5 Weird iPad Pro (M4) Decisions

Summary

In this video, the reviewer compares the new M4 iPad Pro with the previous M1 model, noting that the experience remains largely unchanged despite the M4's enhanced performance. The script highlights Apple's design choices, such as the iPad's new slimmer profile and improved battery life, while also discussing the removal of the ultra-wide camera and changes in speaker quality. The reviewer also delves into the iPad's hardware capabilities, the M4 chip's potential, and the introduction of the new Pencil Pro, emphasizing the need for a new iPad to utilize its features fully. The summary concludes with anticipation for iPadOS updates that might better utilize the M4's capabilities.

Takeaways

• 📱 The new M4 iPad Pro offers a similar user experience to the M1 model, with no significant functional differences for everyday tasks.
• 🔍 Apple made the new iPad Pro thinner, possibly to compete with Samsung's Galaxy Tab Ultra, going from 6.4 mm to 5.1 mm.
• 🔋 Despite being thinner, the 11" M4 iPad Pro has a larger battery than its predecessor, while the 13" model has a slightly smaller one, yet both maintain good battery life.
• 📸 The ultra-wide camera has been removed from the iPad Pro, leaving a single camera, LiDAR, and flash.
• 🎵 The new iPad Pro's speakers are less bassy due to the thinner design, although they remain among the best in any tablet.
• 📦 The packaging is more environmentally friendly, with no more plastic and no stickers included, but a white 20-watt charging brick still comes with every iPad.
• 💻 The iPad Pro is still seen as an overpowered tablet rather than a full-fledged computer, with Apple protecting the Mac lineup.
• 💾 The M4 chip in the iPad Pro is more powerful, but its peak performance is not utilized by many current applications, with some features coming later in the year.
• 🖥 The iPad Pro now offers different CPU core counts, RAM, and storage options based on the model, similar to how computers are stratified.
• ✏️ The new Apple Pencil Pro has additional features like Find My support and a squeeze sensor, but requires a new iPad Pro to function.

Q & A

What is the main difference in user experience between the M1 and M4 iPad Pro models according to the script?

The script suggests that the user experience between the M1 and M4 iPad Pro models is almost exactly the same, as the M1 model was already very powerful, smooth, and had great battery life, and the M4 model continues to deliver on all of these aspects.

Why did Apple decide to make the new iPad Pro thinner?

The script speculates that Apple might have been influenced by the thin design of Samsung's Galaxy Tab Ultra and wanted to make the iPad Pro stand out from previous generations by making it thinner, even though it may not have been a widely requested feature.

How does the battery life of the new M4 iPad Pro compare to the previous generation?

The new 11-inch M4 iPad Pro has a larger battery than the previous generation, and the new 13-inch model has a slightly smaller battery, but almost the same size as the previous year. This results in good battery life and standby time.

What is one feature that was removed from the new iPad Pro compared to the previous model?

The ultra-wide camera was removed from the new iPad Pro, leaving only a single camera, LiDAR, and a flash in the camera setup.

What changes did Apple make to the packaging of the new iPad Pro?

Apple removed stickers from the packaging and no longer uses plastic. They are also trying to ship less stuff, but still include a white 20-watt charging brick and a USB-C cable with every iPad.

Why does the script suggest that the iPad Pro is still considered an 'overpowered iPad' rather than a full-fledged computer?

The script implies that the iPad Pro is still seen as an 'overpowered iPad' because it does not offer significant functional differences from the iPad Air and Apple is protective of its Mac lineup, avoiding turning the iPad Pro into a full-fledged computer.

What is the significance of the M4 chip being introduced in the iPad Pro first?

The introduction of the M4 chip in the iPad Pro first signifies that it is a powerful chip with a second-generation 3-nanometer process and a larger, more powerful neural engine, but its full potential may not be utilized until software that can take advantage of its capabilities is developed.

What is the new feature of the Apple Pencil Pro that enhances the user experience for artists?

The new Apple Pencil Pro includes a squeeze sensor for selecting different tools, a new haptic motor for tactile feedback, and barrel rotation support for certain tools, along with a computer-generated shadow that matches the tool type in real time.

How does the new iPad Pro's Tandem OLED display differ from previous models?

The Tandem OLED display on the new iPad Pro is brighter and offers more contrast, with less blooming for HDR content. However, for regular SDR content and tasks, the difference may not be noticeable unless in direct sunlight at max brightness.

Why is the new Apple Pencil Pro only compatible with the new iPad Pro models?

The new Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with the new iPad Pro models because Apple moved the camera to the landscape side of the iPad, which required rearranging internal components to accommodate both the camera and the Pencil's charging and pairing mechanism.

What is the script's final verdict on the new M4 iPad Pro for those who already have a relatively new M1 iPad?

The script suggests that for those who already have a relatively new M1 iPad, the new M4 iPad Pro may not be necessary, as the improvements are not significant enough to warrant an upgrade for users who primarily perform standard iPad tasks.