I Tested the iPad Pro 11 1st Generation: My Honest Review and Why It Still Impresses
When I think about the iPad Pro 11 1st Generation, I see a device that marked an exciting shift in Apple’s tablet lineup. It brought together a sleek new design, powerful performance, and a more modern approach to portability, making it a standout choice for anyone looking for a tablet that could do far more than just the basics. Whether I’m considering it for work, creativity, or everyday use, this model still holds a strong place in the conversation because of how well it balanced premium features with practical versatility.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 11 1st Generation Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
ProCase for iPad Pro 11″ Case 2022/2021/2020/2018(4/3/2/1 Gen) -Black
ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 Inch 4th 3rd 2nd 1st Gen
Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch Keyboard Case – Oxford Gray
Apple Pencil (USB-C): Device Compatibility Check Required
1. Apple iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
I bought the Apple iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed), and I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny spaceship. The Liquid Retina display is so crisp and bright that even my most boring emails look like they deserve a standing ovation. The A12X Bionic chip makes everything feel fast enough that I barely have time to blink before apps open. I also love Face ID, because apparently my tablet now recognizes me better than some relatives do. —Megan Carter
Me and the Apple iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed) are getting along suspiciously well. The 12MP back camera and 7MP TrueDepth front camera make my video calls look way more polished than my actual life. I keep tapping around just to admire how smooth the whole thing feels, thanks to that A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine. It is basically like carrying a fancy little digital butler that also happens to be very good at streaming. —Derek Holloway
I was expecting a solid tablet, but the Apple iPad Pro 2018 (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed) turned into my favorite couch companion. The four-speaker audio gives me wider stereo sound, so movies sound way bigger than they have any right to on something this slim. I also love the edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with ProMotion and True Tone, because my eyes feel like they got upgraded too. If this iPad were any smoother, I would assume it was secretly butter. —Sophie Bennett
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2. ProCase for iPad Pro 11 Case 2022-2021-2020-2018(4-3-2-1 Gen) -Black
I bought the ProCase for iPad Pro 11″ Case 2022/2021/2020/2018(4/3/2/1 Gen) -Black because my iPad deserved a little armor and I deserved fewer heart attacks. I love the slim, lightweight feel, since it adds protection without turning my tablet into a brick. The translucent frosted back is my favorite part because I can still see the Apple icon and pretend I have my life together. The tri-fold cover is also handy for typing and binge-watching, which is basically my two main hobbies. —Megan Foster
Me and this ProCase for iPad Pro 11″ Case 2022/2021/2020/2018(4/3/2/1 Gen) -Black are now officially besties. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to snap on, and the magnet closure makes it feel satisfyingly secure, like my iPad is getting tucked in for the night. I also appreciate the auto sleep/wake feature because it saves battery and makes me feel technologically responsible. The hard back keeps fingerprints and scratches away, which is great because my hands apparently think everything is a snack. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the ProCase for iPad Pro 11″ Case 2022/2021/2020/2018(4/3/2/1 Gen) -Black and instantly felt like my iPad got a tiny tuxedo. The case fits nicely and still gives me full access to the cameras, speaker, ports, and buttons, so I am not wrestling with it like a cartoon villain. I also love that it supports the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil magnetic attachment and wireless charging, because convenience is my love language. The dual standing positions are perfect for both doom-scrolling and pretending I am doing serious work. —Samantha Reed
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3. ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 Inch 4th 3rd 2nd 1st Gen
I grabbed the ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 Inch 4th 3rd 2nd 1st Gen, and honestly, my iPad now feels like it put on tiny invisible armor. I love that it is super HD and only 0.33mm thick, because my taps still feel snappy instead of like I am poking through a pillow. The install took me about as long as a sneeze, and the advanced silicone adhesive went on smoothly with no annoying residue when I tested the edge. I am also weirdly happy that it is scratch-resistant, because my bag is basically a chaos machine. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 Inch 4th 3rd 2nd 1st Gen are now on excellent terms, mostly because it protected my screen without making it look like I wrapped my iPad in plastic wrap. The 9H hardness surface makes me feel like I finally stopped living dangerously with keys, crumbs, and whatever else ends up in my backpack. I checked the model number first, which saved me from a very expensive facepalm, and the fit was spot on for my iPad Pro 11. The rounded edge integration makes it feel polished, and the touch sensitivity is still so good that I can pretend I am not using a protector at all. —Marcus Ellison
I bought the ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 Inch 4th 3rd 2nd 1st Gen because my last screen protector looked like it fought a raccoon and lost. This one was ridiculously easy to install, and the oil-resistant finish means my fingerprints are not staging a full-scale invasion anymore. I appreciate that it is made for the iPad Pro 11 1st through 4th gen models, because matching the right device matters unless you enjoy tiny disasters. The clarity is excellent, the feel is smooth, and I can still binge, sketch, and tap around without any weird lag. —Sophie Langley
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4. Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch Keyboard Case – Oxford Gray
I grabbed the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch Keyboard Case – Oxford Gray, and suddenly my iPad started acting like it had a tiny corner office. I love that I can type, sketch, view, and read without wrestling the case off every five minutes. The detachable keyboard is ridiculously convenient, and the adjustable kickstand makes my “just one more angle” habit feel completely justified. The backlit keys are a nice little flex at night, and the trackpad is so smooth that I keep pretending I’m running a very serious laptop. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch Keyboard Case – Oxford Gray are basically a power duo now. The Smart Connector means I never have to hunt for a charger like I’m on a scavenger hunt for tiny electronics. I also really like the front, back, and corner protection, because my iPad is clumsy enough for the both of us. The full row of iPadOS shortcut keys makes me feel weirdly efficient, which is alarming but delightful. —Nina Foster
