iPad Pro and iPad Air 2024 (Review): Apple’s Fanciest iPads Aren’t Macs Yet

CNET
13 May 202410:12

TLDRThe 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air are reviewed, highlighting their new features and comparing them to the MacBook. The iPad Pro features a new M4 processor, a thinner design, and an OLED display called Ultra Retina XDR, which is a first for iPads. The iPad Air, while similar to the Pro, lacks LiDAR and Face ID, opting for Touch ID instead. Both models support the new Apple Pencil Pro, which introduces a hover feature and a squeeze gesture for additional control. Although the iPads have powerful processors and enhanced displays, they still run iPadOS, not macOS, which keeps them distinct from MacBooks. The review suggests that while the iPads are versatile, for many users, a basic iPad model may suffice for everyday use.

Takeaways

  • 📱 The 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air have many new features but are still distinct from MacBooks.
  • 📚 The iPad Pro features a new M4 processor that appears to be faster than current Macs.
  • 🖥 The thinner design of the iPad Pro makes it lighter and more portable, though it feels delicate.
  • 📺 The iPad Pro now has an OLED display, called Ultra Retina XDR, for improved brightness and contrast.
  • 📸 The front-facing camera on the iPad Pro is positioned on the landscape edge and has better quality than MacBooks.
  • 📸 The rear camera setup on the iPad Pro now has one less camera, focusing on a single rear camera plus LIDAR.
  • 🎥 The 12.9-inch iPad Pro has a more square aspect ratio, which results in more letterboxing when watching movies.
  • 💻 Different configurations of the iPad Pro offer varying levels of RAM and processing power, affecting performance.
  • 💰 The iPad Air is a more affordable option with a similar design to the previous iPad Pro, but without some high-end features.
  • 🖋️ The new Apple Pencil Pro has a hover feature and a squeeze gesture for additional functionality.
  • 💸 The iPad Pro and iPad Air can be expensive, especially with additional accessories like the Magic Keyboard.

Q & A

  • What are the two new iPad models released in 2024 mentioned in the transcript?

    -The two new iPad models released in 2024 are the iPad Air and the iPad Pro.

  • What is the new processor in the 2024 iPad Pro?

    -The new processor in the 2024 iPad Pro is the M4 processor.

  • How does the 2024 iPad Pro's design differ from previous models?

    -The 2024 iPad Pro has a thinner design, making it the thinnest device Apple has ever made.

  • What new display technology is featured in the 2024 iPad Pro?

    -The 2024 iPad Pro features a new tandem OLED display, which Apple calls an ultra retina xdr.

  • What is the new camera position on the 2024 iPads?

    -The new camera position on the 2024 iPads is on the landscape edge, which is a change from previous models.

  • What is the difference in aspect ratio between the 12.9-inch and smaller models of the iPad Pro?

    -The 12.9-inch model has a more square aspect ratio, which results in more letter boxing when watching movies.

  • What is the starting price for the 2024 iPad Air with 128 GB of storage?

    -The starting price for the 2024 iPad Air with 128 GB of storage is either $600 or $800.

  • What is the starting price for the 2024 iPad Pro with 256 GB of storage?

    -The starting price for the 2024 iPad Pro with 256 GB of storage is either $1,100 or $1,300.

  • What is the main difference between the iPad Air and the iPad Pro in terms of display?

    -The main difference is that the iPad Pro has an OLED display, while the iPad Air has a standard liquid Retina Display.

  • What new features does the Apple Pencil Pro have compared to the previous version?

    -The Apple Pencil Pro has a new hover feature for the brush and a squeeze gesture with haptic feedback for accessing a new curvy menu.

  • What is the main reason the speaker did not recommend the new iPad models to his mother?

    -The speaker did not recommend the new models because many people just want a basic iPad that works, and the 10th generation iPad with 256 GB of storage is more suitable for everyday use.

  • Why does the speaker believe that the iPad Pro and MacBook Air should converge?

    -The speaker believes they should converge because the iPad Pro feels like a Mac with a touch screen and Apple Pencil, and running Mac OS on the iPad Pro could make it a more justifiable purchase at its price point.

Outlines

00:00

📱 iPad Pro and Air 2024 Overview

The video discusses the new features of the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air, comparing them to the MacBook Air. The presenter expresses a desire to use the iPad Pro as a daily computer if it could run macOS. The iPad Pro is noted for its thinner design, new M4 processor, and improved display technology. The presenter also highlights the new Logic Pro 2 and Final Cut Pro 2 apps, the improved camera quality, and the removal of the second rear camera from the iPad Pro. The aspect ratio of the 12.9-inch model is mentioned, along with the different processing power available at various price points.

05:01

🖥️ iPad Air vs Pro: Features and Considerations

This paragraph focuses on the differences between the iPad Air and the iPad Pro, including the absence of LiDAR and Face ID on the Air, and the presence of Touch ID. The iPad Air's compatibility with older keyboard accessories is noted, but it is clarified that it requires the Apple Pencil Pro or USB-C Pencil. The presenter introduces the new features of the Apple Pencil Pro, such as the hover feature for the brush and the squeeze gesture with haptic feedback. The paragraph also discusses the pricing of the iPad Air and iPad Pro, along with the various configurations and accessories available. The presenter suggests that for some users, a basic iPad model might suffice, and that the decision between the iPad Pro and MacBook Air is not straightforward.

