M4 iPad Pro & M2 iPad Air Are FINALLY Here! | Episode 100

The MacRumors Show Podcast
10 May 202449:08

TLDRIn this episode of the Mac RoR show, hosts Dan Harley and Ross discuss the latest Apple announcements, focusing on the new M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air. They express their initial reactions to the event, noting that while there were few surprises, the new features such as the landscape camera, thinner design, and OLED display on the iPad Pro are impressive. The conversation also touches on the updated Magic Keyboard with a function row and haptic trackpad, the addition of the Apple Pencil hover feature, and the potential for future iPad models to support the Apple Pencil Pro. They speculate on the direction of iPad OS and its maturity, comparing it to macOS and discussing the possibility of iPads becoming the primary computing device for a new generation. The hosts also mention the lack of MagSafe charging and the anticipation for upcoming software features that could leverage the M4 chip's AI capabilities.

Takeaways

  • 🍏 The M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air are finally released, marking significant updates with features like OLED displays and enhanced processors.
  • 🎉 The hosts express satisfaction with the new releases, noting that while there were few surprises, the improvements were aligned with expectations.
  • 🤖 Significant AI advancements are introduced, notably in the M4 chip, which is highlighted for its AI capabilities enhancing features like document scanning and media editing.
  • 🔍 The Apple Pencil Pro is updated with haptic feedback and new gestures, improving user interaction and compatibility with the latest iPad models.
  • 🖥️ The new Magic Keyboard features a larger trackpad, haptic feedback, and a function row, enhancing the typing and navigation experience.
  • 📱 Discussion on Apple's strategic release of features, suggesting that the iPad might receive new capabilities before they appear on other devices like the Mac.
  • 💡 Notable enhancements include a landscape camera setup and the introduction of a new 'space black' color option for the iPad Pro.
  • 💻 The potential need for improved software to fully utilize the hardware capabilities of the new iPads is highlighted, with anticipation for upcoming updates at WWDC.
  • 🎨 The hosts discuss personal use cases for the new features, particularly in professional settings such as document scanning and multimedia editing.
  • 💬 The conversation includes speculation on future developments for iPadOS, hoping for more sophisticated multitasking and window management features.

Q & A

  • What was the main topic of discussion in the Mac RoR show episode?

    -The main topic of discussion was the new M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air, including their features, updates, and the overall experience of the hosts with the new devices.

  • What new features were mentioned for the iPad Pro?

    -New features for the iPad Pro include the M4 chip, an OLED display, a new magic keyboard with a function row and haptic trackpad, and the Apple Pencil hover functionality.

  • How did the hosts feel about the new landscape cameras on the iPads?

    -The hosts were impressed by the landscape cameras, noting that it was something the tech community had doubted could be done due to the inductive charger but Apple managed to implement it successfully.

  • What was the general sentiment regarding the iPad Air's new features?

    -The hosts felt that the iPad Air's new features, while not groundbreaking, offered a compelling package, especially considering its more affordable price point compared to the iPad Pro.

  • What was the discussion about the Apple Pencil lineup?

    -The hosts discussed the confusion around the Apple Pencil lineup, noting that the iPad Air now supports three different Apple Pencil models and predicting that the lineup will eventually be streamlined to just the Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro.

  • What was the hosts' perspective on the price of the new iPad Pro models?

    -The hosts acknowledged that the iPad Pro models are becoming more expensive, with the highest configuration costing over $3,000, which could lead potential customers to consider the more affordable iPad Air.

  • What software updates were highlighted for the iPad?

    -The hosts highlighted updates to Final Cut Pro and Logic, which received significant stage time and new features, such as the ability to isolate subjects in video with a single tap.

  • What was the hosts' opinion on the new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro?

    -The hosts were positive about the new Magic Keyboard, noting its thinner and lighter design, larger trackpad with haptic feedback, and the addition of a function row as significant improvements.

  • What was the discussion regarding the Apple Pencil Pro?

