iPad Pro and iPad Air 2024 (Review): Apple’s Fanciest iPads Aren’t Macs Yet
TLDRThe 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro are reviewed, highlighting their new features and comparing them to the MacBook. The iPad Pro boasts a new M4 processor, a thinner design, and an OLED display called Ultra Retina XDR, which offers improved brightness and HDR contrast. The iPad Air, while similar to the Pro, lacks some features like LiDAR and Face ID, opting for Touch ID instead. Both models are compatible with the new Apple Pencil Pro, which introduces a hover feature and a squeeze gesture for tool selection. Despite their advanced capabilities, these iPads are not yet able to run macOS, which would make them viable as primary computers for some users. Prices for these models start high, with configurations and accessories adding to the cost. The review suggests that 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 they are still distinct from the MacBook.
- 📐 The iPad Pro now has a thinner design, making it the thinnest device Apple has ever made.
- 🔋 The new M4 processor in the iPad Pro is a significant upgrade, potentially outperforming current Macs.
- 🎼 Apple is updating core apps like Logic Pro 2 and Final Cut Pro 2, showcasing the power of M-series chips.
- 🖥 The iPad Pro features an all-new tandem OLED display, called Ultra Retina XDR, for enhanced brightness and HDR contrast.
- 📸 The front-facing camera on the iPad Pro has been moved to the landscape edge and offers better quality than MacBooks.
- 📸 The rear camera setup on the iPad Pro now consists of a single camera plus LiDAR, down from two cameras in previous models.
- 📺 The 12.9-inch iPad Pro has a more square aspect ratio, which may result in more letterboxing when watching movies.
- 💰 The iPad Pro and iPad Air come in various configurations with different RAM and processing cores, affecting performance and price.
- 💡 The iPad Air shares similarities with the previous iPad Pro models but is more affordable and now available in a 13-inch model.
- 🖋️ The new Apple Pencil Pro introduces a hover feature and a squeeze gesture for more precise control, but is not compatible with older iPad models.
Q & A
What are the two new iPad models introduced in 2024?
-The two new iPad models introduced in 2024 are the iPad Air and the iPad Pro.
What is the new processor featured in the 2024 iPad Pro?
-The 2024 iPad Pro features a new M4 processor, which is a step ahead of where the Macs are currently.
How does the display of the 2024 iPad Pro differ from previous models?
-The 2024 iPad Pro features an all-new tandem OLED display, which Apple calls an Ultra Retina XDR. This display uses the power of two OLED displays to provide an extra boost in brightness and HDR contrast levels.
What is the new camera position on the 2024 iPad models?
-The new camera position on the 2024 iPad models is on the landscape edge, which is a change from previous models.
Why might some users feel frustrated with the 2024 iPad Pro's camera setup?
-Some users might feel frustrated because the 2024 iPad Pro has reduced the number of rear cameras from two to one, plus a LiDAR sensor for depth scanning, which could be a drawback for those who used the second camera for video shooting.
What is the aspect ratio of the 12.9-inch model of the 2024 iPad Pro?
-The 12.9-inch model of the 2024 iPad Pro has a more square aspect ratio, which results in more letterboxing when watching movies.
How does the iPad Air compare to the iPad Pro in terms of processing power?
-The iPad Air may have less processing power compared to the iPad Pro, especially the higher-end versions which have extra RAM and extra processing cores. The entry-level models' performance is not compared in the script.
What is the starting price for the 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro?
-The iPad Air starts at either $600 or $800 with 128 GB of storage, while the iPad Pro starts at $1,100 or $1,300 for the 11 and 13-inch models with 256 GB of storage.
What are the two new features of the Apple Pencil Pro mentioned in the script?
-The Apple Pencil Pro has two new features: a hover feature that allows for brush rotation using the gyroscope, and a squeeze gesture that brings up a new curvy menu for tool selection with haptic feedback.
Why did the reviewer recommend the 10th generation iPad to their mother instead of the new 2024 models?
-The reviewer recommended the 10th generation iPad because many people just want a basic iPad that works well for everyday use, and the basic model is more affordable and does most of the things that the new models can do.
What is the reviewer's opinion on the future convergence of iPads and Macs?
