iPad Pro (2016, A9 series) vs iPad Pro (2018, A12 series)

The iPad Pro 2016, featuring the A9X series chip, and the iPad Pro 2018, powered by the A12X series chip, represent two distinct generations of Apple's professional-grade tablets. While both devices offer a premium tablet experience, the 2018 model introduced significant advancements in design, processing power, and accessory compatibility. Both run on Apple's iPadOS, providing a consistent software ecosystem, but their hardware differences cater to varying user needs and expectations.

When considering the longevity of these tablets, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical design.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Pro 2016 was released in March 2016, making it an older device compared to the iPad Pro 2018, which launched in October 2018. This difference in release date directly impacts the duration of future software updates.
• OS Support Duration: Older iPad models generally receive major iPadOS updates for approximately 5-7 years from their release. The iPad Pro 2016, having been released earlier, has likely reached or is nearing the end of its major iPadOS update cycle, though it may still receive security patches. The iPad Pro 2018, being two years newer, can expect a longer period of major software support.
• Repairability: Both generations of iPad Pro, like many tablets, are designed with strong adhesives that make repairs challenging. This can result in lower repairability scores, meaning that while components might be replaceable, the process itself can be difficult and potentially destructive to other parts of the device.

The core processing capabilities and memory configurations are key differentiators impacting the daily performance of these two iPad Pro models.

• Processing Power: The iPad Pro 2016 is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking effectively for its generation. The iPad Pro 2018, however, features a significantly more powerful processor, offering a substantial boost in speed and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more fluid performance in graphically intensive tasks like advanced gaming or video editing.
• RAM and Storage: The 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2016 typically comes with 2GB of RAM, which is sufficient for general use and moderate multitasking. The iPad Pro 2018 offers more generous RAM options, with models featuring 4GB or even 6GB of RAM, particularly in higher storage configurations. This increased RAM allows the 2018 model to manage more applications simultaneously and handle larger files or complex projects with greater ease. Storage options also expanded with the 2018 model, offering up to 1TB, compared to the 256GB maximum of the 2016 model.
• Battery Behavior: Both models are designed to provide up to 10 hours of battery life for typical tasks such as web browsing or video playback. However, the more efficient processor in the 2018 model, combined with its larger battery capacities (7812 mAh for the 11-inch and 9720 mAh for the 12.9-inch), can lead to better endurance during intensive workloads compared to the 2016 model's 7306 mAh battery.

The visual experience is a primary consideration for tablets, and both iPad Pro models offer high-quality displays, though with notable advancements in the newer generation.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The iPad Pro 2016 features a 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPad Pro 2018 introduced Liquid Retina IPS LCD displays, available in 11-inch (2388 x 1668 pixels) and 12.9-inch (2732 x 2048 pixels) sizes, maintaining a similar 264 ppi. Both displays offer vibrant colors and sharp text.
• Advanced Display Features: The 2016 model was notable for introducing True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display's white balance to match the ambient light, and a wide color (P3) gamut for more accurate color reproduction. The iPad Pro 2018 retains these features and adds ProMotion technology, enabling an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This higher refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother scrolling experience and more responsive interactions, particularly beneficial for drawing with the Apple Pencil or fast-paced content.
• Design and Viewing Experience: The iPad Pro 2018 features a more modern, edge-to-edge display design with thinner bezels and rounded corners, offering a larger screen-to-body ratio compared to the 2016 model. This design choice enhances the immersive viewing experience, especially for media consumption and creative work.

Both iPad Pro models include capable camera systems, but the 2018 iteration brings enhancements to both still photography and video recording, alongside improved audio capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Pro 2016 is equipped with a 12-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 4K video. It also features a True Tone flash for improved lighting in photos. The iPad Pro 2018 also features a 12-megapixel rear camera, but it enhances video recording capabilities to 4K at up to 60 frames per second, offering smoother motion capture.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: For the front-facing camera, the iPad Pro 2016 has a 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera that records 720p video. The iPad Pro 2018 upgrades this to a 7-megapixel TrueDepth camera, enabling features like Portrait mode, Animoji, and Memoji, and supporting Face ID for secure authentication. This makes the 2018 model more versatile for video conferencing and creative self-portraits.
• Audio Experience: Both tablets feature a four-speaker audio system, providing rich stereo sound for media consumption. The microphone quality on both is suitable for calls and basic recordings, with the 2016 model featuring dual microphones.