M4 iPad Pro 11" review - i'm downsizing again.

iPadOS 18 is... definitely something. While Math Notes and Smart Script are lovely features... the operating system as a whole is unchanged. This is why this year, I am more keen on switching back to the smaller, M4 iPad Pro 11" model, specifically the base one since it is really all you need to have the best iPad experience as of 2024. So unless you have some really specific niche workflow which needs a bigger screen, more unified memory and or storage, this "cheap" $999 variant might be for you!
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0:00-0:10 intro
0:10-2:50 iPadOS 18 is... an update
2:50-3:25 i'm downsizing
3:25-4:37 great compact form-factor
4:37-6:17 equally amazing display!
6:17-7:17 same great battery life
7:17-11:32 just enough screen space
11:32-12:46 keyboard experience
12:46-14:54 overkill 9-core power
14:52-15:54 256gb is enough!
15:54-17:36 final thoughts

[@jaredweiman2987]

11" is superior this gen. I had both the 12.9 and the 11" last gen. The extra 2" in height creates a weird aspect ratio for viewing content. The 11" is much better suited to watching widescreen videos and is significantly more portable. The 11" is a perfect tablet and the 13" is a mediocre laptop and a bad tablet.

[@user-wp3bh3qe9j]

"The 11" is a perfect tablet and the 13" is a mediocre laptop and a bad tablet." that is such a good sentence!

[@user-np7xw7pk2b]

@@user-wp3bh3qe9jwhat a comment!!

[@Perspari]

Nailed it.

[@eatthetoast]

I absolutely loved this video. I decided to go with the 11” as well. For my travels and days of chemo it fits into my little bellroy pack which is just perfect! And that’s even with the keyboard attached too! Noah, your videos are calming and i appreciate your work.

[@katinasoutherland7693]

Hi! You’re strong enough to kick cancers ass my friend!

[@eatthetoast]

Thank you so much! I’m doing my best and doing it well, so far so good!

[@gregsvoice5628]

Best of luck with your treatment.

[@IsaacyChelseyOrtiz]

I hope you get better soon!

[@jameskurtzke1350]

I relied on my iPad when I went thru chemo treatments, too…just focus on getting thru your day a few hours at a time…they will add up…

[@gstevens6948]

That screen looks absolutely gorgeous.

[@David4413]

The 11’ is the perfect size

[@ArthropodSpidey]

Sadly, most women would agree.

[@PeaksW_]

It’s the bitch size 😂

[@TheNetflixNook]

I finally went the 12.9 route and am about to do some traveling. Looking forward to seeing how that size kind of fits into an airplane seat experience.

[@Josemartinez-es6vj]

said my gf :(

[@cappuccinofrosties]

I personally still opted for the 13” for the large workspace, the weight difference is helping. And as a woman I don’t mind bringing bigger bags for that

[@IsabelleAnn425]

me too hah :D

[@JCU84]

Using an oled iPhone makes me want one on my iPad. My 2018 iPad Pro 11” has served me well. I’m upgrading. I’m also happy can stick with the 11” size

[@Aaron_Bleu]

I tried both the 11" and the 13" a ton and decided on the 13. I much prefer the larger keyboard it felt more natural and easier to type with. The speakers are dramatically better and louder on the 13 as well. Pair this with more screen space and more immersive entertainment I couldn't downsize to the smaller version. If I were carrying the tablet around more I would be more inclined to go with the small Pro but its either in my bag or at my house. Both are incredible devices and can't go wrong. Great video thanks for uploading

[@PSy84]

just get iPad mini 6 as companion to 13"

[@gogrape9716]

My all time favourite laptop was the 11 inch Mac air laptop. The screen was large enough and the convenience of a 2 pound device is just charming. I will move to an 11 inch pro with both the keypad and pro penr. Totally awesome...

