Apple Lets Loose With New M4 iPad Pros
But don't sleep on the Dark Horse! (13" M2 iPad Air)
Apple’s latest event, as ever generated a lot of noise in the tech world, with the iPad Pro taking centre stage. But will it live up to the hype? Let’s get into the details of the new iPad Pro and Air and see if they’re the perfect fit for you.
The iPad Pro: Powerhouse or Overkill?
The iPad Pro boasts some impressive specs. It features a gorgeous OLED display, the powerful M4 chip, and a sleek, thin design. On paper, it’s a beast. But is it worth the upgrade?
Here’s the thing: unless you’re a professional who pushes your iPad to the limits for tasks like video editing or 3D modelling, the extra power might not be necessary. The current M2 iPad Pro is still a powerhouse, and the iPad Air (we’ll get to that in a minute) is no slouch either!
Apple claims the iPad Pro isn’t just for pros anymore. That’s great, but the software experience (iPadOS) feels a bit outdated. While they showcased pro apps like Shaper 3D, the performance gains over the M2 iPad Pro seemed minimal.
Is Apple really that serious about productivity?
There are some interesting features, though. The M4 chip apparently consumes less power than the M2, which is a big deal for on-the-go users.
However, Apple’s claims about multitasking with features like Stage Manager feel a bit exaggerated. I think there are better options out there for serious multitaskers, but I am hopeful iPadOS 18 will change that.
The Display: A Beauty (But there’s a Catch!)
The new OLED display is undeniably stunning, offering vibrant colours and deep blacks. However, Apple pushes their anti-reflective “nano-texture glass” option heavily.
Here’s the catch: to get this glare-reducing glass, you have to buy the pricier 1TB iPad Pro, even if you don’t need that much storage. For someone who is only interested in the 256GB option, getting this display means forking out another $700!
Thankfully, there are screen protectors like Paperlike (I’m a user and big fan) that can reduce glare and offer a paper-like feel for drawing. On the M2 iPad Pro that I still use, this made a big difference without negatively impacting the experience.
This will be the first thing I try when I get my hands on the iPads in a few days, and if that means swerving an extra £700 for the anti-reflective screen, it will be well worth it!
The iPad Air: The Underdog Steals the Show?
While the Pro might be powerful, the iPad Air might be the real star of the show. It’s incredibly powerful with the M1 chip (which is still very capable), comes in a portable design, and starts at a reasonable price, especially with a student discount. My thought is the new 13-inch size is perfect for students or anyone who wants more screen space.
This iPad will likely be the best-selling option for a long time. It offers fantastic performance that will last for years, making it a great long-term investment. Plus, the price point is attractive.
We should wait and see but…
The event promised a major iPad revolution, but the jury is still out. The iPad Air is shaping up to be a crowd-pleaser, while the Pro feels like a niche upgrade for true professionals.
I will be putting both iPads through their paces, comparing them to other options on the market, such as the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
You can see my full review on my YouTube channel in a few days, where I’ll give you a detailed breakdown of their strengths, weaknesses, and who each iPad is best suited for.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for a powerful and portable iPad at a good price, the iPad Air might be the perfect choice.
But if you’re a pro user who needs the absolute best performance (and the better display!) the Pro might be worth considering.
The question I’d still ask is: How much better are the M4 iPad Pros, when comparing to the M2 iPad Pros?
As you can see in my M2 iPad Pro long term review, that is still a fantastic iPad!
Remember, the best iPad for you depends on your individual needs and budget. So if you can, I’d wait for the full reviews before making a decision! And I don’t mean the reviews that Apple sponsored (wink, wink)
