the 11-inch iPad Pro, lots of people would always jump into the comments section and explain why I was wrong.

As it turns out, the 11-inch iPad Pro has quite the following. People appear to love the balance of extreme power (even if extracting it remains something of a conundrum) and portability.

Still, I thought – you can get all of that from the iPad Air!

This is why, once again, I opted for the big iPad Pro following the launch of the M4 generation. For me, that large display still made more sense for productivity and the ability to explore apps like Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro.

Then, Apple got in touch.

A timely review unit from Apple

Most of the Apple stuff I review has been purchased by my business. It’s an expensive game, but it means I can get as much relevant and helpful review content in front of my audience as possible.

Sometimes, I’m lucky enough for Apple to get in touch and send across a review unit. That happened shortly after the M4 iPad Pro launch, and I decided to plump for the 11-inch version. My thinking was simple – it would help me tell the story of the new iPad Pro and provide some footage of the two editions side by side for anyone who was trying to decide between big or little.

Then, I opened the box containing the 11-inch iPad Pro. Shortly after, I unearthed the Magic Keyboard. Then I connected them and immediately fell in love with what I saw.

How does Apple do this?

It all happened so fast. Before I knew it, I was desperately looking for the return window on my 13-inch iPad Pro. Could I send it back in time? Did I need longer with the 11-inch review unit to suss out whether or not it really could do the job for me? It was a combination of mild panic and excitement.

I’m a changed man.

As the title of this article suggests, I did indeed eventually return my big iPad Pro and I’ll be ordering my little one after sending the review unit on which I’m typing these words back to Apple. I’ve done it. I’m going to be a mini iPad Pro user for the foreseeable future.

This raises one big question.

Will I miss the big iPad?

I’m not sure I will. As I type, I’m en route to Taiwan for Computex, and I’d normally have my 14-inch MacBook Pro tucked away in my backpack for the journey. That computer is lighter than the one it replaced (the 16-inch version) but the 11-inch iPad Pro takes the travel-ability even further.

I won’t be undertaking any video editing during this trip, so I don’t need the familiarity of Final Cut Pro on the Mac. I also don’t need anything more than 11 inches of screen estate for what I’ll be doing while in Taipei. All I need is an operating system that can run my favourite writing app (Ulysses) and a great keyboard.

The 11-inch iPad Pro answers these needs, along with Apple Pencil Pro compatibility and the joys of a conveniently sized tablet for content consumption duties.

Do you know what this makes me think of? The much requested (on my and my audience’s part) theoretical iPad mini Pro. The 11-inch iPad Pro isn’t far off that dream device – it has ProMotion, the latest chip, FaceID (in the right position on the device), and an awesome official keyboard cover in the new Magic Keyboard. It’s just a tiny bit bigger.

Now I can see why this thing gets so much love.

Final thought

Before I decided to bite the bullet and send back my 13-inch iPad Pro, I asked my lovely YouTube audience what they thought I should do. The overwhelming majority told me to ditch the 13 and go for the 11 instead. There were some alternative points of view, of course, but most people suggested that I’d get far more enjoyment from the 11-inch iPad Pro.

Could I make do with an 11-inch iPad Air? Absolutely. I think it remains the best choice for most people, but my job demands that I’m at the forefront of innovation with Apple devices, and I want to see what Apple does with the M4 chip during WWDC and beyond.

It’s early days – I’ve only just started my 11-inch iPad Pro journey (there’s always a chance I’ll miss that bigger display), but all I can do at this stage is apologise to anyone who was completely miffed by my prior disregard for this brilliant little tablet. I was totally wrong.

Before you go