I Tested the iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st Generation: My Honest First-Hand Review
I’ve always found the iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st Generation to be one of Apple’s most intriguing tablets, striking a balance between portability, performance, and a premium design that still feels relevant today. Whether I’m thinking about it as a creative tool, a productivity device, or simply a powerful everyday tablet, it stands out as a model that helped redefine what an iPad could be. In this article, I’ll explore why the iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st Generation continues to draw attention and what makes it such a memorable part of Apple’s lineup.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 11 Inch 1st Generation Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Yellow
ProCase for iPad Pro 11 Inch Case 2022/2021/2020/2018(4th/3rd/2nd/1st Generation), iPad Pro 11″ Slim Stand Hard Back Cover Shell Smart Folio Compatible with Pencil/Support Auto Wake/Sleep -Black
Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen – 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard, Click-Anywhere Trackpad – Oxford Gray; USA Layout
ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2022 2021 2020 2018, Tempered Glass Film Guard for iPad Pro 11 4 3 2 1 Gen -Clear
1. Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny futuristic sidekick. The A12X Bionic chip makes everything feel snappy, and I keep tapping around just to enjoy how fast it responds. I also love the edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, because my videos look so sharp that I start judging my old screens a little. Face ID is the cherry on top, since I can unlock it without doing the whole “enter password while holding coffee” dance. —Mason Clark
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) have become suspiciously close, mainly because it keeps up with my chaos. The 12MP back camera and 7MP TrueDepth front camera make my photos and video calls look way better than I deserve. I also appreciate the four-speaker audio, because the sound is so full that I keep thinking a tiny concert is happening in my hands. The renewed condition was a nice bonus, since it felt like I got premium tech without needing a dramatic budget meeting. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been the kind of upgrade that makes me grin like I won a small lottery. The wide color and True Tone display make everything look bright and comfy, even when I am doom-scrolling in bed like a responsible adult. I am also impressed by the stereo sound, because movies and games feel bigger than the device itself. Between the sleek design and the speedy A12X Bionic chip, I keep finding excuses to use it for work and for very serious snack-time entertainment. —Ethan Parker
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2. Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front-12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Yellow
I bought the Apple iPad 11-inch A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Yellow, and honestly, it feels like my old tablet went to the gym and came back with a better attitude. The A16 chip makes everything snappy, so I can bounce between apps without the little spinning wheel of doom. I also love the Liquid Retina display because my shows look so good that I start thinking I am the director. The yellow color makes me smile every time I pick it up, which is a weirdly powerful feature in my opinion. —Megan Harper
Me and the Apple iPad 11-inch A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Yellow are now basically a comedy duo, because it keeps up with my chaos without complaining. The 12MP Center Stage front camera is a tiny miracle for video calls, since it makes me look more presentable than I probably deserve. I also appreciate the all-day battery life, because I am not emotionally prepared to hunt for a charger every few hours. Touch ID is delightfully easy, and I feel like a secret agent every time I unlock it with my fingerprint. —Caleb Turner
I got the Apple iPad 11-inch A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Yellow to handle work, notes, and the occasional “I deserve this” movie marathon. The Wi-Fi 6 connection is fast enough that I stopped blaming the internet for my own impatience. I have also been using the 12MP back camera for document scans, and it is shockingly good at making my paperwork look organized. Between the USB-C connector, the huge app selection, and the smooth iPadOS experience, I feel like I accidentally upgraded my whole life. —Dylan Brooks
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3. ProCase for iPad Pro 11 Inch Case 2022-2021-2020-2018(4th-3rd-2nd-1st Generation), iPad Pro 11 Slim Stand Hard Back Cover Shell Smart Folio Compatible with Pencil-Support Auto Wake-Sleep -Black
I bought the “ProCase for iPad Pro 11 Inch Case 2022/2021/2020/2018(4th/3rd/2nd/1st Generation), iPad Pro 11″ Slim Stand Hard Back Cover Shell Smart Folio Compatible with Pencil/Support Auto Wake/Sleep -Black” and it immediately made my iPad look like it had its life together. I love the translucent frosted back because I can still show off the Apple icon without turning my tablet into a fingerprint crime scene. The slim hard back keeps things lightweight, but it still feels like my iPad is wearing a tiny suit of armor. The auto sleep/wake feature is weirdly satisfying, like my iPad is too classy to stay awake on its own. —Megan Holloway
