Noncomped

Apple iPad Pro

Tablet · Apple · Not Sponsored

The latest iPad Pro, supercharged by iOS 26, is an absolute masterclass in portable computing, finally bridging the gap to a true MacBook competitor while retaining everything we adore about the iPad experience. It’s a remarkable achievement.

N
Noncomped Team Owner & Reviewer
5.0/5
$799 Price at time of review
Updated Dec 2025

TL;DR Summary

5.0/5 Excellent

Pros

  • Unprecedented performance for a tablet, rivaling laptops
  • Transformative iOS 26 making it a true MacBook competitor
  • Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion
  • Exceptional build quality and elegant, thin design
  • Versatile for both creative and productivity tasks
  • Excellent battery life even under heavy load

Cons

  • Accessories (Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil) significantly increase total cost
  • Base storage option could be more generous for a 'Pro' device

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Purchase

Price shown ($799) reflects what we paid at time of purchase and may differ from current seller pricing.

Extended Observations

The latest iPad Pro, supercharged by iOS 26, is an absolute masterclass in portable computing, finally bridging the gap to a true MacBook competitor while retaining everything we adore about the iPad experience. It’s a remarkable achievement.

Having spent considerable time with various devices across the Apple ecosystem, including my well-regarded MacBook Pro from a prior review, I approached the new iPad Pro with a certain level of expectation — and frankly, some healthy skepticism about its 'pro' moniker. What I've discovered, however, is not merely an incremental update, but a revolutionary device that fundamentally shifts what we can expect from a tablet. The build quality, as is standard with Apple, is peerless; the chassis feels impossibly thin yet robust, and the Liquid Retina XDR display is nothing short of breathtaking – colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the ProMotion technology makes every interaction buttery smooth. Whether editing complex video projects, sketching intricate designs with the Apple Pencil, or simply consuming media, the visual experience is immersive and unparalleled.

Where this iPad Pro truly transcends its predecessors, and indeed its tablet competitors, is with the transformative iOS 26 update. This isn't just an OS tweak; it's a profound reimagining of multitasking and professional workflow on a touch-first device. For the first time, I found myself effortlessly switching between apps, managing files, and even running demanding desktop-class applications with a fluidity that genuinely rivals, and in some contexts, surpasses my MacBook Pro. This is the device that finally eliminates the need to carry both a laptop and a tablet for many users. The integration of Apple Intelligence further streamlines everything, offering predictive assistance and smart features that feel intuitive and genuinely helpful, not intrusive.

In real-world usage, the performance is simply staggering. From compiling code to rendering 3D models, the iPad Pro handles intensive tasks without breaking a sweat, demonstrating a raw power I previously thought exclusive to dedicated workstations. Battery life has been consistently excellent, easily getting me through a full day of mixed, demanding use. Coupled with the Magic Keyboard, the typing experience is surprisingly good for a tablet accessory, making long-form writing or extensive email replies a pleasure rather than a chore. As someone who praised the Anker SOLIX C300 for its portable power, the iPad Pro further enhances my mobile workstation by being exceptionally power-efficient itself.

The value proposition here is exceptional. While it carries a premium price, the iPad Pro is no longer simply a content consumption device with some creative capabilities; it is now a legitimate, portable production powerhouse. It's ideal for creatives, students, mobile professionals, and anyone who demands uncompromising performance in a flexible form factor. For the vast majority, this is now a completely viable alternative to a traditional laptop, offering the best of both worlds: the versatility of a tablet and the unbridled power of a professional-grade machine. If you're invested in the Apple ecosystem, this is a no-brainer upgrade that will redefine your workflow.

Minor nitpicks are almost laughable given the overall brilliance. Perhaps the accessories, though excellent, do add significantly to the overall cost, and the base storage for a 'Pro' device could always be more generous. But these are truly trivial considerations against the backdrop of such a groundbreaking device. This is a monumental release, and one that sets a new standard for portable computing.

Our Verdict

The latest iPad Pro, supercharged by iOS 26, is an absolute masterclass in portable computing, finally bridging the gap to a true MacBook competitor while retaining everything we adore about the iPad experience. It’s a remarkable achievement.

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