-The reviewer believes that Apple's iPads and Macs are getting closer to convergence, especially with the introduction of new features and capabilities in iPads. They suggest that if iPads could run macOS, it could make the decision to purchase an iPad Pro at a higher price more palatable.
Outlines
💻 iPad Pro and Air: MacBook Challengers?
The 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air are presented as potential alternatives to the MacBook. They feature new enhancements, including an M4 processor that outperforms current Macs and an OLED display on the iPad Pro, which is a first for Apple. Despite these advancements, the iPads remain distinct from MacBooks. The iPad Pro's thinner design makes it slightly more portable, but its delicate feel may necessitate a protective case. The device's performance is showcased through Apple's upgraded core apps like Logic Pro 2 and Final Cut Pro 2, which leverage the M series chips' capabilities. The iPad Pro's camera has been improved and positioned on the landscape edge, offering better quality than MacBooks. However, the removal of the second rear camera might disappoint some users. The 12.9-inch model has a different aspect ratio, which could lead to more letterboxing when watching movies. Performance can vary based on the model's price and specifications, similar to MacBook lineups. The iPad Air shares similarities with the iPad Pro but lacks features like LiDAR and Face ID, instead offering Touch ID. The new Apple Pencil Pro, while similar in design to its predecessor, introduces a hover feature for brushes and a squeeze gesture for accessing a new menu, although it lacks haptic feedback during drawing.
📱 iPad Air: A Solid Mid-Range Option
The iPad Air is positioned as a more affordable option compared to the iPad Pro, with some key differences. It does not have LiDAR on the back or Face ID on the front, opting for Touch ID instead. The iPad Air is compatible with most older iPad Pro accessories, but its slightly different thickness may affect compatibility. It does not support the Apple Pencil 2 and requires the Pencil Pro or USB-C Pencil. The iPad Air starts at a higher price point than the base iPad model, which is recommended for users requiring a basic device. The iPad Pro, with its OLED display and superior chip, is more expensive and may not be necessary for all users. The video suggests that Apple may eventually converge the iPad and MacBook lines, which could influence purchasing decisions. The presenter's mother was advised to purchase the 10th generation iPad for its balance of features and value. There is speculation about more affordable iPad models, like the iPad Mini, potentially being released later in the year.
📘 Future of iPads: Potential for More Models
The video concludes with a teaser about the possibility of more affordable iPad models being released later in the year, such as a new iPad or iPad Mini. The presenter invites viewers to leave any questions or comments they may have and thanks them for watching.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡iPad Pro
💡iPad Air
💡Apple Pencil Pro
💡M4 Processor
💡Ultra Retina XDR Display
💡Touch ID
💡Liquid Retina Display
💡Magic Keyboard
💡Face ID
💡HDR
💡Logic Pro 2 and Final Cut Pro 2
Highlights
The 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air come with a host of new features, but they are not yet Macs.
The iPad Pro features a new M4 processor, which is a step ahead of current Macs.
Apple is upgrading core apps like Logic Pro 2 and Final Cut Pro 2 to utilize the M series chips' performance.
The iPad Pro now has an ultra retina XDR OLED display, a first for Apple's iPad lineup.
The front-facing camera on the iPad Pro is positioned on the landscape edge, offering improved camera quality.
The iPad Pro has a thinner design, making it the thinnest device Apple has ever made.
The iPad Air is similar to the previous iPad Pro models, with a redesigned look and improved specs.
The iPad Air now comes in a 13-inch model, providing a larger canvas for users at a lower price point.
The iPad Pro and iPad Air do not have a second rear camera, focusing on a single rear camera with LiDAR for AR.
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro has a more square aspect ratio, which may result in more letterboxing when watching movies.
Different configurations of the iPad Pro offer varying processing power, with higher-end models having extra RAM and cores.
The iPad Air does not have Face ID, instead featuring Touch ID for security.
The new Apple Pencil Pro introduces a hover feature and a squeeze gesture for enhanced functionality.
The iPad Air is not compatible with the Pencil 2 and requires the Pencil Pro or a USB-C pencil.
The iPad Pro and iPad Air prices can be high, with configurations and accessories adding to the cost.
The basic iPad model is recommended for users who need a straightforward device without the advanced features of the Pro models.
Apple's iPad lineup is expected to converge with Mac OS in the future, potentially making the iPad Pro a more attractive option.