There is a new iPad Pro on the horizon that’s going to mark a major leap for this otherwise dying product category. Rumoured to be announced at the upcoming Apple iPad event on May 7, 2024, the iPad Pro might introduce a big shift in how we perceive tablets going forward.
What started out originally as an iPhone with a larger screen has evolved into a youth-friendly computing device that also pampers the creative crowd with its advanced hardware and a capable suite of professional software. The iPad Pro has always led the charge with innovations while the rest of the models seek to bring the iPad’s benefits to the masses.
On May 7’s Let Loose event though, Apple is expected to push the iPad lineup towards a new direction that involves generative AI-based applications at the core. Driving its pursuit of AI will be the rumoured Apple M4 chip, of which we have very high expectations.
Besides the M4 chip, we expect Apple to introduce more upgrades to other crucial aspects of the iPad Pro, including its display.
Although Apple has yet to make any official revelations, this rumoured iPad Pro is shaping up to be a powerhouse.
Hence, if you were planning to get a power-packed tablet from Apple and have been keen on all the rumours and developments on the next-gen iPad Pro, buckle up as we take you on a ride exploring this upcoming flagship iPad.
AI-powered iPad Pro and its Apple M4 chip: What is the chatter about?
In short, the next-gen iPad Pro is shaping up to be the first major update since Apple dropped the M1 chip onto its flagship tablet. Here are the key aspects where Apple seems to be implementing notable changes, starting with the chipset.
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The Apple M4 chip
This came as a surprise late into the 7th Gen iPad Pro’s rumour belt. Up until now, it was widely known that Apple is likely to borrow the M3 chip from the recently updated MacBook Air lineup and give its iPad Pro a boost in performance. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says that Apple has bigger plans for the iPad Pro and a new M4 chip will be key to its future goals.
So what will the Apple M4 chip offer? Gurman says that since the iPad Pro will focus on AI, Apple is likely to give it superior neural computing capabilities. This will help the iPad Pro handle complex generative AI tasks with ease. The raw performance is largely expected to be on par with Apple’s M3 chip but there could be gains in terms of power efficiency, courtesy of Apple refining the 3nm platform.
Generative AI features to be the star of the show
Apple is late to the generative AI party and hence, it needs to do things differently when compared to its peers. With the AI-infused Apple M4 chip in place, the iPad Pro could be the first Apple device to be ready for the brand’s big Gen-AI push coming later in the year.
Rumours say that the upcoming iPad OS 18, along with iOS 18, will incorporate Gen-AI tightly into the Apple ecosystem and the iPad Pro will be ready to show the potential. From editing images in the Photos app to offering a summary of web pages and improving Siri’s conversations, generative AI will be a major draw for Apple’s 2024 products.
iPad joins the OLED train
The iPad Pro has opposed the OLED display technology for years and showcased greater promises for the miniLED display technology. However, Apple is rumoured to ditch the miniLED display panel in favour of the more colour-accurate and brighter OLED panels that serve the modern iPhones.
The OLED panel should offer high contrasts, greater outdoor brightness and legibility and better power efficiency over the outgoing model’s display panel. The ProMotion display technology is also expected to get a boost with an LTPO OLED panel.
New iPad, new accessories!
Apple currently sells premium-tier iPad accessories compatible with the iPad Pro and iPad Air models. With the next-gen iPad Pro, the Cupertino giant is rumoured to reveal exclusive new accessories. These include a redesigned Magic Keyboard as well as a next-gen Apple Pencil with magnetically swappable tips and haptic feedback for texture emulation.
While the idea of exclusive accessories may not be great news for those seeking compatibility of their new iPad Pro with older accessories, it could be beneficial for professionals dedicated to extracting the most out of their shiny new iPads.
Next-gen iPad Pro release date and its expected price
The next-gen iPad Pro with the Apple M4 chip is likely to be the star of the ‘Let Loose’ event scheduled on May 7, 2024. This will be likely accompanied by the rumoured 12.9-inch iPad Air as well as a generic mid-life refresh for other models.
As for the expected price, the iPad Pro will be generous with upgrades and hence, we can expect Apple to price it higher than what the outgoing models demand.
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(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Roberto Nickson via Unsplash)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are the specifications of Apple’s M4 chip?
The Apple M4 chip is rumoured to feature an advanced neural processing system for faster generative AI processes.
– When will the OLED iPad Pro launch?
The OLED iPad Pro is expected to be launched at the Let Loose event on May 7, 2024.
– What are the AI features of Apple’s M4 chip?
The Apple M4 chip is likely to feature a superior neural processing unit for faster AI processing.
