Apple’s M4 Chip: Revolutionizing the iPad Pro’s Design and Performance
Key Takeaways
- The 13-inch is a great addition to this popular model as it allows buyers to get more screen real estate and with that a more computer-like productivity device, without having to buy up to the Pro model.
- Apple is strategically positioning its silicon and hardware as the optimal platform for developing and showcasing AI-powered applications and services.
- Apple’s positioning of the iPad Pro as a creator-centric device makes sense, given the significant progress Macs have made in the business world since the launch of the previous iPad Pro model.
What’s Significant
Apple has just revealed the latest iteration of the iPad Air and iPad Pro. Both models emerge in two sizes: a mobile-friendly 11-inch model and a more expansive 13-inch variant. Additionally, Apple lowered the price of the iPad 10th generation by $100. These model and the iPad Mini make the most extensive line up the iPad has ever seen.
Let’s start with the iPad Air now powered by the M2 chip. For the first time, customers can choose between two sizes, making the iPad Air lineup more versatile and powerful than ever. The M2 chip brings considerable enhancements, featuring faster CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine capabilities, which elevate the iPad Air to a device capable of performing some AI tasks. The iPad Air models support the new Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Magic Keyboard. Available in new blue and purple finishes, in addition to the classic starlight and space gray, the iPad Air starts at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch. The 13-inch is a great addition to this popular model as it allows buyers to get more screen real estate and with that a more computer-like productivity device, without having to buy up to the Pro model. While adding Apple Pencil and Apple Magic Keyboard makes the price comparable to a MacBook Air there are users who prefer a touchscreen device and cellular connectivity. The app ecosystem including gaming available on iPad could make the iPad Air 13” a popular model in higher education.
The star of the show was of corse the new all new iPad Pro. A standout feature for these models is the Ultra Retina XDR display, powered by tandem OLED technology, basically two OLED panels placed back-to-back. The videos did not do the screen justice. The colors are deep and and rich and the screen is very vibrant making for a pretty amazing viewing experience.
Central to the iPad Pro’s enhanced capabilities is the introduction of the M4 chip. Apple positioned this next-generation silicon chip as the enabler of the device’s sleek design but also mentioned the leap in performance and thermo efficiency. The M4 chip integrates a new display engine, elevating the precision, color, and brightness of the Ultra Retina XDR display to unprecedented levels. Performance enhancements include a new CPU and a next-generation GPU, based on architecture first seen in the M3, alongside the most powerful Neural Engine to date. Apple had a little dig at the industry calling out that while others have been talking about NPUs in relation to the latest PC models, Apple has been doing NPUs for years, it just calls them Neural Engines. While Apple mentioned how the M4 can enable AI experiences, it did not provide the level of detail that people had been speculating leading into the event.
As I listened to the presentation, it became apparent that Apple is strategically positioning its silicon and hardware as the optimal platform for developing and showcasing AI-powered applications and services. While Apple did demonstrate its own AI capabilities through updates to Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, it would be misguided to expect the company to directly compete with offerings like Copilot or Gemini. It’s crucial to recognize the distinct differences in the business models and primary revenue drivers between Apple and its competitors. For Microsoft and Google, AI serves as a means to encourage cloud adoption and bolster their enterprise-focused services. However, this is not the domain in which Apple operates. Apple’s primary focus, whether in the consumer or enterprise space, remains on delivering value to users through the seamless integration of hardware and software. This approach is evident in the company’s efforts to enable both first-party and third-party developers to create compelling experiences within the Apple ecosystem. By establishing its silicon and hardware as the foundation for AI innovation, Apple is not simply following industry trends but rather forging its own path. This strategy allows the company to capitalize on its strengths in developing intuitive and powerful tools that enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience.
And creators were certainly top of mind with the new iPad Pro, as Apple heavily emphasized the device’s capabilities in video capture, music production, and digital art. The latter also supported by the new Apple Pencil Pro. The introduction of the new display also highlights the iPad Pro’s potential for enhanced content consumption. Apple’s decision to position the iPad Pro as a creator-centric device makes sense, given the significant progress Macs have made in the business world since the launch of the previous iPad Pro model. With the Mac taking care of every day’s productivity allows the iPad Pro to be more focused. This targeted approach shows Apple’s understanding of the evolving needs of its user base. Instead of trying to be an all-in-one productivity device, the iPad Pro now stands as a specialized tool designed to cater to the specific requirements of creators across various disciplines. The iPad Pro has the potential to become a preferred tool for artists, musicians, filmmakers, and designers, enabling them to explore new creative avenues and produce compelling work with the support of AI.
Apple opened its video today with Tim Cook saying “today is all about the iPad” followed by a quick update on how Vision Pro has been used in business. While I am sure the script was design that way cause it made sense, there is no doubt in my mind that there is a very tight relationship between the iPad Pro and Vision Pro and not just cause Vision OS is based on iPad OS. Apple will learn a lot from the M4 in the iPad Pro before it will eventually make its way in the Vision Pro the same path as content and apps will also follow.
WWDC is only a month away and I am sure we will see more about how iPad OS will take advantage of the M4 as well as how else AI will show up across products.