[@autumnrose_tv]

I’ve had a play with both in the Apple Store and I’m opting for the 13” when I’ve saved up for it. I prefer the larger screen for note taking, content consumption and making/adding to word documents or power points, writing emails, etc

[@eugeneeleeee]

I'm searching for opinions on the M4 iPad Pro and glad that I stumbled upon this video - really insightful and appreciate the opinions. Thanks, Noah! A well deserved like 👍🏼

[@stuartconlon7492]

Nice vid Noah, thank you 🙏

[@evanle24]

YOU CAME BACK TO THE 11 INCH SIZE

[@NoahHerman]

YES I DID

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

Always great videos.🍉

[@bryansbrain]

The a ability to drag windows on stage manager between the iPad and an external monitor works in ipadOS 18

[@robertkremen]

Previously i considered 12.9 too heavy so changed for 11 . But this M4 13 inch version is much more comfortable to hold and carry.

[@GlucoseYummy]

Your beard is looking hella awesome

[@NoahHerman]

thanks!! gotta shape it a little more though haha

[@bartoszskiba5442]

@@NoahHerman I was just about to say, the beard is such a slay

[@AlanMitchellTech]

@@NoahHermanHow is that iPad running while on iPad OS 18? I tried using the beta on the A12z iPad Pro 12.9 inch that I am writing the comment on, but had to factory reset it because the iPad would try to reboot itself and not turn on.

[@lgmarquez5469]

I have both the 13in and 11in M4 iPad models and idk why but the 11in feels like it has bigger bezels. It’s probably the difference in size that makes it look that way. But idk for me personally I enjoy using the 13in a bit more whenever I wanna be at home and watch content and do some work. But the 11in is perfect when I’m at work and have to be in the go and observe different departments and take notes. Either way love both and how they fit into my life.

[@gamingbrowsergbr9521]

Thank you so much for the content you provide us❤

[@NoahHerman]

thank you for watching! ☺️

[@cadetmaze]

watching your vid after some time and that beard game is fly

[@bigd2829]

Just ordered this with the Apple Pencil pro so excited!!!

[@DigiDriftZone]

I have the iPad Mini (which I love), and I replaced my 11” with a 12.9” recently, my takeaway is the mini is pretty much a 1 app device, adding a second app is clunky. The 11” is a 2 app device and the 13” is a 3-4 app device but the 4:3 aspect ratio means usable screen size is not much larger for video content consumption than 11” in case you were hoping to use it for movies. I would say the 11” is probably best overall but if you want a secondary/external display for your mac, the 13” is a lot better for that, plus the still excellent miniLED in the last generation sells for 1/3 of the price of the M4 equivalent, that’s a huge price difference.

[@emilsecker7881]

Nice vid once again. For my next iPad Pro im going to get a 2TB model as I’ve decided to get a Mac mini again for my next Mac, as I barely ever move my MacBook Pro (and the iPad Pro has the power to do all the portable stuff I need

[@MrApiiinr]

Watching this on my Mini 6. I’ll run up to 5 apps on it at a time, and it handles it all flawlessly. And it lets me do it on the move, wherever I am.

[@gstevens6948]

Right there with you, started with 11” then the 12”… now maybe back to the 11” the OLED will be most excellent.

[@lovetheblue6659]

I went with the 11" 256GB base model. The M4 chip will be utilized more in the future with the forthcoming Apple Intelligence stuff. I use Stage Manager when docked at home with an external monitor; otherwise the standard multitasking is fine for me.

[@T10107]

I wanted a pro iPad mini, but I don't think that will happen in the next 5 years. Since I already have a 2018 iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil, I'll go with the 11-inch iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and a MOFT Folio Float Case for cost efficiency. This setup will serve as my "iPad mini" for jotting down notes and consuming media. Even though it's an 11-inch iPad Pro, it's lighter now and works perfectly for my needs.

[@Zax0422]

I’m planning on buying this iPad

[@The_Calm_Chaos]

I'm still using the 2020 iPad Air and apart from a better screen, I don't really see any other reason to buy the latest 11" Pro.

