Everything You Need to Know about Apple’s iPad Event
Following its “Let Loose” event, Apple unveiled its first new iPad in almost two years. Not only were there iPads at the event, but we also got to see some upgraded software and redesigned accessories.
Here’s everything Apple announced.
All-New M4 Chip:
Apple has only released its M-series processors in tandem with another Mac since 2020. Since Apple revealed the brand-new M4 chipset that would be found within the upcoming iPad Pro, that is no longer the case.
The new chip is constructed using a second-generation three-nanometer technology, which increases speed and power efficiency by cramming more transistors into a smaller area. Four performance cores and six efficiency cores make up the CPU, which Apple claims offers up to 50% faster CPU performance than the M2 in the iPad Pro that came before it. For four times quicker performance, there’s also a 10-core GPU. It has the same characteristics as the M3, including dynamic caching, mesh shading, and ray tracing.
Both in February and, more recently, earlier this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook made references to the company’s upcoming AI features during its earnings calls. Even while Apple stayed away from AI-specific capabilities, the new M4 appears to be setting the foundation for AI.
Although it’s limited to the new iPad Pro right now, we may anticipate Apple integrating the technology into the Macs of the future generation.
An OLED iPad Pro:
The basic 11-inch iPad and the 13-inch iPad Pro are your options. Apple is using OLED panels instead of mini-LEDs for the first time, but this isn’t just any OLED screen. Tandem OLED, as Apple refers to its new display technology, is made up of two OLED layers that have been fused together. As a result, the screen becomes brighter and is referred to as Ultra Retina XDR. Although OLED panels don’t usually go as bright as LCD ones, Apple claims that the maximum brightness of these new iPads is between 1,000 and 1,600 nits.
A Bigger iPad Air:
Although it now comes in two sizes, the sixth-generation iPad Air doesn’t offer as many notable improvements as the iPad Pro. You can choose between an 11-inch or a 13-inch screen (for 30% extra screen real estate), just like with the new iPad Pro. In this way, if all you desire is a larger screen without the other capabilities, you can avoid paying for the Pro edition. (For instance, it lacks Apple’s ProMotion, which enhances screen refresh rate to 120 Hz to allow for more seamless interactions.)
With Touch ID built into the top button, a USB-C port, and thin bezels, Apple has stuck to the design it debuted back in 2020. The location of the selfie camera is the sole distinction.
The Apple Pencil Pro:
It appears that Apple has never been able to determine the Apple Pencil’s Goldilocks zone. Because the first-generation model uses a Lightning connector, you must take off the cap and clumsily insert it into the charging port on the iPad. The most feature-rich model is the second generation, although it costs a lot for what it is. Additionally, not every iPad model can use it. Furthermore, the USB-C version is confusing because, although it connects magnetically and lacks pressure sensitivity, it is incompatible with certain iPad models and does not offer wireless charging.
The newest product is the Apple Pencil Pro; these days, everything is “Pro.” With a matte surface and all, it has the same appearance as its predecessor, but it also has a few extra functions. Now, you may “squeeze” to reveal a new tool palette (double tapping is still possible), and the integrated haptic engine provides feedback as you squeeze. Even more control is available when you twist the pencil because of an integrated gyroscope sensor, which allows you to adjust the orientation of the tools you’re using.
A further feature that will please owners of Apple Pencils who frequently misplace them is support for Apple’s Find My network in the updated version. In the event that you misplace the Pencil Pro, you may now use the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to track it.
A New Magic Keyboard Case:
The original Magic Keyboard case was released in 2020, but since then, more affordable, more functional, and more durable alternatives have been produced by third-party accessory manufacturers including Brydge, Zagg, and Logitech.
Although the new, updated model from Apple is still somewhat expensive, it has some notable upgrades over the previous one. It now feels a lot like a MacBook thanks to the addition of a Function row (which provides access to settings like screen brightness), an aluminum palm rest, and a bigger trackpad with haptic feedback. Apple claims that it is also lighter and thinner.
Finally, Apple announced that it would be cutting the $449 basic price of the 10th generation iPad, which it first introduced in 2022, to $349. This implies that the 9th generation iPad from 2019 will probably start to go off shop shelves.
