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Analysis of the Apple iPad Pro M4: Features, Design, and Market Impact

GOOVER DAILY REPORT June 30, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Technical Specifications of the iPad Pro M4
  3. Design and Build Quality
  4. Accessory Integration
  5. Software and Operating System
  6. Pricing and Market Impact
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • This report provides a detailed analysis of Apple's latest iPad Pro M4, released in 2024. The primary focus is on the hardware, design, and market impact of the device. Major upgrades include the introduction of the M4 chip, which delivers 1.5x faster CPU performance and advanced AI capabilities, and the new 'Ultra Retina HDR' OLED display. The iPad Pro M4 also offers diverse connectivity options, enhanced accessory integration with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro, and improved multimedia experiences. Design improvements such as thinner and lighter builds and a landscape-first orientation mark significant advancements. Market analysis suggests strong anticipation and positive reception, despite higher price points.

2. Technical Specifications of the iPad Pro M4

  • 2-1. M4 Chip Performance

  • The Apple iPad Pro M4 is the first device to feature the new M4 chip. This chip incorporates up to 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, delivering up to 1.5x faster CPU performance compared to its predecessor, the M2 chip. The GPU comprises 10 cores, supporting Dynamic Caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing for enhanced graphics performance. Additionally, the M4 chip has a Neural Engine with 16 cores capable of 38 trillion operations per second, making it highly efficient for AI tasks. The advanced Media Engine in the M4 chip supports AV1 decode for more power-efficient playback of high-resolution video experiences from streaming services.

  • 2-2. Display Technology

  • The iPad Pro M4 features Apple’s new ‘Ultra Retina HDR’ display, which is the first OLED screen in an iPad. The display is composed of twin OLED panels that achieve up to 1000 nits of full-screen brightness for both SDR and HDR content, and up to 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content. This technology, referred to by Apple as Tandem OLED, enables sub-millisecond control over each pixel's color and luminance, providing a high level of extreme dynamic range. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch models support a 10 to 120 Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate.

  • 2-3. Connectivity Options

  • The iPad Pro M4 supports a range of connectivity options, including USB-C with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 support for up to 40 Gb/s data transfer speeds, enabling compatibility with external displays, such as Apple’s 6K Pro Display XDR. It also includes Wi-Fi 6E for improved wireless performance and optional 5G connectivity on cellular models. These connectivity features make it highly versatile for various professional and personal uses.

  • 2-4. Storage and RAM Configurations

  • The iPad Pro M4 offers multiple storage options, starting from 256GB and scaling up to 2TB, with corresponding RAM configurations. The 256GB and 512GB models come with 8GB of RAM, while the 1TB and 2TB models are equipped with 16GB of RAM. This substantial memory configuration ensures smooth performance even while running demanding applications like advanced video editing software.

3. Design and Build Quality

  • 3-1. Thinner and Lighter Build

  • The new Apple iPad Pro models, available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, are the thinnest devices Apple has ever produced. The 11-inch model is 5.3mm thick and weighs 0.44kg (0.98 pounds), while the 13-inch model is 5.1mm thick and weighs 0.58kg (1.28 pounds). Despite their reduced thickness, Apple ensures that both models maintain the same structural integrity as previous iterations, emphasizing their strength. The devices are made from 100% recycled aluminum and are available in two color options: Silver and Space Black.

  • 3-2. OLED Display with High Brightness

  • The iPad Pro is the first in its line to feature an OLED display, branded by Apple as the 'Ultra Retina XDR'. The display is composed of two OLED panels stacked together which enables higher brightness. Users can expect up to 1000 nits of full-screen brightness for both SDR and HDR content and peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits. The screen also supports an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, enhancing the overall visual experience. Additionally, the display's nano-texture coating helps reduce glare while maintaining image quality and contrast.

  • 3-3. Landscape-First Design

  • For the first time, Apple has designed the iPad Pro with a landscape-first orientation in mind. This design choice positions the front-facing 12MP camera and Face ID system for optimal use in landscape mode, catering to users who primarily use their tablets in this orientation, such as for video calls or media consumption. This shift marks a significant change in the usability and functional design of the device.

4. Accessory Integration

  • 4-1. Magic Keyboard Features

  • The new Magic Keyboard introduced alongside the iPad Pro M4 is designed exclusively for the Pro series. This keyboard comes with a new row of function keys and includes haptic feedback to improve the typing experience, making it feel more like typing on a MacBook. The keyboard is priced at $299 for the 11-inch model and $349 for the 13-inch model.

  • 4-2. Apple Pencil Pro Enhancements

  • The Apple Pencil Pro, priced at $129, introduces several new features that enhance its functionality. It includes haptic feedback, which offers a responsive feel during use. Additionally, it supports a new 'hover' mode, allowing more precise control and interaction with the screen. The Pencil Pro also features customisable options through 'Barrell roll' and 'squeeze' support for rotating objects and changing brushes or functions during use. Moreover, it supports Apple's 'Find My' network, making it easier to locate if misplaced.

  • 4-3. Advanced Multimedia Experiences

  • The iPad Pro M4 enhances multimedia experiences significantly. It now features a 12MP front camera and a 12MP rear camera capable of 4k/60fps video recording and equipped with a LiDAR scanner. The device also comes with quad speakers for improved audio quality and a four-microphone array. Apple has also introduced updates to its Final Cut Pro video editing application, which now supports external storage devices and live multicam recording, leveraging the increased power of the M4 chip.

