M4 iPad Pro Impressions: Well This is Awkward
TLDRApple has recently announced new iPad models during a 30-minute event, with the focus on the updated iPad Air and the significantly refreshed iPad Pro. The new iPad Air now features an M2 chip, starts at 128GB of storage, and introduces new colors, with prices starting at $599 for the smaller model and $799 for the larger one. The iPad Pro sees a substantial update, becoming the thinnest Apple devices ever at 5.3mm for the 11-inch and 5.1mm for the 13-inch model. It also introduces the M4 chip, offering substantial performance improvements over the M2. The Pro model now sports an OLED display with a tandem OLED technology, providing high local brightness and deep blacks. Additionally, a new Apple Pencil Pro with a haptic motor, squeeze sensor, and rotation sensitivity is introduced, although it's only compatible with the latest iPad Pro and Air models. A new Magic Keyboard is also available, featuring a larger trackpad and function row. Despite the hardware advancements, the software capabilities remain similar to previous models, leading to an awkward period as users await potential software updates at WWDC. The video also mentions the launch of the MKBHD x Ridge Wallet, offering a modern take on carrying cash and cards with a 30% discount on new gear and a 10% off site-wide offer.
Takeaways
- 📅 Apple held a 30-minute event announcing new iPad models after the longest gap since the last update.
- 🚀 Despite significant improvements in the M-series chips, the core iPadOS remains the same, which might limit the full utilization of the iPad's power.
- 🆕 Introduction of a new iPad Air with M2 chip, starting at 128GB of storage, and a relocated webcam to the landscape bezel.
- 📱 The iPad Air now comes in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch, with a slight increase in screen size from the previous 10.9 inches.
- 🌈 New color options for the iPad Air include Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray, with prices starting at $599 for the smaller model and $799 for the larger one.
- 🔥 A significant update to the iPad Pro models, making them the thinnest Apple devices ever, even thinner than the iPod Nano.
- 💻 The M4 chip, a next-generation Apple silicon, is introduced, offering more power efficiency and performance, with up to 50% faster CPU core and four times faster GPU compared to M2.
- 🖥 The new iPad Pro features an OLED display, with a tandem OLED display technology allowing for high local brightness and vibrant colors.
- 📝 A new Apple Pencil Pro with a haptic motor, squeeze sensor, and gyroscope for precision is announced, but it's only compatible with the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models.
- 💰 A new Magic Keyboard is also introduced, lighter with an enlarged trackpad and a function row, although it remains expensive.
- ⏰ The timing of the new iPad release is awkward as it precedes the anticipated software updates from Apple's WWDC, which may further enhance the iPad's capabilities.
Q & A
What was the main topic of Apple's recent 30-minute event?
-The main topic of Apple's event was the announcement of new iPad models and related updates.
What is the significance of the M2 chip in the new iPad Air?
-The M2 chip is an upgrade from the M1, offering increased performance and starting at 128GB of storage, making the iPad Air more powerful and capable.
How has the webcam position changed in the new iPad Air?
-The webcam has been moved to the landscape bezel, which is considered a more appropriate and user-friendly placement.
What are the new screen sizes for the iPad Air models?
-The new iPad Air models come in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch, with the latter being a new addition to the lineup.
How do the new iPad Pro models differ in thickness compared to previous models and other Apple devices?
-The new iPad Pro models, with the 11-inch at 5.3 millimeters and the 13-inch at 5.1 millimeters, are the thinnest Apple devices ever made, even thinner than the iPod Nano.
What is the new chip introduced in the updated iPad Pro?
-The new iPad Pro is equipped with the M4 chip, which is the next generation of Apple silicon and offers even more power efficiency and performance.
What type of display do the new iPad Pro models feature?
-The new iPad Pro models feature an OLED display, which provides deep blacks, high brightness, and vibrant colors.
What is special about the new Apple Pencil Pro?
-The Apple Pencil Pro includes a haptic motor for Find My support, a new squeeze sensor for activating tools within apps, and a new gyroscope that makes it rotation sensitive for precise control.
Why is the new Apple Pencil Pro only compatible with the newest iPad Pro and iPad Air?
-The new Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with the newest iPad models because the redesigned webcam position and the new magnet array for charging and alignment are different from previous models.
What are the key improvements in the new Magic Keyboard for iPad?