[@fapstronaut3671]

The only think that I like more about the m4 iscthe screen but the price is crazy

[@39lucas]

I use that iPad and I have issues with temporary screen burn in, where I could be on an app like Goodnotes, and the lines from the template will stay on the screen when I leave the app or playing games and certain icons stay and the only way to get it gone is by powering it off. Do you have any display issues?

[@Hypnobreast]

Don’t say that, else Apple will send out an ‘update’ to render your iPad useless

[@michaelferguson364]

I’m using a 2020 iPad Pro and there no reason for me to upgrade, because all I do is watch KZbin and respond to work email on outlook 😁👍🏾

[@Hypnobreast]

@@michaelferguson364let’s face it, as long as your iPad can accommodate the most up to date iPadOs, most other differences between models are insignificant

[@markgriffin2285]

My Ipad Pro just downloaded to 17.6. I assume that Apple will let me know when I can install IOS 18?

[@suli_xli]

After my GCSEs I’m looking to buy an iPad Pro, and I’m not sure between getting the 13 inch or 11 inch, if I were to get the 11 inch I was wondering if it is worth also getting a monitor so I could use an external keyboard and mouse with the monitor and iPad while at home at my desk, but then I could just use the iPad when I’m at school for example. What do you think? Is there any point also getting a monitor, and should I go 11 inch or 13 inch?

[@Travalingo]

Is there a way to turn off the button in the bottom left of the keyboard? I’ve tried one at the Apple Store and I kept hitting it, thus switching the selection to emojis. Also, nice beard! It’s been a minute since I’ve check out the channel.

[@salimchain]

Nice video! I’m also thinking in going for the 11” (I have the 12.9 right now) Have you tried “more space” on the 11”? Is it usable? For some specific cases I guess

[@ekbordinkhueakaew6740]

Can I ask the reason that you need to going to 11 inch? Why not 13 inch?

[@salimchain]

@@ekbordinkhueakaew6740 thanks for asking. I've been working on a 12.9 iPad for the last 3 years. Making an effort to make it my main device, but iPadOS is not there. I use a lot of webapps and iPad on Safari still not the same as MacOS Safari. So I have to go back to a Macbook Air. But, traveling, moving around, iPadOS is good enough. So 11" is more portable, lighter. 13" + magic keyboard is heavier than a Macbook Air (and bulkier) That's why I'm curious about the "more space" in the 11" for some scenarios where you need more space on a specific app or webapp

[@4kmentality]

I’m still using the iPad Air 2020 and thinking it might be time to upgrade to the 11 inch Pro and keep that for a solid 4-5 years.

[@BrandonG23]

Is the iPad Pro a good substitution for a MacBook air? I just need something for basic things like email, applying for jobs, visiting sites my phone doesn’t do a good of etc.

[@aarondavis8953]

They added external drive formatting and a few more features in the new beta.

[@nasiphasa]

bro has the best and the mos useful contetn ever 😀

[@pietdegeling8686]

In IpadOs you can finally format external sd/hd/on the Ipad.

[@Roddriley]

I'm on the m1 ipad pro. Using it for photo editing on Affinity photo and Photomator. Reading comics watch shows and actually writing a novel. I wanna upgrade to the m4 but I'm hesitating. Any recommendations?

[@gregsvoice5628]

Does your current iPad feel slow?

[@Roddriley]

@@gregsvoice5628 nope not at all

[@chidorirasenganz]

They also added the ability to format external drives in iPadOS 18

[@Aggie4life77]

Man, I see you have a desktop and a laptop! If you add in your phone, where does the iPad fit in? I got rid of mine years ago because it wasn’t getting used.

[@michaelcibula9552]

Really enjoying the 11. I use it handheld mostly so that’s what helped make up my mind. The OS update is so odd IMO. Why they didn’t include IPhone Mirroring and an iPad mirroring mode, and the iOS mail improvements in this release is a bummer. Maybe we’ll get it in 19.