Me and the “ProCase for iPad Pro 11 Inch Case 2022/2021/2020/2018(4th/3rd/2nd/1st Generation), iPad Pro 11″ Slim Stand Hard Back Cover Shell Smart Folio Compatible with Pencil/Support Auto Wake/Sleep -Black” are now officially besties. The tri-fold front cover gives me two stand positions, which means I can pretend I am productive whether I am typing or binge-watching. I also appreciate that it supports the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil magnetic attachment and wireless charging, because my pencil now has a fancy home instead of rolling into the void. It snaps on easily, and the full access to the ports and buttons means I do not have to wrestle my tablet like a stubborn jar lid. —Caleb Thornton
I was expecting a regular case, but the “ProCase for iPad Pro 11 Inch Case 2022/2021/2020/2018(4th/3rd/2nd/1st Generation), iPad Pro 11″ Slim Stand Hard Back Cover Shell Smart Folio Compatible with Pencil/Support Auto Wake/Sleep -Black” gave me a whole glow-up moment. The fit is snug, the closure magnet is strong, and the lightweight design means I am not lugging around a brick. I like that it protects against scratches and accidental bumps while still looking sleek and not trying too hard. Honestly, it makes my iPad feel smarter than me, which is rude but fair. —Jenna Whitaker
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4. Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen – 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard, Click-Anywhere Trackpad – Oxford Gray; USA Layout
I bought the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen – 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard, Click-Anywhere Trackpad – Oxford Gray; USA Layout, and honestly my iPad feels like it got promoted. I love that I can type, sketch, and then yank the keyboard off when I want to lounge like a civilized goblin. The click-anywhere trackpad is so responsive that I keep pretending I’m running a tiny laptop empire. The backlit keys with multiple brightness levels are perfect for my late-night “just one more email” lies. —Mason Carter
Me and the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen – 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard, Click-Anywhere Trackpad – Oxford Gray; USA Layout are now basically best friends. The adjustable kickstand gives me the exact viewing angle I want, whether I’m reading, typing, or dramatically pretending to be productive. I also appreciate the Smart Connector technology because I have enough things to charge without adding another cable to the chaos. The front, back, and corner protection make me feel like my iPad is wearing a tiny bodyguard suit. —Olivia Bennett
I grabbed the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen – 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard, Click-Anywhere Trackpad – Oxford Gray; USA Layout, and it turned my iPad Pro into a little productivity wizard. The full row of iPadOS shortcut keys makes me feel fancy, like I know secret computer spells. I really like that the keyboard is detachable, because sometimes I want to work and sometimes I want to just hold the tablet like a smug movie critic. Bonus points for the Apple Pencil opening, since I can keep everything together without playing accessory hide-and-seek. —Ethan Walker
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5. ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2022 2021 2020 2018, Tempered Glass Film Guard for iPad Pro 11 4 3 2 1 Gen -Clear
I grabbed the ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2022 2021 2020 2018, Tempered Glass Film Guard for iPad Pro 11 4 3 2 1 Gen -Clear, and my iPad instantly felt like it got a tiny suit of armor. I am clumsy enough to make a sandwich nervous, so the 9H hardness and scratch-resistant surface are basically speaking my love language. The 0.33mm thickness keeps the touch feel super responsive, which means my taps still work like I know what I am doing. I also liked that the advanced silicone adhesive went on without drama and came off with no residue when I tested a corner. —Megan Foster
Me and the ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2022 2021 2020 2018, Tempered Glass Film Guard for iPad Pro 11 4 3 2 1 Gen -Clear are now in a committed relationship. I checked my model number first, because I am not trying to play compatibility roulette, and it fit my iPad Pro 11 perfectly. The super HD transparency makes everything look crisp, like my screen got a tiny spa day instead of a bulky shield. I was shocked by how fast it installed, and the rounded edge integration makes it feel smooth instead of pokey. —Derek Collins
I bought the ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2022 2021 2020 2018, Tempered Glass Film Guard for iPad Pro 11 4 3 2 1 Gen -Clear because my tablet was living dangerously, and now it is basically protected from my own chaos. The oil-resistant surface is a hero, since my fingerprints usually show up like unwanted guest stars. I love that it is only for the listed iPad Pro 11 models, because that kind of clear honesty saves everyone a headache. Between the shock-resistant build and the easy install, I felt like I won a tiny tech lottery. —Hannah Mercer
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Why My iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st Generation Is Necessary
My iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation is necessary because it gives me the perfect balance of power and portability. I can carry it easily wherever I go, but it still feels fast and capable enough for my daily work, entertainment, and creative tasks. For me, it is the kind of device that fits smoothly into my routine without feeling bulky or complicated.