-The new Magic Keyboard is lighter, has a larger trackpad, includes a function row at the top, and offers faster pass-through charging at 60 watts through the pins in the back.
What is the current limitation of the iPad Pro's powerful hardware in terms of software utilization?
-The powerful hardware of the iPad Pro is currently limited by the software, as there are only a few apps that can fully utilize its capabilities, and the device's functionality is similar to the older M1 model.
What upcoming event is expected to bring significant software updates to Apple's ecosystem, potentially enhancing the iPad Pro's capabilities?
-The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is expected to introduce new software updates, including a new iOS and iPadOS (potentially iPadOS 18), which may add more features and improve the utilization of the iPad Pro's hardware.
Outlines
📱 iPad Event Recap and New iPad Air Introduction
Apple held a 30-minute event focusing on new iPad announcements. Despite the power of iPads, the presenter questions if it matters given the limitations of iPadOS. The new iPad Air is introduced, featuring an M2 chip, increased storage starting at 128GB, a relocated webcam, faster Wi-Fi, and larger screen sizes of 11-inch and 13-inch. The design and color options are updated, with prices starting at $599 for the smaller model and $799 for the larger one.
🔥 Thinner and More Powerful iPad Pro Unveiled
The presenter discusses significant updates to the iPad Pro models, highlighting that they are the thinnest Apple devices ever made, even thinner than the iPod Nano. The 11-inch model is 5.3mm thin, and the 13-inch is 5.1mm thin, making them incredibly light and easy to handle. The new iPad Pro is equipped with the M4 chip, offering substantial performance improvements over the M2, including a 50% faster CPU core and a GPU that's up to four times faster. The device also features an improved neural engine and better cooling. Despite the thinness, Apple claims the battery life remains the same as the previous model, thanks to the efficiency of the M4 chip. The new iPad Pro also adopts an OLED display, offering high local brightness and vibrant colors. Additionally, a Nano-texture matte version is announced, although the presenter advises caution due to potential durability concerns and the fact it's only available on the highest-end models. Lastly, the presenter mentions the new Apple Pencil Pro, which now includes a haptic motor, a new squeeze sensor, and a gyroscope for enhanced precision.
💼 Accessories and Software Updates on the Horizon
The presenter talks about the new Magic Keyboard for iPad, which is lighter, has an enlarged trackpad, a function row, and faster pass-through charging. They also mention the launch of a new product line in collaboration with Ridge, including a carbon fiber and matte black wallet, both featuring minimalistic and durable designs with optional accessories like a money clip, cash strap, or AirTag attachment. The presenter reflects on the current state of iPads, noting that despite their impressive specifications, the software capabilities have not significantly changed since the M1 model. They express anticipation for the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, where they expect significant software updates, including potential enhancements to AI features and Siri, which could better utilize the iPads' power.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡iPad Air
💡M-series chips
💡iPadOS
💡M4 chip
💡OLED display
💡Tandem OLED display
💡Apple Pencil Pro
💡Magic Keyboard
💡WWDC
💡Ridge Wallet
💡Pro Display XDR
Highlights
Apple announced new iPads during their 30-minute event.
The longest gap between iPad updates has resulted in highly anticipated new features.
Despite improvements, the iPad still operates on iPadOS, limiting its full potential.
The new iPad Air upgrades from the M1 to the M2 chip and offers more storage.
The iPad Air now starts at 128GB of storage and features a relocated webcam.
Faster Wi-Fi and larger screen sizes, 11-inch and 13-inch, for the iPad Air are introduced.
The iPad Pro has been made thinner and lighter than ever before, with the 11-inch model at 5.3mm and the 13-inch at 5.1mm.
The new iPad Pro is equipped with the M4 chip, offering significant power and efficiency improvements.
The M4 chip allows for a thinner design without compromising battery life.
iPad Pro now features an OLED display, with a tandem OLED technology for enhanced brightness.
The new Apple Pencil Pro includes a haptic motor, a new squeeze sensor, and rotation sensitivity.
The redesigned Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models.
A new Magic Keyboard has been released, featuring a larger trackpad and a function row.
Despite hardware improvements, the software capabilities of the iPads remain similar to previous models.
The upcoming WWDC is expected to bring significant software updates, potentially unlocking more capabilities for the iPads.
The presenter, as chief creative partner at Ridge, launches a new line of wallets with MKBHD designs.
Ridge Wallets offer a 99-day return policy and currently have a 30% discount on new gear.