[@jerkchicken508]

7:32 You being relatable is one of the many reasons why people watch your content. Keep the bloopers in we love them!

[@Ciangi87]

Is the Magic Keyboard worth the $300? I’m on the fence about it

[@Andy-xd7ng]

I like to add movie files on my iPads… I have a 1TB iPad from 2018 12.9 inches… and now use it with my Meta Quest 3 to project the screen to it.. .it works really well with the mouse of the magic keyboard …. with stage manager it works well… my iPad is still going strong… would like a 15 inch iPad in the future and I would buy IMMEDIATELY… and maybe they will give powerful iPads Mac OS… that would be awesome!

[@joepro5915]

Did you move to NYC?

[@PepeRaMx]

Que es mejor con nanotexture la pantalla o pantalla normal con el paperlike?

[@jonathanvillagomez8512]

Awesome beard and video

[@jebaker2]

I constantly hear complaints about iPadOS… but I am missing what specifically people are looking for. What are people looking for Apple to add? I get that there’s MacOS software that doesn’t have an iPadOS counterpart but, unless it is an Apple app, that’s not iPadOS’s fault.

[@morenanicholson1196]

I started with the 13 inch downsized to 11 and then ended up just getting both 🎉

[@willbuschmann]

Seems like a waste of money, but sure.

[@Greatscott24]

If the 11” didn’t feel like typing on a kids toy, I could definitely get onboard, but I have man sized hands, and the 11” just isn’t going to cut it. Even the 13” can be a little small for my liking compared to a normal keyboard.

[@gurugamer8632]

Which apps do you use?

[@Bambotb]

When will macs have tandem oled ?

[@TTrq01]

Agree re. the 11” iPad vs the larger size being a real sweet-spot and that the M4 iPad Pro 11 is really impressive hw. Sadly iPadOS 18 is a putrid update and so many OS limitations still exist that have been well documented and discussed for years. Also, Apple’s newly announced AI features are all “futures” and will take 1-2 years or more to refine. I could never do work creating new MS Office docs and it’s barely capable of reviewing and editing office docs. In the end it is a communications device for email and iMessage and a media consumption device for reading and viewing.

[@andychang7137]

Still love 13 inch

[@ThailandTerry2024]

I started out the exact opposite as you. I’ve had three 11 inch iPad pros (Magic Keyboards included) starting in 2011 and just purchased the 13 inch iPad Pro. My needs or demands for what I expect from my iPads have changed over the years though. I’m very happy with the 13 inch and it’s larger screen …

[@satxrnhimself]

Should I upgrade from 2018 11 iPad Pro to M4 11 iPad Pro 256GB? I’m a light user but want to continue with 120hz. Also do you have the cellular edition and which specs do you have?

[@sudiptabiswas9542]

If you have the budget then go for it ,otherwise the 2018 would still be good enough with a battery replacement

[@DanielHarrisCodes]

You could stick with the 2018 until next year to see if Apple Intelligence is as good as they made out. No way to know until it’s out whether it’s going to be good

[@satxrnhimself]

@@sudiptabiswas9542 Ok, thanks! Also another question for Mac’s: Which are the best specs and size for MacBook Pro for my needs: Photo/video editing for YT channel on Final Cut Pro / adobe Lightroom and Davina resolve, programming JavaScript on vs code app, web browsing, note taking, and watching YT videos and movies, and for university. Planning to keep the MacBook Pro for at least 4-5 years. And use it 90% desktop and 10% taking it outside. I like portability too. Is it worth to trade in my 14 Pro to 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max when they come out, or wait longer to upgrade? I have a regular 14 Pro from February 2023 with 88% battery health after a year and a half and don’t like the battery life and buggy experience (factory reset didn’t help)

[@satxrnhimself]