5. Software and Operating System

  • 5-1. iPadOS Version

  • The 2024 iPad Pro M4 ships with iPadOS 17.5. This software version includes a build number of 21F84, available for update right out of the box. The release notes of iPadOS 17.5 mirror those of iOS 17.5 with a unique enhancement for the new 2024 iPad models, including improved document scanning capabilities. The update introduces an 'adaptive True Tone flash' feature where the camera identifies if a document is the focus, then automatically captures multiple images with the adaptive flash, combining them to eliminate shadows for a clearer scan.

  • 5-2. Enhanced Camera Features

  • The new iPad Pro M4 cameras have significant updates focusing on both hardware and AI-enhanced functionalities. The new 2024 models feature a 12MP wide camera and replace the previous 10MP ultra-wide camera with a reinforced LiDAR scanner offering superior depth sensing capabilities. A key addition is the 'adaptive True Tone flash', which uses AI to enhance document scanning by taking multiple images and removing shadows, ensuring higher clarity in scanned documents. The front TrueDepth camera system has been moved to a landscape orientation, optimizing it for video calls and FaceTime. This orientation effort ensures better alignment and usage comfort when the device is in landscape mode.

  • 5-3. AI and Neural Engine Capabilities

  • The iPad Pro M4 comes equipped with an advanced AI system powered by Apple’s M4 chip. This chip has a Neural Engine capable of 38 trillion operations per second, significantly enhancing the device’s AI processing power. This improvement, as noted by Apple, makes the Neural Engine in M4 more powerful than any neural processing unit found in AI PCs as of now. The AI capabilities facilitate tasks such as isolating a subject from its background in 4K video using the 'Scene Removal Mask' in Final Cut Pro, showcasing the device’s strong performance in both professional and creative applications. The enhanced AI also improves power efficiency, providing robust performance at reduced energy consumption compared to previous generations.

6. Pricing and Market Impact

  • 6-1. Pricing Models and Configurations

  • The new iPad Pro M4 is available in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. Pricing for the 11-inch model starts at $999 for the Wi-Fi variant and $1,199 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant. The 13-inch model starts at $1,299 for the Wi-Fi version and $1,499 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version. The models are available with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Comparatively, these prices represent an increase over the previous 2022 models, with the 11-inch model being $200 more expensive and the 13-inch model $200 more expensive than their predecessors.

  • 6-2. Market Reception and Sales Expectations

  • The market reception for the iPad Pro M4 reflects high anticipation and positive initial responses. Despite the higher price point, the advanced features and superior performance of the M4 chip and OLED display are expected to attract a broad user base. This includes professionals and creative users who prioritize high performance and cutting-edge technology. Initial sales data suggest strong demand, bolstered by the device's immediate availability through major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.

  • 6-3. Comparative Analysis with Previous Models

  • The iPad Pro M4 offers several significant improvements over its predecessor, the iPad Pro M2. It comes with the M4 chip, the first Apple device to feature this chip, which provides 1.5x faster CPU performance while using half the power compared to the M2. It also includes a new OLED display with up to 1000 nits of full-screen brightness and 1600 nits peak HDR brightness, a notable upgrade from the LCD displays used in previous models. Additionally, the new iPad Pro is thinner and lighter, making it the thinnest Apple product ever at 5.1mm for the 13-inch model and 5.3mm for the 11-inch model. Other improvements include enhanced accessories like the new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro, and substantial camera updates, with better low-light performance and a landscape-oriented front camera for improved video calls.

7. Conclusion

  • The Apple iPad Pro M4 signifies a major advancement in tablet technology, driven by the powerful M4 chip and Ultra Retina HDR OLED display, elevating both performance and visual experience. The enhancements in accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro further enhance user productivity and creativity. While the initial market response is positive, reflecting high anticipation, the higher price could be a limiting factor for wider adoption. The future of the iPad Pro M4 looks promising, with potential to set new standards in professional and casual tablet usage. However, longitudinal market data is needed to fully understand the device’s long-term impact. The practical applications of these upgrades suggest a significant shift towards more efficient and versatile tablet use in various fields.

8. Glossary

  • 8-1. M4 Chip [Technology]

  • The M4 chip is Apple's latest processor, boasting enhanced CPU and GPU performance, significantly improved AI capabilities, and better power efficiency. It plays a crucial role in the new iPad Pro's improved performance and user experience.

  • 8-2. OLED Display [Technology]

  • The OLED display provides high brightness levels and better content immersion, contributing to a superior visual experience. It is a key feature in the new iPad Pro models, emphasizing Apple's commitment to high-quality displays.

  • 8-3. Magic Keyboard [Product]

  • The new Magic Keyboard is an accessory for the iPad Pro that includes haptic feedback and enhanced functionalities. It improves user experience, making typing and interaction more intuitive.

  • 8-4. Apple Pencil Pro [Product]

  • The Apple Pencil Pro features enhanced sensitivity and haptic feedback, making it an essential tool for artists and professionals using the iPad Pro. It enriches the creative possibilities of the new tablet.

9. Source Documents