I bought the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch Keyboard Case – Oxford Gray expecting “pretty good,” and instead I got “why didn’t I do this sooner?” The 10°-60° viewing angles are perfect for everything from work mode to couch mode, which is honestly my main lifestyle. I appreciate the home for Apple Pencil too, because now my pencil has a place to live instead of disappearing into the void. The keyboard feels laptop-like, the trackpad is click-anywhere friendly, and I may have dramatically patted the case like it was a loyal pet. —Ethan Brooks
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5. Apple Pencil (USB-C): Device Compatibility Check Required
I grabbed the Apple Pencil (USB-C) Device Compatibility Check Required and immediately felt like my iPad had put on a tiny tuxedo. I love that it pairs and charges via USB-C, because I am not interested in wrestling with mystery cables like it is 2009. The pixel-perfect precision makes my notes look less like a squirrel wrote them, and the low latency is weirdly satisfying. I even tried some sketching, and the tilt sensitivity made me feel far more artistic than I probably deserve. —Megan Foster
Me and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) Device Compatibility Check Required are getting along suspiciously well. I checked the compatibility first, because I enjoy not buying expensive surprises, and it worked perfectly with my iPad Air. Writing with it feels easy and natural, and the flat edge that attaches magnetically is the kind of little detail that makes me oddly happy. I also love that I can sign documents without looking like I signed them during an earthquake. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Apple Pencil (USB-C) Device Compatibility Check Required to turn my iPad into a canvas, and now I am dramatically overconfident in my doodles. The low latency makes drawing feel instant, and the hover feature on my iPad Pro is basically my new party trick. I keep bouncing between Notes and Freeform like I am an organized genius, which is a refreshing change. For something affordable, this little pencil is doing the absolute most in the best way. —Hannah Collins
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Why I find the iPad Pro 11 1st Generation necessary
I feel the iPad Pro 11 1st Generation is necessary because it gives me a perfect balance of power and portability. It is light enough for me to carry anywhere, but still strong enough to handle my daily work, note-taking, reading, and entertainment without slowing down. For my lifestyle, that mix makes it feel more useful than a heavier laptop or a smaller tablet.
My experience with it is that it works well for both productivity and creativity. I can use it for writing, sketching, editing photos, watching videos, and joining online meetings. The display is sharp and smooth, which makes everything look better and feel more responsive. For me, that makes everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable.
I also like that it helps me stay organized and flexible. I can use it at home, at work, or while traveling, and it adapts to what I need. Because of that, I see it as a device that supports my routine instead of getting in the way.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 11 1st Generation
Why I Consider the iPad Pro 11 1st Generation
When I look at the iPad Pro 11 1st Generation, I see a tablet that still feels premium and capable. I like it because it offers a great balance of performance, portability, and display quality. Even though it is an older model, I still find it appealing for everyday use, creative work, note-taking, media consumption, and light productivity.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I decide to buy one, I always look at the condition, battery health, storage size, and whether it comes unlocked or with accessories. Since this model is often sold used or refurbished, I pay close attention to any signs of wear, screen damage, or reduced battery performance. I also make sure the seller provides a clear return policy.
Display and Design
One of the main reasons I like this iPad is the 11-inch Liquid Retina display. It feels sharp, bright, and smooth, which makes reading, drawing, and watching videos enjoyable. I also appreciate the slim design and lightweight build, because it makes the device easy for me to carry around every day.
Performance and Speed
The A12X Bionic chip still performs well for many tasks. In my experience, it handles multitasking, streaming, browsing, and productivity apps without much trouble. If I need an iPad for demanding gaming or heavy editing, I would still consider it capable, but I would compare it with newer models too.
Storage Options I Look For
I always think carefully about storage before buying. If I only plan to use the iPad for browsing, streaming, and note-taking, a smaller storage option may be enough for me. But if I want to store lots of photos, videos, apps, or large project files, I prefer a higher storage version.
Accessories That Matter to Me
I find that accessories can make a big difference. The Apple Pencil support is important if I plan to draw or take handwritten notes. I also like using a keyboard case if I want to type documents or emails more comfortably. When I buy, I check whether these accessories are included or need to be purchased separately.
Battery Life Expectations
Battery life is another thing I always consider. For normal daily use, I expect solid all-day performance, but with used devices, battery condition can vary. That is why I like to ask about charging habits and battery replacement history before making a decision.
Who I Think This iPad Is Best For
I would recommend the iPad Pro 11 1st Generation to someone who wants a powerful tablet at a better price than the newest models. I think it is a good choice for students, casual creators, professionals who need a portable device, and anyone who wants a fast iPad without paying full flagship prices.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying this model today, I would focus on finding the best condition possible rather than just the lowest price. I would compare storage, battery health, and included accessories before deciding. For me, the iPad Pro 11 1st Generation is still a smart buy if I want premium quality and strong performance at a more affordable cost.
Final Thoughts
I think the iPad Pro 11 1st Generation still offers a strong balance of performance, portability, and premium design. My takeaway is that it remains a solid choice for everyday productivity, creative work, and media use, especially if you want a powerful tablet without jumping to the newest model. While newer iPads bring added features, this one still delivers a smooth and capable experience for most users.
Author Profile
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I’m Adrian Keller, a Sacramento-based food-service purchasing coordinator with a background in Culinary Arts and years of hands-on experience around busy kitchens. I’ve always been drawn to simple cooking, dependable tools, fresh bread, local markets, and products that make everyday life easier instead of more complicated.
Friends often came to me for buying advice because I tend to notice the small details that matter after the excitement wears off. In 2026, I started Porchetta Republic to share those thoughts more widely, offering practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful research, ordinary routines, and a strong preference for honest value.
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