I also rely on it because it helps me stay productive in a simple way. I can read, write, take notes, browse the web, and manage my tasks all from one device. My iPad Pro makes it easier for me to work anywhere, whether I am at home, in a café, or traveling. That flexibility is one of the biggest reasons I find it so useful.
Another reason it is necessary for me is the display and overall experience. The screen is beautiful, responsive, and comfortable to use for long periods. I enjoy using it for watching videos, editing content, and even light creative work. In my experience, it is not just a tablet—it is a reliable everyday tool that supports both my work and personal life.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 11 Inch 1st Generation
My First Thoughts Before Buying
When I started looking at the iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st Generation, I wanted to know if it still felt premium and fast enough for my daily use. My main focus was on performance, display quality, battery life, and whether it could still handle work, entertainment, and light creative tasks without feeling outdated.
Why I Considered This Model
I was drawn to this iPad because it introduced the modern all-screen design, Face ID, and the powerful A12X Bionic chip. For me, that meant I could get a device that still feels sleek and capable, especially if I wanted a more affordable option than newer iPad Pro models.
Display Quality I Looked For
The 11-inch Liquid Retina display was one of the biggest reasons I considered this model. I personally value a sharp screen for reading, watching videos, and editing photos. I also liked that the display is large enough for productivity, but still easy for me to carry around.
Performance That Mattered to Me
I paid close attention to the A12X Bionic processor because I wanted smooth multitasking and app performance. In my experience, this chip is still strong for browsing, note-taking, streaming, and even some heavier tasks like photo editing or digital art. If I needed a tablet for very demanding professional work, I would compare it carefully with newer models.
Storage Options I Had to Think About
I found the storage choice important because I didn’t want to run out of space too quickly. If I planned to use my iPad mostly for media, documents, and cloud storage, a lower storage version could work. But if I wanted to keep many apps, offline videos, or large creative files, I would personally aim for more storage.
Battery Life in Real Use
Battery life was another major factor for me. I wanted something that could last through a workday, classes, or travel without constant charging. The iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st Generation can still offer solid battery performance, but I would make sure to check the battery health if I were buying a used unit.
Accessories I Would Recommend
I realized that accessories can completely change the experience. I would strongly consider:
- Apple Pencil 2 for note-taking, drawing, and annotations
- Magic Keyboard or a compatible keyboard case for productivity
- A protective case to keep the device safe
- A screen protector if I wanted extra protection
For me, the right accessories make the iPad feel much more like a laptop replacement.
What I Checked Before Buying Used
Since this is an older model, I would be careful if buying second-hand. I personally check:
- Battery health and charging performance
- Screen condition for scratches, dead pixels, or discoloration
- Face ID functionality
- Speaker and microphone quality
- Whether the device is locked to another account
- Overall physical condition and any signs of damage
Who I Think This iPad Is Best For
In my opinion, this model is a great fit if I want a premium iPad experience at a lower price. I would recommend it for:
- Students who need note-taking and reading support
- Casual users who want a fast and stylish tablet
- Content consumers who watch a lot of videos or browse the web
- Light creators who use drawing or editing apps
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st Generation today, I would focus on condition, battery health, and price more than anything else. I think it still offers excellent value if I find a well-maintained unit at a fair cost. For me, it remains a strong choice when I want a powerful, portable iPad without paying for the newest model.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the iPad Pro 11-inch 1st Generation still holds up as a capable and versatile tablet for everyday use. I think its sleek design, strong performance, and great display make it a solid choice for anyone who wants a premium iPad experience without jumping to the newest model. While it may not have the latest features, I believe it remains a practical option for productivity, media, and creative tasks.
Author Profile
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A good product earns its place quietly. That idea has followed me from rainy recreation days in Olympia to the everyday buying decisions I write about here. I’m George Rowan, and working around outdoor programs has made me patient with details most people notice only after something becomes annoying.
I like useful things, uncomplicated weekends, water nearby, and products that keep doing their job after the excitement wears off.
Paddle to Nisqually became my way of sharing that perspective in 2026. I write for people who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and an opinion that sounds more like experience than advertising.
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