Apple’s iPad Pro series has always set high standards in the tablet market, and the latest iPad Pro M4 is no exception. In 2024, Apple introduces an iPad that combines ludicrously good hardware with an ambitious aim to redefine what a tablet can do.
This review delves into the iPad Pro M4, exploring its stunning OLED display, powerhouse M4 chip, and advanced features designed for the creative industry.
While it may verge away from typical consumer needs, the iPad Pro M4 sets a new benchmark in the realm of tablets.
Introduction: The Evolving Role of the iPad Pro
The iPad Pro M4 isn’t just a step up from its predecessors; it’s a significant leap forward. Apple has crafted a device that’s not only thinner and lighter but also boasts a breathtaking OLED screen and unmatched processing power.
This review examines how these enhancements cater to both everyday tasks and the demanding needs of creative professionals.
Design and Build: Sleeker, Lighter, and More Durable
Aesthetics and Portability
The iPad Pro M4 is a marvel of modern engineering. At just 5.3mm thick and weighing up to 103g less than previous models, it’s impressively portable. The new design features a sleek, solid build that feels robust yet light. Despite its slim profile, the iPad Pro M4 remains sturdy, though a protective case is recommended for added safety.
Enhanced Usability Features
One notable design improvement is the repositioned Face ID selfie camera, now optimized for landscape mode. This change significantly enhances video call experiences, making the iPad Pro M4 more user-friendly for both professional and personal communications.
Display: The Pinnacle of Visual Excellence
Dual-Layered OLED Technology
The iPad Pro M4’s screen is a game-changer. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch models feature a dual-layered OLED display, offering full-screen brightness up to 1,000 nits and peak brightness of 1,600 nits in HDR content. This makes the display exceptionally bright, with deep blacks and vibrant colors that surpass many high-end TVs and monitors.
Color Accuracy and Professional Modes
For professionals requiring precise color accuracy, the iPad Pro M4 includes a special reference mode. This feature, combined with an optional antiglare nano-texture coating, ensures that the screen meets the exacting standards of film and photography professionals.
The display’s 120Hz refresh rate further enhances the smoothness of animations and interactions, making it ideal for creative work and media consumption.
Performance: The Mighty M4 Chip
Benchmark-Breaking Power
At the heart of the iPad Pro M4 is the new M4 chip, a powerhouse that offers 1.5 times the speed of the M2 chip found in earlier models. This performance leap places the M4 on par with the M3 Pro chip in Apple’s latest MacBook Pro, making it faster than most thin laptops on the market.
Multitasking and Creative Applications
The M4 chip excels in multitasking and running advanced applications. Whether it’s handling multiple documents, running sophisticated photo editing tools like Affinity Photo, or engaging in 3D modeling and video editing, the iPad Pro M4 delivers seamless performance. Its efficiency extends to gaming as well, where it provides smooth gameplay even in graphically intense titles.
Power Efficiency and Battery Life
Despite its immense power, the M4 chip is highly efficient, contributing to solid battery life. The 11-inch model offers up to 10 hours of usage, including around eight hours of multitasking and nine hours of HDR movie watching. The OLED screen’s power consumption varies with usage, but features like dark mode can help extend battery life during activities like writing.
Software: iPadOS 17.5 and Its Limitations
Improved Multitasking
iPadOS 17.5 brings enhancements to multitasking with features like Stage Manager, which streamlines app switching and multi-window operations. However, the iPad Pro M4’s hardware capabilities often outstrip what iPadOS can fully utilize, highlighting a need for more advanced software to unlock its full potential.
App Ecosystem
The iPad Pro M4 supports a vast app library, including many that leverage its advanced features. Creative professionals will find robust tools for 3D modeling, video editing, and digital art. Yet, the limitations of iPadOS mean that for some tasks, a traditional laptop might still be more versatile.
