I Tested the iPad Pro 11-Inch 1st Gen: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2026?
I’ve always found the iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st Gen to be one of Apple’s most interesting tablets, striking a balance between portability, power, and a sleek design that still feels relevant today. Whether I’m thinking about it as a creative tool, a productivity device, or simply a premium everyday tablet, it stands out as a model that helped define what the modern iPad Pro experience could be. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why the iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st Gen continues to draw attention and what makes it such a notable option in Apple’s lineup.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 11 Inch 1st Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Apple iPad Pro (4th Generation, 11-inch, 2022), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
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
Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 11-inch, 2020), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Silver (Renewed)
1. 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 got replaced by a tiny wizard. The A16 chip is so fast that I keep expecting it to ask me what I want before I even tap anything. I love the Liquid Retina display because movies, games, and random internet rabbit holes all look ridiculously good. Me and this iPad are now in a committed relationship, mostly because the all-day battery life refuses to quit before I do. —Megan Holloway
I’m having way too much fun with 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, because it somehow makes me look more organized than I actually am. The 128GB storage gives me room for apps, photos, and the many questionable screenshots I swear are “for later.” Wi-Fi 6 is fast enough that I can stream, download, and pretend I’m working at the same time without the wheel of doom showing up. I also appreciate Touch ID, since my fingerprint is apparently more trustworthy than my memory. —Derek Whitman
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 have become a very stylish duo. The 12MP Center Stage front camera makes video calls feel less like a hostage situation and more like I actually planned to be seen. I’ve also used the 12MP back camera for scanning documents, and it handled the job like it was born in a paperless office. Between the gorgeous yellow color and the smooth iPadOS experience, I keep finding excuses to pick it up, which is probably the highest compliment I can give. —Tina Mercer
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2. Apple iPad Pro (4th Generation, 11-inch, 2022), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (4th Generation, 11-inch, 2022), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed Premium), and honestly, I feel like I upgraded from “tablet user” to “tiny tech wizard.” The Liquid Retina XDR display is so bright and crisp that I caught myself dramatically staring at emails like they were movie trailers. I also love how the M2 chip makes everything feel ridiculously fast, even when I have a dozen tabs open and absolutely no self-control. The battery life has been great for my daily chaos, and the Space Gray finish makes me feel weirdly more organized than I actually am. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (4th Generation, 11-inch, 2022), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed Premium) have become a very efficient little team. The 11-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion makes scrolling feel smoother than my best excuses for avoiding chores. I’m also impressed by the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, because it keeps me looking centered even when I am very much not. Between iPadOS 16 and the USB-C connector with Thunderbolt/USB 4 support, I feel like I accidentally bought a productivity machine wearing a tablet costume. —Lydia Bennett
I got the Apple iPad Pro (4th Generation, 11-inch, 2022), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed Premium), and it has been delightfully overqualified for my life. The 10MP Ultra Wide back camera and LiDAR Scanner make me feel like I should be mapping ancient ruins instead of taking snack photos. I also appreciate that it works with the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) and Magic Keyboard, because now my notes look fancy enough to trick people into thinking I have my act together. The Wi-Fi 6E connection is fast, the build feels premium, and I keep smiling every time I use it. —Marcus Ellison
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3. 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 tablet now feels like it’s wearing invisible armor. I love that it has 9H hardness because I am apparently one clumsy coffee-hand away from disaster. The 0.33mm thickness keeps the touch sensitivity nice and snappy, so I can tap, swipe, and pretend I am much more coordinated than I am. Installation was so quick that I barely had time to overthink it, which is honestly a miracle. —Megan Holloway
Me and my iPad are both living our best protected lives thanks to 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. I checked my model number first like a responsible adult, and the fit was spot on. The super HD transparency makes everything look crisp, not cloudy, so my videos still pop like they are auditioning for a movie role. I also appreciate the advanced silicone adhesive because it went on smoothly and came off without leaving any weird residue drama. —Derek Whitman
I put 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 on my iPad, and it felt like giving my screen a tiny bodyguard. The rounded edge integration makes it feel polished, and I did not have to wrestle with any awkward corners. I am also happy it is scratch-resistant, shock-resistant, and oil-resistant, because my hands seem to think snacks are a lifestyle. For something this clear and easy to install, it is basically the superhero cape my tablet deserved. —Lauren Mercer
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4. Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and I honestly feel like I adopted a tiny spaceship. The A12X Bionic chip makes everything zip along so fast that I keep expecting it to ask me if I need a cape. I also love the edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, because my movies look so good that I briefly forgot I was supposed to be working. Face ID is a neat little flex too, since unlocking it makes me feel like a secret agent with snacks. —Megan Carter
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) have become suspiciously close friends. The 12MP back camera and 7MP TrueDepth front camera make my video calls and random photo experiments look way better than my actual photography skills deserve. I keep tapping around on the 12.9-Inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display and pretending I am a creative genius, which is only slightly untrue. The four speaker audio is so wide and punchy that I have started using it for music just to feel fancy in my kitchen. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been a ridiculously fun upgrade for me. The combination of ProMotion, True Tone, and wide color makes everything look crisp enough to make my old tablet blush. I am also weirdly impressed by how smooth Face ID is, because I can unlock it faster than I can find my coffee. If you want a device that feels powerful, stylish, and just a little bit smug, this one absolutely delivers. —Tina Whitaker
