M4 iPad Pro Impressions: Well This is Awkward
TLDRApple's latest event introduced a new generation of iPads, including the iPad Air with an M2 chip and increased storage, as well as a new larger size option. The iPad Pro models have been significantly updated, now being the thinnest Apple devices ever, featuring an M4 chip for enhanced performance and efficiency, and a new OLED display with a tandem technology for improved brightness. Additionally, a new Apple Pencil Pro with haptic feedback and rotation sensitivity was announced, although it is only compatible with the latest iPad models. Despite the impressive hardware upgrades, the software capabilities remain similar to previous models, leading to an awkward period as users await potential software enhancements in the upcoming iPadOS 18. Also, the presenter teased the launch of a new product line in collaboration with Ridge Wallet.
Takeaways
- 📅 Apple held a 30-minute event announcing new iPad models after the longest gap since their last update.
- 🚀 The new iPad Air features an M2 chip, increased storage starting at 128GB, a relocated webcam, faster Wi-Fi, and is available in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch with new screen dimensions.
- 🌈 The iPad Air introduces new colors: Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray, with prices starting at $599 for the smaller model and $799 for the larger one.
- 🔥 The iPad Pro sees significant updates, being the thinnest Apple devices ever made, with the 11-inch model at 5.3mm and the 13-inch at 5.1mm thickness.
- 💻 The iPad Pro is also lighter and now features the M4 chip, offering even more power efficiency and performance, with up to 50% faster CPU cores and a GPU that's up to four times faster than the M2.
- 🔍 The new iPad Pro display is an OLED panel, providing deep blacks, high brightness, and vibrant colors, with a unique tandem OLED display technology for enhanced brightness levels.
- 📦 A new Apple Pencil Pro has been announced with a haptic motor, Find My support, a squeeze sensor, and rotation sensitivity, but it's only compatible with the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models.
- 💰 The new Magic Keyboard is lighter, has an enlarged trackpad, includes a function row, and offers faster pass-through charging at 60 watts.
- 🤔 Despite the hardware improvements, the iPads still run on iPadOS, which may limit the full utilization of their powerful hardware.
- 📱 The new iPad Pro and iPad Air will be shipping soon, but significant software updates are expected in the near future, possibly with iPadOS 18.
- 🎉 MKBHD has launched a new product line in collaboration with Ridge Wallet, offering a carbon fiber and matte black wallet design with additional customizable features like a money clip or AirTag attachment.
Q & A
What was the main focus of Apple's 30-minute event?
-The main focus of Apple's event was announcing new iPad products, including updates to the iPad Air and iPad Pro.
What is the new chip introduced in the iPad Air?
-The new iPad Air is upgraded from the M1 to the M2 chip.
How has the storage capacity of the new iPad Air changed?
-The new iPad Air starts at 128GB of storage, which is an increase from previous models.
What are the dimensions of the new iPad Pro models in terms of thickness?
-The 11-inch iPad Pro is 5.3 millimeters thin, and the 13-inch model is 5.1 millimeters thin, making them the thinnest Apple devices ever made.
What new chip powers the latest iPad Pro models?
-The latest iPad Pro models are powered by the M4 chip, which is the next generation of Apple silicon.
How does the new Apple Pencil Pro differ from its predecessor?
-The new Apple Pencil Pro has a haptic motor, supports Find My, includes a new squeeze sensor for activating tools in apps, and features a new gyroscope that makes it rotation sensitive.
What is the compatibility of the new Apple Pencil Pro with iPad models?
-The new Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with the newest iPad Pro and iPad Air models due to redesigned charging magnets.
What is special about the new OLED display on the iPad Pro?
-The new OLED display on the iPad Pro is a tandem OLED display, which allows for high local brightness with 1000 nits of peak full screen brightness and 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness.
What is the price difference between the two sizes of the new iPad Air?
-The smaller iPad Air is priced at $599, while the larger one is priced at $799.
What is the new feature of the Magic Keyboard mentioned in the script?
