Unveiling Innovation: Apple’s New iPad Pro with M4 Chip and Advanced Display

The latest iteration of the iPad Pro showcases enhanced aesthetics, making it an even more visually appealing tablet. However, in terms of overall proposition, it appears to remain largely unchanged. On the other hand, the Pencil Pro introduces exciting new features that are warmly received and appreciated.

After a year without any iPad releases, Apple has now unveiled four new iPads in 2024. I had the opportunity to try out the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models firsthand during meetings with Apple in New York. The new iPads boast impressive hardware, and I was particularly intrigued by the introduction of the Pencil Pro accessory, which features a gyroscope and vibrations.

While these new iPads from Apple are undoubtedly beautiful, sophisticated, and come with a higher price tag, they still fall short of being a true replacement for your Mac. This is a deliberate choice by Apple, as they have a distinct vision for the role of iPads in their product lineup.

In terms of hardware, the iPad Pro is outstanding and could easily be my preferred device for future Mac-like functionalities. However, it’s important to acknowledge that it is still an iPad and not a Mac. Despite the gradual convergence of iOS and MacOS over the years, they remain distinct operating systems with notable differences.

With the Worldwide Developers Conference just a month away, there is anticipation for Apple to announce new versions of all their operating systems, including iPadOS. It’s possible that Apple may unveil plans to further transform iPads and potentially integrate them more closely with Macs. However, it is wise not to set overly high expectations for such a fusion at this point.

If you’re considering purchasing an iPad, especially for graphic arts, sketching, or photo/video work, the new models offer impressive features. However, it’s important to note that they come with a hefty price tag. The entry-level iPad Air, starting at $599 (£599, AU$999) with 128GB of storage, presents a more affordable option. On the other hand, the top-of-the-line iPad Pro, starting at $1,299 (£1,299, AU$2,199), is considerably more expensive. Additionally, there’s the new Pencil Pro priced at $129 (£129, AU$219), and the new Magic Keyboard, compatible only with the Pro models, featuring an aluminum design and haptic trackpad, which costs $349 (£349, AU$579). Keep in mind that if you require additional storage, there will be extra costs. The Pro models start with 256GB of storage and can be upgraded all the way up to a staggering 2TB.

The Pencil Pro boasts a useful haptic vibration feature and enhanced in-hand rotation

The new Pencil Pro maintains the familiar design of the previous Pencil 2 but introduces several new features at the same price of $129. One notable addition is the ability to squeeze the Pencil, which brings up pop-up menus on the iPad screen accompanied by haptic vibrations that provide a satisfying click response. While this is a nice touch, the more practical enhancement, in my opinion, is the embedded gyroscope. This feature enables in-hand rotations of the Pencil, allowing for dynamic brush tool adjustments that closely mimic the experience of using an actual brush.

Thanks to the hover feature introduced on the 2022 iPad Pro, the Pencil now previews brush tools above the iPad display. With the ability to rotate the Pencil, users can conveniently adjust the brush position before applying pressure, resulting in a more precise and natural workflow.

First lil look at the new M4 iPad Pro with the nano texture display. It’s amazing! pic.twitter.com/6RwoO5k1g4

— iJustine (@ijustine) May 7, 2024

I appreciate the new features introduced in the Pencil Pro, especially considering that the price remains the same. However, it’s important to note that the Pencil Pro exclusively works with the new iPad Pro or iPad Air models. This means that in order to use the Pencil Pro, one would need to invest in a whole new iPad, which could be a significant expense solely for the sake of accessing the Pencil’s additional features.

iPad Pro: Sleek Design, Stunning Display, and Powerful Performance

At first glance, the new iPad Pro model may appear similar to the iPad Air or even previous iPad Pro models. It boasts a large display with metal bezels, which is a characteristic shared by most iPads. However, upon closer inspection, there are notable differences. Apple has managed to make these Pro models even thinner than before. While this may not seem necessary in theory, those who frequently use the Magic Keyboard attachment might have a different perspective.

