Chapter 1: The M2 iPad Pro: A Questionable Upgrade

Let’s face it: the introduction of an M2 iPad Pro raises more questions than it answers. As an owner of the M1 iPad Pro since 2021, I have numerous reasons to doubt the necessity of this new model.

Rumors about Apple's next iPad Pro are swirling, with many speculating about a device that could surpass the current M1 model. The tech community buzzes about this upcoming product, overshadowing even the excitement surrounding the iPhone 14. Apple shocked many when it introduced the first iPad Pro with the M1 chip in March 2021, a chip typically found in Macs. Following company trends, it’s likely a new model will debut in 2022, as Apple usually releases a new Pro version every 14 to 18 months.

This time, however, the new iPad Pro is anticipated to be the first portable device equipped with Apple's forthcoming M2 chip. The M1 chip has seemingly reached its peak, especially with the recent launch of the Mac Studio. While the Mac Pro remains to be seen, it may present an even more powerful iteration of the M1. The M2, built on TSMC's 4-nanometer process, promises higher clock speeds and better energy efficiency compared to its predecessor, along with additional GPU cores and expanded unified memory options.

In discussions about the M2 chip, most attention has been directed toward new MacBook Air models, which remain unconfirmed for 2022. However, an iPad Pro featuring the M2 could be a logical next step as it is due for an upgrade, especially since the new iPad Air now uses the M1 chip. To uphold the iPad Pro's image as a “professional tool,” it would need to distinguish itself with superior processing capabilities.

Unfortunately, this development may not align with consumer needs.

An Unfortunate Missed Opportunity

I purchased the 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro the moment it was released, driven by a mix of curiosity and excitement. The prospect of having a chip that powered both the Mac Mini and iMac in a lightweight tablet was revolutionary. I was particularly hopeful about potentially running full macOS applications on an iPad—a thrilling possibility, albeit a long shot.

Regrettably, that dream never materialized. My M1 iPad Pro has predominantly functioned as a standard iPad, used for everyday activities such as browsing, reading, and gaming—tasks that previous iPad models also handled well.

The M1 chip's performance shines in demanding applications like sound, photo, and video editing, particularly when working with high-resolution files. However, an M2 iPad Pro likely wouldn’t differ significantly in everyday usage. Most demanding games have yet to challenge the M1, so the M2 will probably not offer a substantial leap in performance for general tasks.

The Software Conundrum

The real issue lies in the operating system. Even if the M2 provides a modest performance boost, the iPadOS still restricts what users can do. Apple's stringent guidelines limit the iPad Pro’s potential, focusing on security and ease of use over functionality.

As long as Apple maintains its current stance on iPadOS, any future iPad Pro—regardless of processing power—will struggle to realize its full capabilities. Critics arguing that the iPad Pro lacks true professional functionality may have a point. If the M1 iPad Pro hasn’t showcased its potential yet, the release of an M2 version seems unnecessary.

Chapter 2: Exploring User Perspectives

The first video titled "Why You Shouldn't Dismiss the M2 iPad Pro! 18 Months Later Review" discusses the nuances of the M2 iPad Pro and its implications.

The second video, "I REFUSE to review the M2 iPad Pro!! (hear me out…)", offers a critical perspective on the new model and what it means for users.