Tag: iPad Pro

April 14, 2025
Mark Gurman: iPadOS 19 to Bring New macOS Features This Year
Key Takeaways
1. Apple is positioning the iPad Pro as a laptop alternative with the new M4 chip in 11-inch and 13-inch models priced at $1,099.
2. Current limitations of iPadOS prevent the iPad Pro from providing a full desktop experience, unlike devices like the Surface Pro.
3. iPadOS 19 is expected to launch in September or October, aiming to make the system more similar to macOS.
4. The update will focus on enhancing app window management, multitasking, and overall productivity.
5. Specific details about the changes in iPadOS 19 have not yet been revealed.
Apple has been promoting the iPad Pro as a substitute for laptops for quite some time. With the introduction of the Apple M4 chip, which is available in both the 11-inch and 13-inch models (currently priced at $1,099 on Amazon), the likelihood of these pricey tablets replacing traditional laptops seems stronger than ever.
Limitations of iPadOS
However, the current restrictions of iPadOS still hinder the full potential of the iPad Pro. As we pointed out in our reviews of the iPad Pro 11 and 13 last year, Apple’s claims aside, the iPad Pro cannot yet deliver the same desktop operating system experience as the Surface Pro, even when using the ARM version of Windows 11.
Upcoming Changes
New insights from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg suggest that Apple is planning to bridge this gap with the launch of iPadOS 19. This update is expected to arrive in either September or October and aims to make the operating system “more like macOS” in three main areas.
Gurman indicates that iPadOS 19 will enhance app window management, building on the Stage Manager feature introduced three years ago. Additionally, the update is rumored to improve multitasking and overall productivity. Unfortunately, specific details about what these changes will entail have not yet been disclosed.
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Tags: Apple M4, iPad Pro, iPadOS 19
March 21, 2025
Moft Launches Origami-Style iPad Case with Stand
Key Takeaways
1. The Dynamic Folio is a new iPad case that allows for over 20 different viewing angles.
2. It lifts the iPad by 2 to 3 inches for better comfort while using the device.
3. Made from MOVAS-P vegan leather, it comes in Jet Black and Cement x Sapphire colors.
4. The case is compatible with a wide range of iPad models, including iPad Mini, Air, and Pro.
5. Pre-orders are available on Kickstarter, priced at $39 to $59, with shipping expected in May 2025.
The iPad is often seen as one of the top tablets available, but it has a drawback: it can’t stand at a good angle without a case. Many cases only offer one or two positions for the tablet, but Moft is trying to change that with their new product called the Dynamic Folio.
A New Kind of Case
The Dynamic Folio is an iPad case that has recently been launched on Kickstarter. This case sticks to the back of an iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, or iPad Mini using magnets and features a cover that folds over the display. What’s unique is that this cover can be folded in various ways, much like origami, allowing the iPad to be propped up in over 20 different angles.
Practical Features
Besides allowing the iPad to be set at different angles, the Dynamic Folio can lift the tablet by 2 to 3 inches above the table. This can help artists, creatives, and students work more comfortably. Additionally, it can be folded to create a stand for holding a smaller device, such as a smartphone, above the tablet.
Stylish and Versatile
Constructed from MOVAS-P vegan leather, the Dynamic Folio comes in two stylish colors: Jet Black and Cement x Sapphire (which has a gray side and a light blue side). It works with a wide range of devices, such as iPad 10, iPad 11, iPad Air 4, iPad Air 5, iPad Air M2 (both 11″ and 13″), iPad Air M3 (both 11″ and 13″), iPad Pro 11 starting from the 2nd Gen, iPad Pro 13 from the 4th Gen on, iPad Mini 6, and iPad Mini 7.
Pricing and Availability
The Dynamic Folio can be pre-ordered on Kickstarter for $39 (Mini), $45 (11-inch), or $59 (13-inch). These prices are for early supporters and might change later. Shipping is anticipated to begin in May 2025.
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Tags: Dynamic Folio, iPad Pro, Moft
February 5, 2025
Apple M5 Starts Mass Production at TSMC’s N3P Node
Apple’s new chip for laptops and tablets, called the M5, has begun mass production. This means we can expect it to be available around mid to late 2025, probably with either an iPad Pro or a MacBook Pro. Unlike earlier reports suggested, it won’t utilize TSMC’s N2 node but will rely on the N3-based N3P instead. This choice should provide a 5% boost in performance and enhance power efficiency by up to 10%.
Improvements in Design
Even though it won’t feature TSMC’s cutting-edge N2 gate-all-around technology (Nanosheets), the Apple M5 will include several significant upgrades. Among these is the SoIC-mH (System-on-Integrated-Chips-holding-Horizontal) packaging, enabling a more compact design. Additionally, the new substrate design will permit more chips to be stacked vertically, making the architecture more efficient. The report also hints at the introduction of an Apple M5 Ultra chip.
