Apple announced upgrades to its iPad product line, including introducing a new M4 processor into its Pro models and improving the display with OLED technology. The new Pro models come in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes with OLED panels for exceptional brightness and nano-texture glass to reduce glare. The new displays are lauded as the best screens ever used on a tablet by analysts, making the creative process more realistic.
The M4 silicon chip introduced in the new iPad Pro models is built on second-generation three-nanometer technology, making it more power-efficient than its predecessors. Apple claims that the M4 delivers 50% faster CPU performance than the previous M2 chip and four times better overall performance. The inclusion of the M4 in the iPad Pro signals Apple’s belief in the device as a powerful creative tool that mirrors functionality typically seen on PCs.
Industry experts see the introduction of the M4 in the iPad Pro as a strategic move by Apple to position the iPad as a main computing option for users, not just a supplementary device. The decision to release professional apps on the platform further strengthens the iPad’s position as a creative powerhouse, encouraging third-party developers to create applications for the device.
The iPad Pro, along with other models like the iPad Air, will feature upgraded accessories such as a new “magic” keyboard and Apple pencil. The new accessories offer enhanced features like function keys, an aluminum palm rest, and a larger trackpad for improved user experience. The Apple pencil now includes a sensor that activates a tool palette on the iPad screen by squeezing the stylus, allowing for more precise usage.
Apple’s decision to introduce the M4 processor in the iPad Pro may be a response to declining sales numbers in the first six months of fiscal 2024. By enhancing the performance and capabilities of the iPad lineup, Apple aims to reverse the downward trend in sales and emphasize the device’s importance as a computing platform for consumers.
Overall, the upgrades to the iPad lineup, including the introduction of the M4 chip, OLED displays, and improved accessories, position the devices as powerful tools for creative professionals and mainstream users alike. The advancements in technology and performance signal Apple’s commitment to innovation and growth in the tablet market.