    -The hosts discussed the Apple Pencil Pro's new features, such as haptic feedback and the ability to switch tools quickly, which they believe will be particularly beneficial for illustrators and those who handwrite a lot on the iPad.

  • What was the hosts' view on the potential for iPads to replace Macs in the future?

    -The hosts speculated that with ongoing advancements and feature introductions, the iPad could mature into a platform that works as effectively as macOS for many users, potentially leading to a future where Macs are less necessary.

  • What was the hosts' take on the Apple Vision Pro?

    -The hosts shared mixed feelings about the Apple Vision Pro. While they found it impressive, they also felt it had limitations and was unintuitive in some aspects, leading to a sense of uncertainty about its practical use.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 iPad Pro Event Recap

The hosts discuss their reactions to the recent Apple event, where they announced the new iPad Pro models. They touch on the anticipation and the eventual unveiling of the iPads, the surprise of the new Magic Keyboard, and the speculation around the hardware updates. They also mention the thinness of the new iPad Pro, which is considered the thinnest Apple product ever, and discuss the landscape camera positioning and Apple Pencil hover feature.

05:03

💭 iPad Air and Pro Pricing

The conversation shifts to the pricing of the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models. They discuss the value proposition of the iPad Air, starting at $599, and the higher cost of the iPad Pro, which can reach over $3,000 when fully equipped. The hosts also delve into the various Apple Pencil options and the rationale behind keeping multiple generations available for different iPad models.

10:03

📱 iPad Pro's Redesigned Features

The hosts talk about the new OLED displays in the iPad Pro, the introduction of the M4 chip, and the Nano-texture option. They express their excitement about the potential of these new features, especially the OLED display's ability to enhance content consumption and creation. They also speculate on the future of Apple's product lineup and the possible discontinuation of older models.

15:04

🖥️ Nano-Texture and iPad Pro's Expensive Options

The discussion continues with the Nano-texture display option on the iPad Pro, its appeal to specific users, and the considerations one might have when choosing this feature. They also address the high cost of a fully loaded iPad Pro and compare it to the potential purchase of a Vision Pro, highlighting the trade-offs between the two.

20:04

📹 iPad Pro's AI and Hardware Advancements

The hosts share their thoughts on the M4 chip's focus on AI advancements and the implications for new features in video editing software like Final Cut Pro. They also discuss the potential for iPadOS to receive new features before macOS, which could influence users to adopt iPads more readily for professional work.

25:06

🎼 Logic and Final Cut Pro Updates

The conversation highlights the significant updates to Logic and Final Cut Pro, with a focus on new features like stem splitter in Logic and the ability to isolate subjects in video with Final Cut Pro. They express their desire for these features to be available on the Mac as well and discuss the potential for dual workflows with both iPad and Mac.

30:08

🔍 iPad Pro's Scanner Enhancements

The hosts talk about the hardware changes that allow the iPad Pro to scan documents more effectively, such as the removal of the ultra-wide camera and the addition of an ambient light sensor. They also discuss the marketing of AI features and the anticipation of further improvements and features in the next iPad OS update.

35:08

📝 Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard

The discussion concludes with the hosts' thoughts on the new Apple Pencil Pro, its haptic feedback, and the potential benefits for illustrators and those who handwrite a lot on the iPad. They also cover the updates to the Magic Keyboard, including its new aluminum design, larger trackpad, and function row with haptic feedback.

40:11

💡 Final Thoughts on the iPad Event

The hosts summarize their overall impressions of the iPad event, discussing the significant upgrades to the iPad Pro, the introduction of new features, and the potential impact on users considering a purchase. They also express their personal interest in trying out the new hardware, particularly the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡M4 iPad Pro

The M4 iPad Pro refers to the latest model of Apple's iPad Pro tablet, which is powered by the new M4 chip. This is a significant upgrade from the previous models and is a central focus of the video, as it discusses the improvements and new features this model brings to the table.

