iPad Pro (2017, A10 series) vs iPad Pro (2018, A12 series)

The iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 represent two generations of Apple's premium tablet line, each offering distinct advancements. Released in June 2017, the iPad Pro 2017 introduced a powerful mobile computing experience with its advanced display technology and robust performance for its time. The iPad Pro 2018, launched in October 2018, brought a significant redesign, enhanced processing capabilities, and updated connectivity options. Both devices run on Apple's iPadOS, providing a consistent software experience, but they differ notably in design, core hardware, and accessory compatibility.

When considering the longevity of these tablets, their release timelines and Apple's typical software support cycles are key factors. The iPad Pro 2017, being the older model, will naturally reach its end-of-life for major iPadOS updates sooner than the iPad Pro 2018.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Pro 2017 was released in June 2017, while the iPad Pro 2018 followed in October 2018. This difference means the 2018 model benefits from an additional year of potential software support and more recent hardware.
• OS Support Duration: Apple typically provides 5-6 years of major iPadOS updates for its devices. As of early 2026, the iPad Pro 2017 is nearing the end of its major update cycle, though it may continue to receive security updates. The iPad Pro 2018, being a year newer, is expected to receive major iPadOS updates for at least another year or two beyond the 2017 model, offering a longer practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest software features.
• Repairability: Both models feature a unibody aluminum design, offering a solid build. Repairability for Apple tablets generally requires specialized tools and expertise, with both generations presenting similar challenges for internal component access.

The performance capabilities of these two iPad Pro models show a notable progression, primarily driven by their internal processing hardware. While both were powerful for their respective release years, the newer model offers a significant leap in raw computational power.

• Processing Power: The iPad Pro 2017 handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive experience for creative tasks and productivity. The iPad Pro 2018, however, features a next-generation processor that delivers substantially faster CPU and graphics performance. This translates to quicker app loading, more fluid navigation, and a superior experience for graphics-intensive games, advanced video editing, and complex augmented reality applications.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices are capable multitaskers, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously. The iPad Pro 2018, with its more advanced processor and often higher RAM configurations in its larger storage options, provides greater headroom for intensive professional workflows and keeps more applications active in memory without needing to reload.
• Storage Options: Both generations offered various storage capacities, ranging from 64GB up to 512GB for the 2017 model and up to 1TB for the 2018 model, catering to different user needs for app storage and media.

The display experience on both iPad Pro models is a highlight, featuring advanced technology for vibrant visuals and smooth interaction. However, the 2018 model introduced a significant design evolution that impacts the viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the iPad Pro 2017 and 2018 models feature Liquid Retina displays with ProMotion technology, offering a refresh rate of up to 120Hz for exceptionally smooth scrolling and responsive touch input. They deliver high resolution and pixel density, ensuring sharp text and detailed images.
• Brightness and Color: Both displays offer ample brightness for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions, including outdoor use, and support wide color gamut for accurate and vibrant color reproduction.
• Design and Viewing Experience: The iPad Pro 2017 features a traditional tablet design with noticeable bezels and a home button. The iPad Pro 2018, in contrast, introduced a more modern, all-screen design with significantly thinner bezels and rounded display corners, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio and offering a more immersive viewing experience within a similar or even smaller physical footprint.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, both iPad Pro models offer capable camera systems for document scanning, video calls, and casual photography. The 2018 model introduces some enhancements, particularly to the front-facing camera.

• Rear Camera Performance: Both the iPad Pro 2017 and 2018 feature a 12-megapixel rear camera capable of capturing detailed photos and 4K video recording. The 2017 model includes optical image stabilization, which was a notable feature for its time. The 2018 model, while still offering a strong rear camera, notably lacks optical image stabilization, a trade-off likely due to its thinner design.
• Front Camera and Biometrics: The iPad Pro 2017 is equipped with a 7-megapixel front-facing camera suitable for video calls and selfies. The iPad Pro 2018 upgrades this to a 7-megapixel TrueDepth camera system, enabling Face ID for secure authentication and portrait mode capabilities for selfies, along with Animoji and Memoji features.
• Audio Quality: Both generations feature a four-speaker audio system, providing rich and immersive sound for media consumption. They also include multiple microphones for clear audio capture during calls and recordings.