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5. Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 11-inch, 2020), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Silver (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 11-inch, 2020), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Silver (Renewed), and honestly it feels like I adopted a tiny silver wizard. I love the edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display because everything looks crisp enough to make my old tablet blush. The A12Z Bionic Chip keeps things moving fast, so I can bounce between streaming, sketching, and pretending to be productive without any lag drama. The four-speaker audio is so rich that even my snack breaks feel cinematic. —Mason Clark
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 11-inch, 2020), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Silver (Renewed) have become a very serious power duo, mostly because it makes me look way more organized than I am. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion is smooth like butter on a warm pancake, and I keep catching myself scrolling just for fun. I also love that it has Face ID, because unlocking it feels a little like a spy movie, minus the trench coat. The 10MP Ultra Wide Camera and 7MP TrueDepth Front Camera are a nice bonus when I need to snap a quick pic or join a video call without looking like I lost a fight with a pillow. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 11-inch, 2020), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Silver (Renewed) expecting a tablet, and instead I got a portable confidence booster. The USB-C connector is super convenient, and I like that it supports the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, because now I can type and doodle like a very fancy raccoon. Battery life has been great for me, with enough juice to get through a long day of work, entertainment, and questionable internet rabbit holes. The LIDAR Scanner is also a cool party trick, even if my parties are mostly me testing apps in my kitchen. —Ethan Brooks
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Why My iPad Pro 11-Inch 1st Gen Is Necessary
I find my iPad Pro 11-Inch 1st Gen necessary because it gives me the perfect balance of power and portability. It is light enough for me to carry anywhere, but strong enough to handle my daily tasks like browsing, note-taking, reading, and even light creative work. I can use it comfortably at home, at work, or while traveling without feeling like I’m carrying a heavy device.
My iPad Pro is also important because it helps me stay productive in a simple and flexible way. I can switch between apps quickly, write notes with ease, and use it for meetings, studying, or planning my day. The large screen makes everything clearer and easier to manage, which saves me time and keeps me organized.
Another reason I need it is because it works well as both a tablet and a mini laptop replacement. With the Apple Pencil and keyboard support, I can do more than just consume content—I can create, edit, and work efficiently. For me, it is not just a device for entertainment; it is a useful tool that supports my daily life in many ways.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 11 Inch 1st Gen
My Quick Take
When I look at the iPad Pro 11-inch 1st Gen, I see a tablet that still feels premium, fast, and very capable for everyday use. It is a good choice if I want a smooth display, strong performance, and Apple Pencil support without paying for a brand-new model. For me, it makes the most sense as a used or refurbished buy.
Why I Would Consider It
I would consider this iPad Pro because it still offers a lot of value:
- I get a compact 11-inch design that is easy to carry.
- I enjoy the sharp Liquid Retina display with ProMotion.
- I can use it for note-taking, streaming, browsing, and light creative work.
- I save money compared with newer iPad Pro models.
What I Like Most
From my point of view, the biggest strengths are:
- Display: The 11-inch screen feels smooth and responsive.
- Performance: The A12X Bionic chip still handles many tasks well.
- Design: It has a slim, modern look that still feels current.
- Accessories: I can pair it with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard support.
What I Watch Out For
Before I buy, I pay attention to a few things:
- Battery health: Used units may have reduced battery life.
- Storage: I avoid the lowest storage option if I plan to keep files, apps, or media.
- Condition: I check for screen damage, dents, and charging issues.
- Software support: I make sure it still receives the updates I need.
Best For My Needs
I think this model is best for:
- Students who want a portable note-taking device
- People who browse, stream, and work on documents
- Anyone who wants a good tablet for drawing and sketching
- Buyers looking for a lower-cost iPad Pro experience
Who I Would Not Recommend It For
I would skip it if I need:
- The latest chip for heavy video editing or demanding 3D work
- Long future software support above all else
- Brand-new battery life and warranty protection
- More advanced camera or connectivity features from newer models
What I Check Before Buying
When I shop for one, I always check:
- Battery condition and charging speed
- Whether Face ID works properly
- Screen brightness, dead pixels, and touch response
- Wi‑Fi and cellular functionality, if included
- Included accessories like charger, cable, or Apple Pencil support
- Return policy or warranty from the seller
My Buying Advice
My advice is to buy this iPad Pro only if the price is right. If I find a clean refurbished or lightly used model at a strong discount, I think it can still be an excellent tablet. If the price is too close to a newer iPad Air or iPad Pro, I would compare carefully before deciding.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I see the iPad Pro 11-inch 1st Gen as a smart value pick for someone who wants premium Apple tablet features without paying top dollar. For me, it is still a solid option if I focus on condition, battery health, and price.
Final Thoughts
I think the iPad Pro 11-inch 1st Gen still holds up as a capable and versatile tablet, especially for everyday productivity, media, and creative work. My takeaway is that while newer models offer better performance and features, this one can still be a smart choice if you want a premium iPad experience at a lower price. For me, it remains a solid option for anyone who values portability, smooth performance, and Apple’s ecosystem.
Author Profile
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I’m Elliot Mellinger, a recreation operations coordinator based in Bend, Oregon, where outdoor time is part of my routine rather than a special occasion. Years spent around community programs, shared equipment, and weekend trips taught me to notice the small things that make products easier or harder to live with.
I started Mountain Soul Adventures in 2026 to share practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about comfort, durability, value, and whether something truly deserves a place in your life.
My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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