10:03

🔍 Future iPad Models and Closing Thoughts

The final paragraph speculates on the possibility of more affordable iPad and iPad Mini models being released later in the year. The presenter invites viewers to leave questions or comments and thanks them for watching. There is a hint at the potential convergence of iPads and MacBooks, suggesting that running macOS on iPads could change the dynamics of the decision-making process for consumers.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡iPad Pro

The iPad Pro is a high-end tablet model from Apple, noted for its advanced features tailored for professional use. In the 2024 version, it includes significant upgrades like an M4 processor and a new tandem OLED display, enhancing processing speed and display quality. The video discusses these features to evaluate whether the iPad Pro could replace traditional laptops like the MacBook, highlighting its potential as a primary computing device for professional tasks.

💡iPad Air

The iPad Air, another tablet model from Apple, is described in the video as adopting features from previous iPad Pro models but at a more affordable price. The 2024 version introduces a larger 13-inch model, making it suitable for users needing a sizable working canvas without the higher cost of the Pro model. The comparison between the iPad Air and the more equipped iPad Pro helps viewers understand the range of Apple's tablet offerings and their respective capabilities.

💡MacBook

The MacBook is referenced in the video as a benchmark for comparing the new iPad models. The MacBook is Apple's line of laptops, known for their robust operating system and processing capabilities. The video explores whether the new iPad models can match or exceed the MacBook in terms of performance and usability, especially with the introduction of Mac-like features in iPads.

💡M4 processor

The M4 processor mentioned in the video is a new chip by Apple, reportedly offering enhanced speeds and performance efficiency. This processor is a central feature in the 2024 iPad Pro, setting it apart from earlier models and even current MacBooks. The discussion in the video emphasizes its impact on making the iPad Pro a formidable competitor in high-performance computing.

💡Tandem OLED display

Introduced in the 2024 iPad Pro, the tandem OLED display is a new technology that uses two OLED screens to boost brightness and HDR contrast levels. This is a significant enhancement from previous displays and is designed to appeal to professionals who require superior image quality for graphics work, as noted in the video.

💡Magic Keyboard

The Magic Keyboard is an accessory for iPads that includes a physical keyboard and a trackpad, aiming to enhance the productivity of the device. In the video, it's mentioned as part of the ecosystem that turns the iPad into a laptop-like tool, thereby increasing its utility and justifying its higher price point when combined with high-end iPad models.

💡Pencil Pro

The Pencil Pro is a new stylus introduced by Apple that works with the 2024 iPad models. It's designed to improve user interaction with the tablet through features like a hover effect and a new squeeze gesture with haptic feedback. The video examines its capabilities, especially in artistic and design applications, highlighting its evolution from the previous pencil.

💡Liquid Retina display

The Liquid Retina display is a type of LCD technology used by Apple in its various devices, known for its color accuracy and brightness. In the video, this display type is discussed in the context of the iPad Air, providing a high-quality viewing experience, though not as advanced as the new OLED in the Pro model, particularly for HDR tasks.

💡HDR

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, enhances the contrast and color range of images compared to standard dynamic range (SDR). The video mentions HDR in the context of the new iPad Pro's display capabilities, which are particularly beneficial for professional graphics work, offering a visibly superior image quality.

💡Mac OS

Mac OS is the operating system used in Apple’s MacBook line. The video explores the concept of integrating Mac OS into the iPad Pro, suggesting that this change could transform the iPad into a more powerful computing device akin to a MacBook. This integration could potentially bridge the gap between tablets and laptops, offering users a versatile device capable of handling more complex tasks traditionally reserved for laptops.

Highlights

The 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air are introduced with new features, but they are not yet capable of replacing a MacBook.

Apple's iPad Pro has a new M4 processor, which is a step ahead of current Macs in terms of speed.

The iPad Pro's ultra-thin design makes it the thinnest device Apple has ever made, enhancing portability.

The new iPad Pro features an OLED display, a first for Apple's iPad lineup, offering enhanced brightness and HDR contrast levels.

Logic Pro 2 and Final Cut Pro 2 are upgraded with AI-generated session players, showcasing the performance capabilities of M series chips.

The front-facing camera on the iPad Pro is positioned on the landscape edge, offering improved camera quality.

The iPad Pro now has only one rear camera, with the secondary camera removed, which may affect some users' video shooting experience.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro has a more square aspect ratio, which results in more letterboxing when watching movies.

Different configurations of the iPad Pro offer varying levels of processing power and RAM, affecting performance.

The iPad Air is similar to the previous iPad Pro models, with a redesigned look and a new 13-inch model available at a lower price.

The iPad Air does not feature LiDAR or Face ID, instead using Touch ID for security.

The new Apple Pencil Pro introduces a hover feature and a squeeze gesture for more precise control and tool selection.

The iPad Air and iPad Pro prices can be high, with the iPad Air starting at $600 or $800 and the iPad Pro at $1,100 or $1,300.

The iPad Pro with 1TB configuration, cellular, Pencil Pro, and Magic Keyboard can reach a total cost of $2,577.

For basic use, the 10th generation iPad with 256GB of storage is recommended as a more affordable and capable everyday device.

Apple's iPad lineup includes the iPad Air and iPad Pro, which are more like 'pro' models with better chips and features.

The iPad Pro could potentially serve as a daily computer if it ran macOS, but currently, it remains separate from Mac offerings.

There is anticipation for a potential convergence of iPad and Mac functionalities in the future.

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