M4 iPad Pro Impressions: Well This is Awkward

Summary

Apple's recent event introduced a slew of new iPad updates, with the iPad Air and iPad Pro receiving significant attention. The new iPad Air now features an M2 chip, increased storage, and a relocated webcam, while the iPad Pro boasts the M4 chip, making it the thinnest Apple device ever. Both iPads now offer OLED displays with a tandem OLED technology that achieves high brightness levels. Additionally, a new Apple Pencil Pro with haptic feedback and a redesigned magnetic charging system was announced, along with an updated Magic Keyboard. Despite the impressive hardware, the software capabilities remain similar to previous models, and the event's timing before the anticipated WWDC software updates leaves users in an awkward waiting period. MKBHD also launched a new line of wallets in collaboration with Ridge, offering a modern take on carrying cash and cards.

Takeaways

• 📅 Apple held a 30-minute event announcing new iPad models, which is the longest gap since their last update.
• 🚀 The new iPad Air upgrades from the M1 to the M2 chip and introduces new colors and larger storage options.
• 📱 The iPad Air now comes in two sizes: 11-inch and a new 13-inch model, with a slight increase in screen size.
• 🔍 The iPad Pro models have been made significantly thinner, with the 11-inch at 5.3mm and the 13-inch at 5.1mm, making them the thinnest Apple devices ever.
• 💻 The iPad Pro is the first device to feature the new M4 chip, offering more power efficiency and improved CPU and GPU performance.
• 🔦 The new iPad Pro models feature an OLED display, with a tandem OLED technology for high local brightness and vibrant colors.
• 📜 A nanotexture matte version of the iPad Pro is announced, which offers better reflection handling but may compromise sharpness and contrast.
• ✏️ A new Apple Pencil Pro is introduced with a haptic motor, squeeze sensor, and gyroscope for precision, but it's only compatible with the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models.
• 💰 A new Magic Keyboard is released, featuring a larger trackpad, function row, and faster pass-through charging.
• 🤖 Despite the hardware improvements, the software capabilities of the iPads remain the same, with many powerful features underutilized due to the limitations of iPad OS.
• 📈 The announcement comes ahead of WWDC, where Apple is expected to reveal new software updates that could potentially enhance the utility of these new iPads.

Q & A

What was the main topic of Apple's recent 30-minute event?

The main topic of Apple's recent event was the announcement of new iPad products.

How long has it been since Apple last updated anything related to the iPad?

It has been the longest duration Apple has gone without updating anything iPad related.

What is the new chip in the updated iPad Air?

The new iPad Air is upgraded from the M1 to the M2 chip.

What are the new sizes for the iPad Air models?

The new sizes for the iPad Air models are 11-inch and 13-inch.

What is special about the new iPad Pro models?

The new iPad Pro models are the thinnest Apple devices ever made, featuring an M4 chip, and an OLED display with a tandem OLED technology for high brightness.

How much faster is the GPU in the M4 chip compared to the M2 chip?

The GPU in the M4 chip is up to four times faster than the M2 chip.

What is the name of the new display technology used in the iPad Pro models?

The new display technology used in the iPad Pro models is called a tandem OLED display.

What is the peak full screen brightness and peak HDR brightness of the new OLED display on the iPad Pro?

The new OLED display on the iPad Pro has 1,000 nits of peak full screen brightness and 1,600 nits of peak HDR brightness.

What is the new feature of the Apple Pencil Pro?

The new Apple Pencil Pro has a haptic motor, a new squeeze sensor for activating tools in apps, and a new gyroscope that makes it rotation sensitive.

Which iPad models is the new Apple Pencil Pro compatible with?

The new Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with the newest recently announced iPad Pro and iPad Air models.

What is the name of the new keyboard introduced for the iPad?

The new keyboard introduced for the iPad is called the Magic Keyboard.

What is the anticipated software update event that might bring more features to the iPad?

The anticipated software update event is WWDC, Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference, where they are expected to update iOS and iPad OS.