-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 awkward timing mentioned in relation to the new iPads and software updates?
-The awkward timing refers to the fact that the new iPads are shipping before the expected software updates, including a new iPadOS, which are anticipated to be announced at WWDC and could potentially enhance the capabilities of the new iPads.
What is the special offer mentioned for the Ridge Wallet and MKBHD collaboration?
-The special offer is a 30% discount on the new gear, and an additional 10% off on any style if a wallet and a key holder are ordered together at the same time.
Outlines
📱 iPad Event Overview
Apple's recent event focused on unveiling new iPad models. Despite the longest gap since their last iPad update, the presenter questions if the iPad's identity as a device remains unchanged despite hardware improvements. The new iPad Air is highlighted for its upgrade to the M2 chip, increased storage, and improved webcam placement. The iPad Air now comes in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch, with a slight increase in screen size and new color options. However, the presenter finds the update somewhat predictable. A significant update to the iPad Pro is also discussed, emphasizing its record thinness and the introduction of the M4 chip, which offers greater power efficiency and performance. The new iPad Pro models are also lighter and maintain the same battery life despite their slimmer form factor.
🖥️ Display and Pencil Innovations
The new iPad Pro features an OLED display, a first for iPads, offering deep blacks and high brightness. A tandem OLED display technology is introduced, which allows for high local brightness levels. Additionally, a new Apple Pencil Pro is announced with a haptic motor, Find My support, a squeeze sensor for app tools, and rotation sensitivity. However, it is only compatible with the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models due to redesigned charging magnets. A new Magic Keyboard is also mentioned, which is lighter, has an improved trackpad, and a function row. The presenter reflects on the hardware advancements but notes the lack of software to fully utilize the iPads' capabilities.
💳 Launch of MKBHD x Ridge Wallet
The presenter introduces a new collaboration with Ridge, a company known for its minimalist wallets. As the chief creative partner, the presenter has helped launch a new line of wallets featuring carbon fiber and matte black designs, with options for a money clip or cash strap, and compatibility with an AirTag or Find My card. The Ridge Wallet is durable and modern, with a 99-day return policy if the customer is not satisfied. A special offer is available for a limited time, providing a discount on the new gear and additional savings when a wallet and key holder are purchased together.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡iPad Air
💡M-series chips
💡iPadOS
💡M4 chip
💡OLED display
💡Apple Pencil Pro
💡Magic Keyboard
💡WWDC
💡Ridge Wallet
💡Nano texture matte version
💡Spec-bumped
Highlights
Apple announced new iPads with significant updates at a 30-minute event.
The longest gap between iPad updates has led to high expectations.
Despite powerful chips, the iPad's capabilities are still limited by iPadOS.
The new iPad Air adopts features from previous iPad Pros and offers them at a lower price.
The iPad Air now features an M2 chip, increased storage, and an improved webcam placement.
The iPad Air comes in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch with a slight increase in screen size.
New colors for the iPad Air include Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray.
The iPad Pro has been significantly updated, becoming the thinnest Apple devices ever made.
The 11-inch iPad Pro is 5.3mm thin, and the 13-inch model is 5.1mm thin.
The new iPad Pro features a new M4 chip with 3 nanometer technology, offering increased power efficiency.
The M4 chip allows for a battery life comparable to the previous generation despite the thinner design.
iPad Pro now includes an OLED display with a tandem OLED technology for high local brightness.
The new OLED display achieves 1000 nits of full screen brightness and 1600 nits of HDR brightness.
A new Apple Pencil Pro has been introduced with a haptic motor, Find My support, a squeeze sensor, and rotation sensitivity.
The new 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, a function row, and faster pass-through charging.
Despite hardware improvements, the software capabilities of the iPads have not significantly changed.
The upcoming WWDC is expected to bring significant software updates, potentially enhancing the iPad's utility.
MKBHD has launched a new product line in collaboration with Ridge Wallet, offering a modern take on carrying cash and cards.