Apple review
iPad Pro 11 1st Gen
The 1st Gen 11-inch iPad Pro redefined Apple's tablet design. Years later, its 120Hz display and A12X chip hold up surprisingly well, despite notable structural and repair challenges.
The 1st Gen 11-inch iPad Pro redefined Apple's tablet design. Years later, its 120Hz display and A12X chip hold up surprisingly well, despite notable structural and repair challenges.
Pros
- +120Hz ProMotion display remains smooth and color-accurate
- +A12X Bionic chip delivers solid performance for daily tasks and sketching
- +Modern flat-edge design with Apple Pencil 2 support
- +Universal USB-C port makes charging and dongle connection easy
Cons
- −Thin 5.9mm aluminum body is prone to bending under stress
- −Fused screen assembly makes glass-only repairs impossible
- −Aging battery capacity on heavily used second-hand units
- −USB-C port solder layout makes socket fixes complex
Overview
When Apple released the 1st Generation 11-inch iPad Pro in late 2018, it marked a massive turning point for the iPad lineup. It abandoned the traditional Home button, slimmed down the bezels, and shifted to a sharp, industrial flat-edge design. Powered by the A12X Bionic chip and featuring a 120Hz ProMotion Liquid Retina display, it set a benchmark that defined iPad design for years to come.
Looking at this device from a long-term ownership perspective, the 1st Gen iPad Pro has aged gracefully in terms of speed and display quality. However, its lightweight chassis and ultra-thin profile come with hardware compromises that long-term owners and second-hand buyers need to navigate carefully.
Design and build
At 5.9mm thin, the 11-inch iPad Pro feels incredibly light in the hand. The flat aluminum sides offer a comfortable grip and allow the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil to magnetically snap to the edge for pairing and wireless charging. The high-contrast Liquid Retina LCD features rounded corners and smooth Face ID integration, eliminating fingerprint authentication entirely.
However, that extreme thinness is a double-edged sword. The lightweight aluminum housing lacks structural reinforcement across the center axis. Without a rigid internal spine, the tablet can warp or bend if carried loose in a tightly packed backpack or subjected to pressure. The front panel features fused glass, digitizer, and LCD layers, which gives digital artwork an immediate, paper-like proximity, but raises the stakes if the glass breaks.
Everyday performance
The A12X Bionic chip was significantly ahead of its time upon release, and its multi-core CPU and GPU performance continue to deliver smooth multitasking today. Switching between apps, light video editing, digital painting in Procreate, and streaming media feel prompt and fluid.
The 120Hz ProMotion display remains one of the strongest reasons to consider this generation over a standard base-model iPad. UI animations are ultra-smooth, and latency when drawing with the Apple Pencil is almost imperceptible. For document editing, graphic design, and web browsing, performance remains remarkably capable for everyday software tasks.
Battery, durability, and longevity
Because of its age, battery health is one of the primary factors determining how long a 1st Gen iPad Pro will stay useful. Over years of charge cycles, the internal lithium-ion pack naturally loses chemical capacity, leading to shorter working hours and potential performance throttling under high system load.
In terms of physical durability, the thin frame remains the tablet's main vulnerability. Minor structural flex can put tension on internal flex cables and solder joints. When checking out our iPad Pro 11 1st Gen device hub, structural integrity and screen health are the top areas to evaluate before buying or performing maintenance.
Common issues owners hit
Several clear hardware failure patterns tend to show up on this generation:
- Chassis Bending: The thin aluminum profile is vulnerable to bending, which can strain internal connections or distort the glass seating.
- Fused Display Damage: Cracking the front glass requires replacing the entire display assembly because the glass, digitizer, and LCD are factory-laminated together.
- USB-C Port Wear: Constant cable strain can loosen the internal USB-C port contacts, causing erratic charging or disconnects during data transfer.
- Battery Swelling: As the original battery pack ages, chemical degradation can cause swelling that lifts the display panel from the frame. If you encounter hardware quirks or unexpected shutdowns, exploring our common problems guide can help isolate the root cause.
Who it's for
The 1st Gen 11-inch iPad Pro is an excellent option for digital artists, students, and casual users looking for a high-refresh-rate screen and Apple Pencil 2 support on a budget. It offers a premium screen and modern design language at a fraction of the price of newer M-series models. However, buyers should be mindful of battery condition and handle the thin chassis with care.
Bottom line
The 1st Generation 11-inch iPad Pro remains a standout milestone in tablet engineering. Its 120Hz screen, solid A12X processing power, and USB-C flexibility keep it practical for daily use, provided you protect its delicate frame and keep an eye on battery health.
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Verdict
The 1st Gen 11-inch iPad Pro remains a surprisingly capable tablet years after launch. While its thin frame and fused display make servicing tricky, its core performance and 120Hz display make it a great value choice if handled carefully.