Accessories: Magic Keyboard and Pencil Pro
Magic Keyboard: A Laptop-Like Experience
The new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro M4 enhances its usability, transforming it into a more laptop-like device. Featuring an aluminum deck, a function key row, and a haptic feedback trackpad, the keyboard offers a premium typing experience. The 11-inch model’s combination with the Magic Keyboard is notably lighter than a 13-inch MacBook Air, further boosting its appeal as a portable productivity tool.
Apple Pencil Pro: Enhanced Precision and Functionality
The updated Apple Pencil Pro brings several innovations. It magnetically attaches to the iPad for charging and pairing and now includes a haptic motor for feedback on actions. The new squeeze function on the barrel adds shortcuts for tools and options, enhancing the productivity of creative professionals.
However, it’s important to note that the iPad Pro M4 does not support older versions of the Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard, necessitating new purchases for these accessories.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Premium Pricing for Premium Features
The iPad Pro M4 comes with a premium price tag, starting at £999 for the 11-inch model and £1,299 for the 13-inch model with 256GB of storage. 5G models and additional features like nano-texture glass further increase the cost.
When compared to other tablets and even laptops, the iPad Pro M4 is positioned at the high end of the market, reflecting its advanced capabilities.
Comparison with Other Models
Compared to the more affordable iPad models like the 10th-gen iPad or the iPad Air, the iPad Pro M4 is a significant investment. However, for users who need the advanced features and power it offers, the iPad Pro M4 is unmatched. Creative professionals, in particular, will find the value in its superior display, performance, and accessory ecosystem.
Sustainability and Repairability
Environmental Considerations
Apple has made strides in sustainability with the iPad Pro M4, incorporating at least 20% recycled materials in its construction. The tablet’s environmental impact is detailed in Apple’s comprehensive reports, and the company offers trade-in and recycling programs to promote responsible disposal.
Repairability
While Apple does not provide a specific lifespan for the iPad Pro M4’s battery, it should retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 500 full charge cycles. Battery replacements start at £175, and other repairs can be costly, with out-of-warranty repairs beginning at £819. Despite these costs, the iPad Pro M4 is designed to be repairable, ensuring longevity for its users.
Conclusion: Is the iPad Pro M4 Worth It?
The Ultimate Tablet for Creative Professionals
The iPad Pro M4 stands as a pinnacle of tablet innovation, with a stunning OLED screen, exceptional performance, and features that cater to the creative industry. It surpasses previous generations in almost every aspect, offering a tool that can handle the most demanding creative tasks with ease.
Overkill for Casual Users
For casual users, the iPad Pro M4 might indeed be overkill. Its advanced features and high price tag make it more suitable for those who need its full capabilities. For general browsing, media consumption, and everyday tasks, other iPad models or even the MacBook Air might be more practical choices.
Future-Proof Investment
However, for those who invest in the iPad Pro M4, it promises a future-proof device with a long software support life and the ability to handle evolving professional demands. It’s not just a tablet; it’s a powerful tool that blurs the line between tablet and laptop, offering unprecedented versatility and performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning dual-layer OLED screen with high brightness and color accuracy
- Blazing fast M4 chip
- Good battery life with efficient power usage
- Optional 5G connectivity and advanced USB4/Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Supports new Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
- Excellent speakers and Face ID integration
- Extensive app library and long software support life
Cons:
- Expensive, especially for general use
- No built-in kickstand, requiring a case for stability
- Lacks a headphone jack
- iPadOS still lags behind in some professional software capabilities
- New accessories required, incompatible with older versions
Final Verdict
The iPad Pro M4 is undeniably a remarkable device that pushes the boundaries of what a tablet can achieve. It’s a premium tool designed for professionals who need top-tier performance and display quality. While it may be overkill for the average consumer, for those in the creative fields, it offers unparalleled capabilities that justify its price.
As Apple continues to innovate, the iPad Pro M4 stands out as a testament to what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets thoughtful design.