Future Production Plans
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo hinted at the M5 Ultra’s production starting in 2026, signaling a comeback of the Ultra-branded chips from Apple after a two-generation gap. Kuo also mentioned that the Apple M5 will uniquely separate the unified CPU and GPU, which could be a strategic move to enhance AI performance—an area that has gained significant attention recently.
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Tags: Apple M5, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro
January 23, 2025
New OLED iPad Pro Expected Before Late 2025 Release
The latest iPad Pro models are still fresh in the market, having been introduced less than a year ago with their sleek 11-inch and 13-inch OLED screens (curr. $1,195 on Amazon) in May 2024. Apple has also upgraded the iPad Pro range by equipping it with the powerful 10-core M4 chipset, which we have tested in both the 11-inch and 13-inch versions.
New Developments on the Horizon
A new report from The Elec hints that the 8th-generation iPad Pro is already in the works, with plans for mass production of new display driver ICs (DDIs) set to begin in April or May, depending on regulatory approvals. The Elec notes that while Apple’s main choice for DDI sourcing is LX Semicron, there is a possibility that they might revert to Samsung’s System LSI subsidiary if LX Semicron does not secure the necessary approvals by March.
Timelines and Expectations
As a result, The Elec believes there will be no significant delays in the 8th Gen iPad Pro’s development. The report does not provide clear timelines for release, but historically, Apple has taken between one year to eighteen months to refresh the iPad Pro lineup. Considering that mass production is likely to begin only after the 7th generation models celebrate their first year, we are skeptical that the new models will be officially launched before the summer.
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Tags: iPad Pro, M4 chipset, The Elec
January 20, 2025
Apple MacBook Air OLED Delay for Improved LCD Model
According to a report from Omdia Research dated February 2024, the MacBook Air was originally set to get an OLED panel upgrade in 2027, following the MacBook Pro’s upgrade by a year. However, recent information from The Elec’s sources indicates that these plans have been delayed: the OLED version of the MacBook Air is now expected to launch in 2029.
Reasons for the Delay
The main reason for this shift is the slow sales of the iPad Pro featuring the OLED display. Apple projected to sell 10 million units, but in reality, only 6 million units were sold last year. This shortfall is likely attributed to the high cost of the tandem OLED panel, which led to a higher retail price. To fill the gap until the MacBook Air’s release, Apple is said to be planning an upgrade to a more advanced LCD in 2027. The new model is expected to feature an oxide LTPS panel, replacing the current MacBook Air’s a-Si TFT.
Expected Improvements
While these panels may be more costly, they usually offer benefits like better response times, improved color accuracy, and reduced power usage. In our thorough assessment, the current MacBook Air provides a commendable 98.4% coverage of the DCI-P3 color spectrum and a contrast ratio of 1250:1. However, its response time of 34.5 ms is only average. Even when the MacBook Air is anticipated to have an OLED panel in 2029, analysts predict that Apple will likely go with a traditional 60 Hz panel without a tandem design to keep costs down.
Overall, it seems like the path ahead for the MacBook Air will involve some changes, but not the upgrades that were initially hoped for.
Source:
Link
Tags: iPad Pro, MacBook Air, OLED
November 29, 2024
Future iPad Air and MacBook Air OLED Release Roadmap
Rumors about Apple planning to use OLED screens in its iPad and MacBook lines have been circulating for quite some time. There have been indications that OLED versions of the iPad Air and iPad Pro were in development since the start of this decade. However, global supply-chain problems have been mentioned as one of the factors delaying the launch of these OLED iPads.
Apple’s Progress with OLED
Recently, Apple has taken a step forward in what Hyundai Motor Securities refers to as its anticipated OLED strategy. As shown in the image below, the company made progress in the spring by launching the new iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 13 (currently priced at $1,099 on Amazon). Sadly, Hyundai Motor Securities suggests that Apple isn’t likely to introduce OLED displays in upcoming iPads and MacBooks any time soon.
Future OLED Models
In line with the latest rumors, the South Korean investment firm predicts that the iPad mini and MacBook Pro will be the next devices to get OLED upgrades, but not until 2026. Following these releases, the long-awaited iPad Air may arrive in 2027, with the MacBook Air possibly coming the year after. Interestingly, including the MacBook Air in this timeline conflicts with another recent report from South Korea, which we have discussed in a different piece.
Source: Link
Tags: Apple, iPad Pro, OLED displays
October 27, 2024
Apple M5 iPad Pro Launch Expected Late Next Year, Analyst Says
Right now, everybody is focused on the upcoming launch of the Macs powered by the M4 chip. Apple has just shared that starting Monday, they will begin unveiling a range of announcements related to Macs, which will probably include some details about the M4 models.