@@DanielHarrisCodes Ok, thanks! Also: Which are the best specs and size for MacBook Pro for my needs: Photo/video editing for YT channel on Final Cut Pro / adobe Lightroom and Davina resolve, programming JavaScript on vs code app, web browsing, note taking, and watching YT videos and movies, and for university. Planning to keep the MacBook Pro for at least 4-5 years. And use it 90% desktop and 10% taking it outside. I like portability too. Is it worth to trade in my 14 Pro to 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max when they come out, or wait longer to upgrade? I have a regular 14 Pro from February 2023 with 88% battery health after a year and a half and don’t like the battery life and buggy experience (factory reset didn’t help)

[@Mista300c]

If u want the ai features go for it

[@arvs7356]

Using my 11 inch iPad Pro M4 and 13 inch MacBook Air M2 now. These 2 are the best daily drivers.

[@CaptainGameSlayer]

I should have bought the 16gb ram 10 core model. I run into low ram stutter issues in Assassins Creed Mirage on the 8gb ram 9 core model

[@mdarks4117]

They way the rumours of Mac OS bated people into buying the iPad Pro M1 + making them hybrid laptops, it’s not worth buying unless you need a new one 😂👀

[@ssaaffuu]

the 13 inc is better for me since i do art on it but i get what you mean.

[@Richard_Barnes]

Total weight? 👍🏻

[@anthonyazanon6160]

I use my iPad way more now that I have the 11”.

[@StreetzCallin1]

I wanted the 13in ipad air but thats too much since my laptop is 15in. So im gonna trade in my ipad air 5th gen 11in 64 gb for the 11in ipad air with 128gb. Idk what id do with all the extra storage 😂

[@harumi48]

Still debating I want smoothness but apple is so restricted, conflicted feelings I want android with apple hardware, on a decent sized screen

[@abertolucci9780]

I had to return mine because of the muddy speakers, when compared with the 2018 iPad Pro.

[@michealadebz]

I’m going to be a college freshman this year. I do digital art. I’m taking MIS do you think I can use the 11” M4 as my all in one computer device for Art, College work, teams, video calls? I’ve been debating this for a while now before I get the Magic Keyboard for it. Cause I really just want an all in one compact device for all my needs. Edit: Also sick beard!

[@NoahHerman]

aw thanks haha. if it's gonna be your one and only computer... the 13" might be worthwhile!

[@michealadebz]

@@NoahHerman aw dang yea I felt so. Thanks for your input I think I might just get a MacBook m1 air to fall back on/supplement the iPad!

[@GPDF]

I didn't know how to copy the link. Type those words below and watch a 10 min video that can give you an different angle/opnion. Maybe you have the budget and by the most expensive wouldn't be a issue. If you decide to get a macbook, don't settle down for 8 Gb, go for 16 Gb, specially because you going to working with art on your computer. Why People Returned the M4 iPad Pro - What iPad Should Most Really Get?

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

Why not the iPad Air if you are using it for casual stuff?

[@TheNetflixNook]

After WWDC i decided to go the 12.9 inch M2 IPad Pro. Found an amazing deal at the 11th hour and haven’t stopped using it since. Love it!

[@LiveAerosmith]

ipad with M4 is like having a Ferrari engine inside an old car, IPAD OS for me still very limited, just like a larger iPhone OS.

[@kushal8261]

Hey Noah, is your 11 M4 iPad Pro overheating while using the pencil?? Mine overheats on the bottom part and towards the right side in landscape while using pencil in oen ntoe/ good notes and while watching youtube videos too!! Anything similar with your device too?

[@desit.302]

I don’t have the newer iPads but my iPad Air 5 also has this same problem. Apple notes, Goodnotes, Notability - as soon as I start using the Pencil, the right side heats up and the battery life takes a dive off the cliff. Other users also have this problem according to other forums. It’s a known problem

[@kushal8261]

@@desit.302 any fixes??

[@Joniyah444]

You have small socks, you have a small …iPad.