The new iPad Pro seems finely tuned to the Magic Keyboard-on-iPad setup, as the combination of the new aluminum-interior keyboard case and the iPad Pro results in an overall thinner and lighter package. Though my demos were brief, it gave the impression that the new iPad Pro would fit more comfortably in a backpack.

Under the hood, the new Pros are equipped with M4 chips, which Apple announced just six months after the debut of the M3 chip last Halloween. While the exact performance improvements of the M4 compared to the M3 remain unclear, they share similarities in terms of their 3-nanometer architecture, cores, and GPUs. Apple has mentioned that the M4 incorporates better thermal design to suit thin devices like the iPad, as well as a new design optimized for the upgraded OLED display. The extent of its speed enhancements is yet to be determined, as Apple’s comparisons have been primarily focused on the M2 rather than the M3. However, we can expect more details in the near future.

The new display on the iPad Pro is stunning. Apple has finally adopted OLED technology for its iPads, a move that other companies like Samsung have made for tablets long ago. Apple claims that their OLED displays, known as Ultra Retina XDR displays, are even better. These displays utilize a technology called Tandem OLED, which simultaneously uses two OLED panels to enhance brightness for HDR content. In everyday use, they offer 1,000 nits of brightness, while for HDR content, they can reach up to 1,600 nits. Additionally, Apple offers a fancy matte finish option called nano-texture glass, similar to what they offer on their high-end Studio Display. This feature reduces glare and adds a touch of elegance to the screens, making them visually stunning.

Are these displays necessary? Well, while they do look fantastic, Apple already offers great displays on their other iPad models. For individuals who require cutting-edge display quality for tasks like film or graphics work, it remains to be seen how these new screens will perform. Nevertheless, it appears that Apple intends to make these screens the new display standard for their Pro devices across all their product lines in the future.

iPad Air: A Budget-Friendly Alternative to the 2022 iPad Pro

The iPad Air models have been popular choices for those seeking a midrange option among Apple’s lineup of fancy iPads. The 11-inch iPad Air, priced at $599 (£599, AU$999), features the M2 chip and appears to be the preferred choice. However, unlike the 2022 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the new 13-inch iPad Air model does not have Mini LED technology, and it lacks the faster refresh rates (ProMotion) found in the Pro models. Additionally, the Airs do not include lidar sensors on the back or Face ID on the front. Instead, they feature a side Touch ID button, which some individuals may prefer.

Nevertheless, the iPad Airs are solid options, and although they are thicker than the Pro models, they come at a more affordable price point. They are also compatible with the new Pencil Pro. Since these iPads are somewhat familiar, there isn’t much more to say about them. The key factor to consider is whether the 2022 iPad Pros are available at a lower price. If they are, opting for the Pro models would be a better choice as they offer similar features but with slight improvements.

Improved Camera Placement on the New iPad Pro

Indeed, all of these iPads have relocated their front cameras to the landscape edge, following the example set by the 10th-gen iPad. This change is long overdue and brings practical benefits. When using the iPads in keyboard-connected modes, video chats are now properly centered, which is a significant improvement. After all, it’s rare for people to use an iPad for video chat in portrait mode. This adjustment enhances the overall user experience and makes the iPads even more suitable for activities like Zoom meetings and video conferencing.

The Affordable 10th-Generation iPad: Is It the Best Choice?

Apple has made a significant price drop for the 10th-gen iPad, which is now available at $349 (£349, AU$599) for the 64GB storage variant. It is worth considering the 256GB model priced at $499 (£499, AU$849) for those who require more storage. These price adjustments bring the iPads into a more desirable range, which is something many customers had been hoping for since 2022.

However, an important consideration is whether Apple will release an updated version of this iPad with improved specifications in the fall. With the new lower price and the likelihood of online sales, the basic iPad appears to be an attractive option for most users. That being said, it’s important to note that while the iPad is incredibly versatile, it still differs from a Mac in terms of functionality and capabilities. It’s essential to assess your specific needs and preferences when deciding between the two.