Apple has once again pushed the boundaries of tablet technology with the introduction of the 2024 iPad Pro, now powered by the groundbreaking M4 chip. This latest iteration boasts a stunning tandem OLED display, an incredibly thin and light design, and a host of new features aimed at both creative professionals and everyday users. We've delved into the details to bring you a comprehensive overview of this highly anticipated device.
A Familiar Yet Revolutionary Experience
For those familiar with the iPad Pro lineage, the initial experience might feel surprisingly similar. As Marques Brownlee notes, basic tasks like "watching YouTube videos, browsing the internet, answering emails, listening to music" remain as smooth and snappy as on previous models like the M1 iPad Pro. The sheer power of even older iPad Pro chips was already more than sufficient for these everyday activities. However, the M4 iPad Pro's advancements lie in its refined design, groundbreaking display technology, and potential for future software enhancements.
The Pursuit of Thinness: A Divisive Design Choice
One of the most immediately noticeable changes is the iPad Pro's remarkably thin profile. Dropping from 6.4mm to a mere 5.1mm, it now barely edges out Samsung's flagship tablets in thinness. Apple proudly proclaims it their thinnest product ever. While aesthetically impressive and noticeably lighter, this pursuit of thinness has sparked debate. Marques Brownlee questions whether this was a feature users were actively demanding. Some speculate it's a move to differentiate the iPad Pro and perhaps foreshadow a similar design trend for future iPhones.
The reduced internal space does raise concerns about battery size, but surprisingly, the 11" M4 iPad Pro actually has a larger battery than its predecessor, while the 13" model has a slightly smaller but still comparable battery life to the previous generation. Despite this, some reviewers, like Marques Brownlee, lament the potential for "insane long battery life" had Apple opted for the same thickness as before, leveraging the efficiency of the M4 chip. While battery life remains "really good", the trade-off for extremely thinness is a point of contention for some.
A Display That Steals the Show: The Tandem OLED Revolution
Arguably the most significant upgrade is the Ultra Retina Tandem OLED display. This innovative technology stacks two OLED panels, allowing Apple to significantly boost brightness without risking OLED degradation. Reviewers consistently praise the unreal brightness, with peak HDR brightness reaching 1,600 nits and SDR content hitting 1,000 nits. This results in stunning contrast, inky blacks, and vibrant colours, making it the "best display I've ever used on a portable computer or tablet" according to one reviewer. The absence of blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds, a common issue with previous Mini-LED displays (especially on the 12.9" model), is a significant improvement.
While the difference might be less stark when compared to the already excellent displays of recent iPad Pros in indoor settings, the new OLED shines in bright environments and for HDR content consumption. For professionals requiring color accuracy, the new display also offers an advantage. Furthermore, the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness.
For users in challenging lighting conditions, Apple offers an optional nano-texture laminated glass. While it effectively reduces reflections, it's only available on the higher-end 1TB and 2TB models and might slightly affect contrast and viewing angles.
Performance Unleashed (with Caveats): The Power of M4
The M4 chip inside the new iPad Pro marks its debut in any Apple device. It promises significant performance and efficiency gains over the previous M2 chip. Benchmarks show notable improvements in both CPU and graphics performance. The M4 also features a more powerful Neural Engine, hinting at future advancements in AI-powered features.
However, as with previous iPad Pro models, the hardware often outpaces the software. While the M4 is undoubtedly powerful, reviewers note that for many everyday tasks, the difference compared to even older iPad Pro models might be imperceptible. The true potential of the M4 may only be realized with future updates to iPadOS and the development of more demanding professional applications like the upcoming Final Cut Pro 2 and Logic Pro 2 for iPad.
Interestingly, Apple has further stratified the iPad Pro lineup based on storage capacity. The base 256GB and 512GB models feature an eight-core CPU, which can boost to a nine-core CPU, while the 1TB and 2TB versions boast a 10-core CPU and 16GB of RAM (compared to 8GB on the lower storage options). This "computer-like" segmentation is a notable shift in Apple's iPad strategy.
