At one time, you could be forgiven for assuming that iPads were just for using basic apps or playing a few games. Fast-forward to today, and the iPad Pro is actively blurring the line between tablet and laptop.
In 2021, Apple brought the M1 processor from the MacBook to the iPad Pro, combining laptop power with the portability of a tablet. This left many people wondering whether they should buy a new MacBook, or a new iPad Pro.
So, should your next laptop actually be an iPad?
How Much Do iPads Cost Compared to MacBooks?
Starting at $799, the iPad Pro is one of the cheapest ways to get a device with Apple’s powerful M1 chip under the hood. But, for an iPad to really work as a MacBook replacement, you’ll need a keyboard and a trackpad.
Apple's solution is the Magic Keyboard case. Retailing at $299, this accessory turns your iPad into a folding, laptop-like device. It’s definitely not a cheap option, but to get true laptop functionality you’ll need one, or something similar. If you’re looking at picking up an iPad Pro, be sure to factor in the price of accessories.
The iPad Pro is a pricey tablet, but MacBooks aren’t exactly cheap either.
Apple’s 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros start at $1999 and $2499, respectively. However, the 2021 MacBook Air comes in at $999, making it a great budget-friendly option. Not only is it a great price, but this updated model is packing the same M1 chip that’s in the iPad Pro.
With the iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard coming in at $1099, and the MacBook Air retailing at $999, it could be tough choosing between them.
The iPad and MacBook's Performance and Specs
Apple’s latest iPad Pro packs the same blazing-fast eight-core M1 processor that’s found in its MacBook lineup. In fact, it outperforms the i9-powered 15-inch MacBook Pros. It’s incredible that an iPad is packing more processing power than laptops that retailed for almost $3000.
Although the M1 chip in the iPad Pro isn't quite as fast as the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips in Apple's latest MacBook Pros, it's got more than enough speed to keep up with the MacBook Air.
While the iPad Pro is ridiculously fast, it does have some drawbacks.
Storage is one aspect where a MacBook will give you more bang for your buck. The base iPad Pro ships with 128 GB of storage, while a base model MacBook Air comes with double that, 256 GB of storage. If storage space matters to you, you’ll need to pay more for a better-equipped iPad Pro.
How Does an iPad Compare to a MacBook's Functionality?
Older iPads used to run on iOS, the same operating system that powers the iPhone. In 2019, Apple unveiled iPadOS, which brought a host of new features just to the iPad. Since then, Apple has continued to bring more features and functionality to the iPad.
Features on iPadOS like split screen and picture-in-picture multitasking make the iPad Pro much more capable as a MacBook replacement. The iPad Pro also benefits from having access to the App Store. Apple’s own productivity apps like Numbers and iMovie feel right at home on the iPad.
The App Store is also full of great third-party apps. Adobe has brought some of its popular Creative Cloud apps to the iPad, allowing creators to take their projects anywhere. Microsoft Office also feels right at home on iPad, making it a great device for writing assignments or putting presentations together on the go.
Although the Magic Keyboard helps the iPad Pro become a much more useful productivity device, its tablet form factor is also a major selling point. Students love the ability to lay the device down on a desk and take down notes by hand. Artists and photographers often use iPads as sketching and drawing tools.
Features like the iPad Pro’s built-in camera really helps it become a go-anywhere, do-anything device. You can take photos or shoot video, then go straight to editing and publishing, all on the same device.
One of the biggest advantages of an iPad over a MacBook is cellular connectivity. An iPad Pro on the 5G network allows you to take MacBook-level performance and ultra-high speed internet almost anywhere. Just keep in mind, the cellular-enabled iPad Pro will run you $999, a $200 premium over the Wi-Fi only models, and that’s before your carrier’s monthly service fee.
While the rumors of a cellular-enabled MacBook have been circulating for years, as of now and for the foreseeable future, a 5G MacBook just doesn’t exist.
Where the iPad Pro Falls Short
The iPad Pro is a powerful, all-in-one content creation device. But, power users should keep in mind that most iPad apps are still scaled down versions of what’s available on a MacBook. And lots of apps are just not available at all.
Apple’s own Logic Pro X is still only for Macs. While Adobe brought Photoshop and Lightroom to the iPad, these aren't packing all the features of the Mac versions, and other Creative Cloud apps like InDesign are still Mac only. If you’re a true creative professional, you’ll probably still need a MacBook.
Although the iPad’s app library is growing quickly, any MacBook will have access to a much bigger selection of apps and software. Not only will you have access to the Mac App Store, but there’s an endless amount of third-party software on the web which iPad users will be locked out of.
When it comes to managing all your files and projects, iPad users also get the short end of the stick. Instead of being able to keep files organized on your home screen like on a Mac’s desktop, iPad users will have to keep all their data on the built-in Files app, which can quickly turn into a frustrating experience when managing hundreds of files.
Although Apple brought true multitasking to the iPad, it’s not the same experience you’ll get on a MacBook. iPadOS will only let you view up to three apps at once, and even then, it can become a cluttered mess where it’s hard to keep track of what’s going on.
You Can't Quite Replace Your Mac With an iPad... Yet
When Apple brought the M1 chip to the iPad Pro in 2021, it opened the door for laptop-class power in an ultraportable tablet form factor. With accessories like the Magic Keyboard case, the iPad Pro has got closer than ever to becoming a MacBook alternative. But, it’s still not quite there yet.
Although iPadOS has come a long way, it’s still closer to an iPhone experience than a fully fledged MacBook. The iPad Pro is still the cheapest way to get an M1-powered device, but pairing it with the Magic Keyboard case brings its price solidly into MacBook territory. At that price point, most users will be better served with a MacBook, not an iPad dressed up as one.
Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. For most people, the iPad Pro can make a great secondary device, but it’s not going to replace your MacBook any time soon.