A few inches smaller
Apple has reduced the size of the iPad Pro 2018, which is great because my iPad Pro 2015 doesn’t fit well in a standard backpack. The few inches they shaved off make the iPad Pro 2018 fit into my backpack with less of a struggle, and I really appreciate that. Who knew a few inches could have such a huge impact?
Different display
The screen size hasn’t changed, though. Apple replaced the IPS LCD display on the previous generations with a liquid retina IPS LCD display. What does this mean for you and me besides just an emptier bank account? It doesn’t mean anything! It certainly means something to the engineers at Apple who designed the technology, as well as to anyone who makes a commission from your purchase. However, comparing the screens side-by-side, you won’t be able to tell the difference if I show you an inch of the screen on both iPad Pros. The screen resolution hasn’t changed.
It weighs less
Apple has been steadily decreasing the weight of the iPad Pro since the first generation. Without their cases, the 82-gram difference between the first and third-generation iPad Pro is negligible, at least for practical purposes. Both Pros have a good weight balance; the weight is evenly distributed.
More storage and RAM
The maximum storage is now 1 TB, up from the 256 GB we had in the first-generation iPad Pro. As expected, it comes at a hefty price because of that. The iPad Pro 2018 has more RAM, which apparently makes it much faster. Let’s give Apple the benefit of the doubt and accept that maybe, at this point, only the iPad Pro 2018 will be able to run the new iPad version of Adobe Photoshop.
USB-C port
They changed the charging port to use the USB-C port for the new iPad Pro. It can only connect to new laptops and Macbooks. The USB-C port transfers files from cameras: photos and videos, for example. Apple just assumed all creators were photographers and videographers? If you want to use the USB-C port on this iPad Pro, you’ll still need an accessory. I can’t connect my iPad Pro to my Windows PC out of the box, and I can’t get a USB to work on this device either. The lightning-USB cable on the iPad Pro 2015 can connect to the computer without any accessories!
No 3.5mm jack
The 3.5 mm EarPod jack is gone! Removing an already existing function for more expensive alternatives is always a downgrade. How is purchasing expensive accessories something to celebrate? The iPad Pro 2015 allows me to use whatever earphones I want.
FaceID
Personally, I prefer fingerprint technology because it is easier to use and more responsive. FaceID, though impressively accurate on the iPad Pro 2018, makes more sense on the iPhone. To use your iPhone, you pick it up, which you wouldn’t do so much of with a 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Improved camera
The camera has improved. But it’s still the same as the one from the 2017 iPad Pro. Who takes photos with a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, though? I use my iPhone XR to scan documents that I sync to my iPad Pro via iCloud.
No more white bezels and true tone
I have never been one to like white bezels, but I know there are those of us that do. Why did Apple take away that option? The true tone on the 2nd and third-generation iPad Pros is easier on the eyes. I can safely conclude that the iPad Pro hasn’t improved much. I believe Apple will have a hard time improving the iPad Pro series because it’s always been a fantastic product (since its first launch). The iPad Pro 2018 looks beautiful, but that doesn’t add anything to its functionality.
