Let’s be honest, the 11” iPad Pro 2nd generation isn’t the newest or the best in 2025. Although I’ve owned this iPad for a while, it still works perfectly well for my needs—and that’s what really matters.

While I’ve thought about upgrading it on many occasions, I don’t really see the need to, as it still does everything I need. The only thing it’s missing is compatibility with Apple Intelligence, which would be nice to have but isn’t something I need at present.

I love keeping up with the latest tech and trends, but the truth is, you don’t always need the newest gear to be productive.

That’s why I decided to share 5 real-life examples of how I use my ageing iPad Pro in Spring 2025. So without any further ado…

1. Managing My Side Hustle

I wanted to start with my blogging side hustle, as I honestly don’t know where I’d be without my iPad. As someone who works a full-time 9-to-5 job, finding time to write blog posts can be challenging. However, I’ve found a way to make time during my commutes to and from the office.

It takes my train around an hour to get to and from work, and I tend to go in two to three times per week. That translates to a lot of writing time. The iPad is the ideal tool for writing blog articles on the train and while waiting for it. I tend to use my HOU keyboard case, which not only has a comfortable keyboard but also includes a trackpad that supports gesture controls.

At home, I use my iPad to plan blog posts. I’m a big fan of mind maps, and with the help of my Apple Pencil and the Freeform app, I create a lot of them when brainstorming ideas or working on other projects related to my side hustle.

Using Notion and the Creators Companion template by Thomas Frank, I put all my ideas into the idea section for the relevant channel. I have a channel for my tech blog, my productivity blog, and my weekly email newsletter.

Notion is at the heart of my blogging side hustle, and I find that it makes perfect sense to primarily use it on my iPad. I guess it’s because I use it like a diary for planning and managing my content, side hustle, and more.

2. Writing Blog Posts with Ulysses

Sticking with the side hustle theme, I wanted to talk more about writing blog posts. I religiously use an app called Ulysses for writing.

Ulysses is a writing app designed for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS, and it’s targeted at writers who want to write without worrying about distractions such as formatting and unnecessary features or any other distractions.

It’s a much better alternative to traditional apps, in my opinion, as it supports markdown for basic formatting—which I find far superior.

One of my favourite features is the ability to publish blog posts directly to platforms like WordPress or Medium. The app also includes a handy proofreader and an excellent interface.

When I’m away from my desk, I usually write blog posts on my iPad using the HOU keyboard case. I find the experience enjoyable, as the 11-inch iPad doesn’t take up much space and allows me to write just about anywhere.

3. Consuming Content

I’ve talked a lot about blogging, but now I want to shift to content consumption. My iPad is the primary device I use to consume content, and I use it in a variety of ways.

When I’m at my desk, my iPad usually sits underneath my monitors, and I like to watch YouTube videos in the background while doing boring tasks, like updating spreadsheets.

The iPad is the main device I watch YouTube videos on. While I do sometimes use my TV, I prefer the iPad. I guess it’s all down to the app and the fact that I find it easier to comment and like videos.

I also use my iPad to read blog posts. I mainly read on Medium, but I also subscribe to many blogs via News Explorer, which is my go-to RSS reader on both my iPhone and iPad.

While I primarily use a Kindle for reading books, I do sometimes use the iPad, especially for PDFs. However, the screen size can be a bit off-putting, which is why I’m considering an iPad mini in the future.

4. Learning New Skills

On the topic of consuming content, I also use my iPad Pro as a learning tool.

At my desk, I use it to watch online courses on platforms such as Udemy and similar services. The 11-inch screen is perfect for this, as it keeps my MacBook free for following along and taking notes.

I sometimes take notes directly on the iPad during these courses. It helps me retain what I learn, and using the Apple Notes app means I always have my notes with me.

If you’re a student, I highly recommend investing in an iPad and Apple Pencil. It really does make life easier. Buying one during my time at university was possibly one of the best investments I ever made.

I used it for taking lecture notes, reading and annotating textbooks and academic literature, and conducting research. Not having to carry around multiple notebooks and heavy books was a total game-changer.

5. Taking Notes

With the help of an Apple Pencil, a Paperlike screen protector, and Apple Notes, I use my iPad Pro as a notebook.

I was initially very sceptical about buying the Paperlike screen protector, but I was wrong, it’s made a huge difference. I’ve since recommended it to many friends and family members who now can’t live without it.

The paperless note-taking approach helps me stay organised and on top of things. With Apple Notes, my notes sync across all my devices, so I can create them on the iPad and access them on my phone whenever I need to, which is incredibly useful.

I organise my notes using Tiago Forte’s PARA method, which works brilliantly for me. With the help of this method, my notes are structured into four sections: Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archive, which helps me find my notes easier.

Reasons You Should Go Paperless with the iPad

Final Thoughts

While the 11” iPad Pro 2nd generation may not have the latest bells and whistles of newer models, its reliability and functionality still serve me exceptionally well. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate its role not just as a device but as an integral part of my daily routine and productivity strategies.

Beyond productivity, my iPad Pro fulfils my entertainment needs; whether it’s consuming content via YouTube or reading blog posts, it serves this purpose incredibly well.

The shift towards a paperless note-taking approach has been transformative, thanks to tools like Apple Notes, the Apple Pencil, and the Paperlike screen protector. This setup not only keeps me organised, but it also eliminates the need for carrying unnecessary notebooks with me.

While thoughts of upgrading constantly cross my mind, I honestly don’t see the need for upgrading just yet, as this iPad still has a decent battery life and it still does everything I need it to do.

In conclusion, my iPad Pro, though not the newest, continues to prove its value in my everyday life in Spring 2025.

Do you have an iPad? What are 5 real-life examples of how you use your iPad?