💡M2 iPad Air

The M2 iPad Air is the updated version of the iPad Air line, featuring Apple's M2 chip. It represents a step up in performance and capabilities from the previous M1-equipped models and is part of the discussion on how Apple's product lineup is evolving.

💡Apple Event

An Apple Event is a product launch presentation by Apple Inc., where they announce new hardware, software, and services. In the context of the video, the hosts discuss their reactions and insights following an Apple Event where the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air were unveiled.

💡Magic Keyboard

The Magic Keyboard is an accessory developed by Apple for the iPad Pro and iPad Air, offering a laptop-like typing experience with a built-in trackpad. The video mentions a new Magic Keyboard with a function row and haptic trackpad, enhancing the iPad's capabilities for productivity.

💡Apple Pencil

The Apple Pencil is a stylus designed for use with Apple's iPad. It allows for precise input and is popular among artists and designers. The video discusses the hover feature and the new Apple Pencil Pro, which suggests advancements in functionality and user experience.

💡OLED Display

OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode, a display technology known for its high contrast ratio and energy efficiency. The video highlights the new OLED display on the iPad Pro as a major upgrade, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, which is significant for content consumption and creation.

💡AI Features

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, features refer to the capabilities of devices to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. In the video, the hosts speculate about upcoming AI-driven functionalities for the iPad Pro's M4 chip, which could potentially transform user experiences.

💡iPad OS

iPad OS is the mobile operating system designed by Apple specifically for the iPad. The discussion in the video revolves around the anticipation of new iPad OS features that could leverage the M4 chip's capabilities and further blur the lines between iPads and traditional computers.

💡Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is a professional video editing software developed by Apple. The video mentions a new feature in Final Cut Pro that allows users to isolate subjects from video backgrounds with a single tap, showcasing the power of the M4 chip and the software's integration with Apple's ecosystem.

💡Vision Pro

Although not explicitly defined in the video, Vision Pro likely refers to a high-end product or service from Apple, possibly related to their AR/VR efforts or a Pro version of an existing product. The mention of Vision Pro in the context of the discussion suggests it as a potential competitor to the fully loaded iPad Pro setup in terms of cost and capabilities.

💡Nano-Texture

Nano-Texture is a display technology used by Apple in some of their products, which offers a matte-like appearance and reduced glare. The video discusses the introduction of a Nano-Texture option for the iPad Pro, indicating a new level of customization and user comfort, especially for outdoor use or those seeking a more tactile feel.

Highlights

The M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air have been released, marking a significant update in Apple's tablet lineup.

The new iPad Pro models feature an M4 chip, which Apple claims was developed with AI advancements in mind.

A major redesign has made the iPad Pro the thinnest Apple product ever, even thinner than the iPod Nano.

The iPad Pro now supports the Apple Pencil with a new hover feature, allowing users to see a preview of their mark before touching the screen.

The iPad Air introduces a new landscape camera, improving video call experiences.

The iPad Pro now offers a new 12.9-inch model with a larger display size.

The iPad Air starts at an attractive price point of $599, making it a more affordable alternative to the iPad Pro.

Apple Pencil Pro support is now available for the iPad Air, enhancing the device's capabilities for creative tasks.

The Apple Pencil lineup remains complex, with four different models still being sold.

The iPad Pro's new OLED display promises deep blacks and high contrast, potentially making it one of the best on the market.

A new nano-texture option for the iPad Pro's display is designed to reduce glare and provide a more tactile feel.

The fully loaded 13-inch iPad Pro with accessories can cost over $3000, making it a significant investment.

Apple's new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is thinner, lighter, and features a larger trackpad with haptic feedback.

The Apple Pencil Pro introduces haptic feedback, improving the user experience for tasks like drawing and note-taking.

The iPad Pro's new camera capabilities include scanning documents and eliminating shadows, enhancing productivity.

Apple's strategy seems to be introducing new features to the iPad before other devices, possibly to reinvigorate interest and use.

The iPad Pro and iPad Air updates have been well-received, with many considering upgrades for improved performance and features.