Refinements and Removals: Camera, Speakers, and More
The camera system has seen some notable changes. The ultra-wide rear camera has been removed, leaving a single 12MP wide camera alongside the LiDAR scanner and a True Tone flash. The flash is said to be updated for better document scanning, though some haven't noticed a significant improvement. The front-facing Ultra Wide camera has been relocated to the landscape edge, a welcome change for video calls and Face ID when the iPad is used with a keyboard. This repositioning, however, is cited by Apple as a reason for the incompatibility of the new Apple Pencil Pro with older iPad models due to the altered magnet layout.
The quad-speaker system has been redesigned with new, more circular drivers. While still delivering some of the best audio in any tablet, some reviewers note a slight reduction in bass compared to the previous generation, likely due to the thinner design.
The New Apple Pencil Pro: A Step Forward for Creativity
The Apple Pencil Pro introduces several new features designed to enhance the creative workflow. These include:
- Find My support: Allowing users to track their pencil if lost.
- Squeeze gesture: Enabling quick access to different tools and menus.
- Haptic feedback: Providing a subtle click sensation when using the squeeze gesture.
- Barrel rotation: Allowing for dynamic control of certain tools by rotating the pencil.
While artists seem genuinely excited by these additions, the Pencil Pro is only compatible with the new M4 iPad Pro models, a decision that has drawn criticism due to the forced obsolescence for users with older, even recent, iPads.
The Updated Magic Keyboard: Closer to a Laptop Experience
The new Magic Keyboard for the M4 iPad Pro also brings significant improvements. The most notable additions are a function row for quick access to settings like brightness and volume, and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback, mimicking the feel of a MacBook trackpad. The keyboard deck now features an aluminum construction, contributing to a more premium feel. However, like the Apple Pencil Pro, this new Magic Keyboard is only compatible with the 2024 iPad Pro models.
Pricing and Value: The Elephant in the Room
The M4 iPad Pro comes with a higher starting price than its predecessor, although Apple has doubled the base storage to 256GB. However, the cost quickly escalates when factoring in the new Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, pushing the total price well beyond that of a similarly specced MacBook Air in some configurations. This raises the fundamental question: is the premium worth it?.
Reviewers offer varying perspectives. For users who specifically need the touchscreen functionality, the exceptional OLED display, and the unique features of iPadOS apps, the new iPad Pro might be justifiable. Creative professionals who can leverage the power of the M4 chip and the enhancements of the Apple Pencil Pro and Final Cut/Logic Pro may also find it a worthwhile investment.
However, for more general use, many argue that the limitations of iPadOS compared to macOS, such as restricted app availability and multitasking capabilities, hinder the iPad Pro from truly replacing a laptop. The inability to run desktop-class applications and the lack of multi-user support remain significant drawbacks for some.
Final Thoughts: Peak iPad, But for Whom?
The 2024 M4 iPad Pro is undoubtedly a technical marvel, showcasing Apple's prowess in hardware design and innovation. The tandem OLED display is a game-changer, the thin and light design is impressive, and the M4 chip offers immense potential. The advancements in the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard further enhance the user experience for creative tasks and productivity.
However, its premium price tag and the continued limitations of iPadOS mean it won't be the ideal device for everyone. For those with specific professional workflows that can take advantage of its unique capabilities, or users who highly prioritize the tablet form factor and the best possible display, the M4 iPad Pro is a compelling option. For others, a MacBook Air or even the less expensive iPad Air might offer a more balanced and cost-effective solution.
The true potential of the M4 iPad Pro may yet be unlocked with future software updates from Apple. As we await the announcements from WWDC and subsequent iPadOS releases, the question of whether this is truly "Peak iPad" for the masses remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the 2024 iPad Pro sets a new benchmark for tablet hardware, even if its software still has some catching up to do.