The M4 iPad Pro: Slightly Better
The brand-new M4 iPad Pro offers incremental improvements over its predecessor. It plays games, displays videos, and facilitates creative tasks with the familiar limitations of its lineage. But if you want the best iPad on the market, this is it. Having spent the last few weeks with the new iPad Pro, I've identified five notable upgrades—and one downgrade.
Slimmer, Lighter, and Still Stunning
The new 13-inch M4 iPad Pro is noticeably lighter, shedding about 100 grams compared to the previous model. At just 5.1 millimeters thin, it feels almost futuristic, as if it's barely thicker than a USB-C port. The new space black color option looks sleek, though it attracts fingerprints more than the silver variant. The overall design is hard to fault, especially if you're a tech enthusiast who appreciates cutting-edge aesthetics.
A Display to Die For
The standout feature of the M4 iPad Pro is its tandem OLED display. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits in HDR mode, it's one of the most color-accurate and vibrant screens available in consumer devices. Whether you're watching movies or browsing the web in bright sunlight, this display excels. The contrast and brightness levels are unmatched, making HDR content particularly impressive. It's clear that Apple has invested heavily in making this display a game-changer.
A Camera That Finally Gets It Right
One of the most welcome changes is the relocation of the FaceTime camera to the landscape side of the iPad. This seemingly small adjustment greatly improves video calling, making it feel more natural and comfortable. For those who often use their iPad in landscape mode, this change is a game-changer.
The M4 Chip: Power to Spare
The M4 chip inside the new iPad Pro is a powerhouse. Depending on the storage option you choose, you get either a 9-core or 10-core CPU with a corresponding 10-core GPU. Performance benchmarks show a significant leap over the M1 iPad Pro, with the M4 offering about 20-55% better performance in various tests. However, in everyday use, the difference between the M1 and M4 iPad Pro is less noticeable. Games might load slightly faster, and some advanced features like ray tracing are supported, but the overall experience remains largely the same.
Upgraded Accessories: Magic Keyboard Shines
The new Magic Keyboard for the M4 iPad Pro comes with several improvements. An aluminum keyboard deck replaces the previous rubbery material, promising better durability. The trackpad is larger, with a haptic touch feature similar to MacBooks, making it quieter and easier to use. A new function key row adds convenience, allowing easy access to screen brightness, volume, and media controls. However, the new cantilever hinge makes the iPad more top-heavy, which can be an issue when using it on your lap. Despite this, the keyboard is a solid upgrade.
The Downgrade: Audio Takes a Hit
Unfortunately, the push for thinness has led to a noticeable downgrade in the iPad's audio quality. The speakers on the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro lack the depth and richness of previous models. The reduced physical space inside the device means less bass and lower overall volume. This is a disappointment, especially considering how much Apple usually prioritizes audio quality.
Final Thoughts
The M4 iPad Pro is a premium device that does "iPad things" better than ever before, but it doesn't break new ground. The display and design are exceptional, and the performance is impressive, though not drastically different from previous models. The upgraded accessories are welcome, but the audio downgrade is a letdown.
For those who rely on their iPad for specific tasks or who need the absolute best hardware, the M4 iPad Pro is worth considering. However, if you're hoping for a device that can replace your laptop or offers revolutionary new features, you might be left wanting.
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