[@nicolaijul]

Love the Beard! Just have a barber trim it;) it fits you

[@NoahHerman]

haha thanks i'm growing it out 😆 def gotta shape it a lil better tho

[@angelherg1997]

Sometimes we should get two inches less because it’s more comfortable.

[@Muhammed.Yaseen]

That beard 🤌🏻

[@SweetSweetCandyBoyz]

Nothing was more underwhelming than, “same clunky-limited OS, BUT IT’S THINNER!” I suppose it was their way of throwing us a bone, our iPads won’t weigh us down as much while we’re also having to carry around our MacBooks to do real work. If you’re not an artist and still want a tablet, get the cheapest iPad you can find, it’s fundamentally going to function the exact same.

[@JoshCampbellGeekXL]

Such a furball now. WOOF! LOL~

[@TSKewl]

Commitment issues?

[@NoahHerman]

yes lol

[@salahalselene4957]

❤❤❤

[@WatsNeXTV]

bro which watch band did you have on your Apple Watch ultra

[@fakerrain]

So much power in a chip but locked behind software that gimps it. Wtf apple....

[@Pesto-64]

I got he 11" M4 and I already had the M2 12.9. I noticed the screen was not that much different but the M2 12.9 iPP seemed to have "whiter" whites. The M4 seemed to have a slight tint (TrueTome and Nightshift are both off). I took it to the Apple store and they tested it and said it was fine. Anyone else notice this or is it an OLED thing? Now I'm thinking of returning the M4 11" iPP and getting an M2 11"iPP and saving some money.

[@johnshepherd2666]

Who would want to lose 2 inches ? ...every thing you can do on an 11" can be done on a 13" ....tell me ...what do you do with the THE SPACE you save by using the 11" model ?😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hat tip for that intro shot. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@sahilintheraj]

Looking hot with that beard! ;) :P

[@evilphuk]

Giving power top vibes ufff

[@sahilintheraj]

@@evilphuk exactly

[@truthteller2711]

Nice beard!

[@jazenka99]

All those cores, no where to go. Maybe ApPle with utilize them for creepy AI generated crap, or everyone talking like a robot in their email exchanges.

[@user-uj8ez8ur4m]

Iam 13 inc

[@b3naqua]

11 inches is long enough

[@NoahHerman]

i beg your finest pardon benjamin

[@machitect]

I tried your advice before. Took an iPad mini 6 and a 12.9 iPad Pro. I loved my iPad mini. Barely used the 12.9 unless for watching. It really is just for table use. Now I find that having two iPads are a pain because some apps don’t sync across devices as fast if it’s not an apple app. Now I want to just get an iPad Pro 11” and stick to ONE IPAD. Having too many devices too keep track of is also annoying. I have to say though, it’ll be hard to get rid of the iPad mini. It fits in my small purses.

[@thebombshellmale]

iPadOS 18 is just a turnoff...

[@KyngD469]

The iPad's main use case is basically a vehicle for vloggers to update us on their current mood and lifestyle.

[@Vkohli26]

😢Can you do ipad giveaway? I am from India. I am from a small village. I have just completed my 12th final. There is no other way for me to prepare for the entrance exam except online and the fees for offline are in lakhs and that too 500 or 1000 km away from here. Please sister. my exam will come out and I will give you my ipad promise to return  😢😢😢😢❤❤

[@absolute_tk]

iPad Pro is the worst Apple Product. I’m not even joking.

[@ZumaZoom07]

True in most areas except that pencil. Every other drawing tablet I've used just wasn't it and I avoided them... Until one day I saw some dude drawing in procreate and that's the day I ordered my first apple product. The company I worked for offered to buy me a bigger drawing tablet and I told em to save their money unless it's an iPad pro 😂

[@autumnrose_tv]

I’ve had a play with both in the Apple Store and I’m opting for the 13” when I’ve saved up for it. I prefer the larger screen for note taking, content consumption and making/adding to word documents or power points, writing emails, etc