Apple M1 iPad
Apple M1 for iPad: Power and Efficiency in Your Hands
April 2025
It has been over 15 years since the release of the first iPad, and today these devices have transformed into full-fledged workstations. The heart of many modern Apple tablets is the M1 processor, originally designed for Mac. In this article, we will explore why the M1 remains relevant for the iPad, how it performs in 2025, and who it is best suited for.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: Innovations in Miniature
Cores and Frequency:
The Apple M1 for iPad combines 8 cores: 4 high-performance (Firestorm) and 4 energy-efficient (Icestorm). The maximum frequency reaches 3.2 GHz, allowing for instant processing of resource-intensive tasks, such as rendering 4K video or compiling code.
GPU:
The integrated Apple M1 GPU with 8 cores demonstrates power comparable to discrete solutions. With 12 MB of L2 cache, it effectively manages textures and complex computations, which is critical for gaming and AR applications.
5-Nanometer Process:
The use of TSMC's 5-nanometer technology ensures high transistor density and energy efficiency. This is a key reason why the M1, with a TDP of 14 W, maintains a balance between performance and battery life.
2. Performance in Real-World Tasks
Gaming:
The M1 easily handles AAA titles such as Genshin Impact or Diablo Immortal at maximum settings (60 FPS, resolution up to 2K). Support for MetalFX upscaling enhances graphics without sacrificing smoothness.
Multimedia:
- Video Editing: Editing 4K clips in DaVinci Resolve or LumaFusion occurs without lag.
- Streaming: Simultaneous streaming on Twitch and applying effects in OBS Studio does not cause overheating.
Artificial Intelligence:
The 16-core Neural Engine accelerates machine learning tasks. For example, the Pixelmator Pro app instantly applies styles to photos, while apps like Prisma process images in real time.
Power Consumption and Thermal Management:
Even at full load, the iPad with the M1 does not heat above 40°C. In surfing mode (browsing web pages, YouTube), the device operates for up to 12 hours without recharging.
3. Built-in Modules: Connectivity and Navigation
Cellular Connectivity:
Models with 5G support (e.g., iPad Pro 2023) provide speeds up to 3.5 Gbps. This is beneficial for downloading large files or cloud gaming.
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3:
- Connection to Wi-Fi 6E routers offers speeds up to 2.4 Gbps and reduces latency in online games.
- Bluetooth 5.3 improves the stability of connections with headphones and peripherals (e.g., Apple Pencil 3).
Satellite Systems:
GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo ensure navigation accuracy within 1 meter. As of 2025, iPads with the M1 also support the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature — sending coordinates through satellites in areas without cellular coverage.
4. Comparison with Competitors
Apple A16 Bionic (iPhone 14 Pro):
The M1 surpasses it in multi-threaded tasks (Geekbench Multi Core: 8478 vs 5200). This makes the iPad with the M1 preferable for video editing.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Android Tablets):
The Snapdragon is weaker in GPU tests (AnTuTu 10: ~1.5 million vs 1.726 million for the M1). However, it is better optimized for Android games with Ray Tracing support.
Apple M2 (iPad Pro 2024):
The M2 is 20% faster in AI tasks, but the price difference between iPads with M1 and M2 can reach $300. For most users, the M1 remains the "sweet spot."
5. Usage Scenarios
Gaming:
- Pros: Support for 120 Hz displays, low input latency.
- Cons: No active cooling, so throttling is possible after 40 minutes of playing Call of Duty: Mobile.
Everyday Tasks:
Working simultaneously with 10 tabs in Safari, documents in Google Docs, and a Zoom conference does not cause slowdowns.
Photo and Video:
Compatibility with the LiDAR scanner allows the creation of 3D models in apps like Polycam. Editing RAW photos in Lightroom takes 30% less time than on an iPad with the A15 Bionic.
6. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Processor
Advantages:
- High performance in multitasking.
- Energy efficiency.
- Long support for updates (iPadOS 20 will definitely receive new features).
Disadvantages:
- Lack of support for external monitors with resolutions higher than 6K.
- No hardware acceleration for AV1 codecs.
7. Practical Tips for Choosing a Device
What to Pay Attention To:
- Memory Size: For video editing, choose models with at least 256 GB.
- Display: 11" vs 12.9" (the latter is suitable for artists).
- 5G Support: Relevant for frequent travelers.
Typical Devices with M1:
- iPad Pro 2021/2023 ($799–$1499).
- iPad Air 2022 ($599–$899).
8. Final Conclusion
The Apple M1 processor for iPad is ideal for:
- Students and professionals who value mobility and power.
- Gamers looking to play console-level projects.
- Creative specialists working with graphics and 3D.
The main advantages are long service life, versatility, and optimal price-to-quality ratio. Even in 2025, the M1 iPad remains a worthwhile investment for those not ready to overspend on the latest flagship models.
Prices are current as of April 2025 for new devices in the United States.