Two of the most interesting by Apple's M1 chipset. This means that the heart of the MacBook Air and iPad Pro is basically the same, with the key differences coming from the hardware and software surrounding it.
In the case of the MacBook Air, it's about the most traditional laptop Apple sells. It isn't a 2-in-1, there's no touchscreen, and it doesn't have a Touch Bar. It's a basic, simple laptop, but an outstanding laptop at that. Then there's the 2021 iPad Pro. It's the most powerful and technically impressive iPad Apple has ever created, and it's targeted right at pro s. What's interesting is that both products have very similar price tags — $999 for the MacBook Air and $1099 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. For someone looking to spend around a thousand dollars on a new M1 Apple machine, which is ultimately the better buy?
With the M1 MacBook Air, it's pretty obvious what people are getting. This is the most affordable the MacBook Air lightning-fast and super-efficient — touting up to 15 hours of battery life with regular use. Outside of that, it delivers the regular macOS experience people are familiar with. All previous Mac apps work with the M1 MacBook Air with ease, not to mention that it can also run many iPad and iPhone apps for the first time. It's the most capable MacBook Air Apple has ever created, and at just $999 for the model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it's also a surprisingly good value.
The iPad Pro Is Worse Value But More Flexible
By comparison, the 2021 iPad Pro is a worse value in almost every way. The 12.9-inch $1099 model comes with only 128GB of storage, with shoppers needing to spend $1199 if they want the same 256GB the iPad lets them do that. Furthermore, when paired with the Apple Pencil, the 2021 iPad Pro turns into one of the best writing/drawing tablets money can buy.
There are also some key hardware advantages to the 2021 iPad Pro. The 12.9-inch model has an XDR display, which uses Mini-LED technology for a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and up to 1600 nits of peak brightness. Combine that with the ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, and the iPad Pro is the undisputed champ for anyone that needs the highest-quality display possible. The iPad Pro also comes in a cellular configuration, allowing s to connect to 5G networks for internet access anywhere they go.
As such, the MacBook Air and So long as someone is buying the M1 device that suits their specific needs, that's all that matters.
Source: Apple