High-End Variants
The more advanced M4 Pro and M4 Max versions are all set to enhance the MacBook Pro range. The newly designed Mac mini will feature the M4 and M4 Pro chips, while the 24-inch iMac refresh will stick to the regular M4 processor.
Speculation on the M5 SoC
However, talk about Apple’s next-generation M5 chip has already started popping up online. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that the M5 could make its first appearance in a future iPad Pro, expected to launch toward the end of next year. It’s quite intriguing that Apple might introduce its M-series technology in iPads before Macs, which may highlight the company’s increasing focus on efficiency rather than just performance.
Performance of the M4
This isn’t to say that the M4 chip lacks power – it’s an extremely fast chip that excels even in the slim 5.1 mm-thin iPad Pro. The M4 is over 20% quicker in both single-core and multi-core tasks compared to its predecessor, even with the limitations of a passively cooled system. In recently leaked benchmarks for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, the M4 significantly outperformed the Intel Core Ultra 9 288V, boasting a 60% advantage in multi-core tasks.
Little details are available about what the M5 might offer, as it’s still more than a year away. Additionally, compared to its other products, Apple’s progress in silicon is often kept under wraps. Keeping this in mind, we probably won’t have much insight into the features of the M5 until it’s ready for announcement.
Mark Gurman, Bloomberg
Tags: iPad Pro, M4 Mac, Mark Gurman
September 29, 2024
M4 14-inch MacBook Pro Box Leaks: Memory Upgrade & 10-Core CPU
Over the last few months, there has been a flood of leaks and speculation about what Apple might unveil at its anticipated October event. While the company in Cupertino hasn’t officially announced the event, recent information and industry experts suggest it is likely, with M4-equipped MacBook Pros and entry-level iPads expected to be the highlights.
New MacBook Pro Packaging
Recently, a tweet from ShrimpApplePro featured an image that seems to show the packaging for the upcoming 14-inch MacBook Pro, which will include the M4 system on chip (SoC), 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. The authenticity of the image is still uncertain, but there hasn’t been any strong evidence to dispute it.
Upgraded Specifications
The packaging appears to confirm that Apple will increase the base model’s RAM to 16 GB. While it’s possible this box could belong to a customized version, that’s unlikely, as Apple typically doesn’t list the details for built-to-order (BTO) models on the outer packaging.
Additionally, prior reports indicated that the M4 MacBook Pros began mass production at the end of last month, making it plausible that they have already been packaged and could be ready to ship if the event occurs as expected.
Expected Lineup
The new M4 MacBook Pro lineup is rumored to include 14-inch and 16-inch models available in M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max configurations. With the rise of powerful processors from AMD and Intel, the anticipation for Apple’s M4 series is high among Apple enthusiasts. If the rumors about their upcoming release are accurate, we will soon see if Apple’s latest chips can outperform their x86 rivals or fall short.
Tags: Apple, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro M4
May 10, 2024
M4 iPad Pro vs M3 MacBook Pro: Speed Comparison Results
Apple has recently unveiled a range of new iPad Air and iPad Pro models, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. The latest models feature the powerful M2 and M4 chips, with a notable performance comparison showcased during Apple's presentation. Following the event, Geekbench benchmark results for the M4 iPad Pro surfaced on Twitter.
M4 iPad Pro Performance
According to Vadim Yuryev's tweet, the 2024 iPad Pro boasts an impressive single-core score of 3,767 and a multi-core score of 14,677. Apple had earlier claimed that the M4 chip offers a 1.5 times boost in speed compared to the M2 iPad Pro. Surprisingly, Apple chose to skip the M3 iPad Pro, introducing the M4 variant instead.
Enhanced Performance and Design
By bypassing the M3 version, Apple managed to achieve a significant performance leap of 25% in just 7 months with the M4 chip. The new M4 iPad Pro is highlighted as the most potent and thinnest iPad yet, a claim that appears to be substantiated by the Geekbench scores.
Impressive Specifications
The M4 iPad Pro demonstrates a 22% increase in single-core performance and a 25% improvement in multi-core performance. Notably, the M4 chip propels the 2024 iPad Pro past the 11-core 14-inch M3 Pro MacBook Pro in terms of speed. This remarkable performance enhancement becomes even more striking considering the slim 5.1mm form factor of the new iPad Pro.
Apple has tailored the M4 chip variants based on storage configurations in the latest iPad Pro lineup. Models with 256GB and 512GB storage options feature 3 performance cores, while the 1TB and 2TB models are equipped with 4 performance cores. This strategic approach underscores Apple's commitment to delivering cutting-edge performance in their devices.
Tags: Apple, iPad Pro, M4 Chip
May 9, 2024
2024 Apple iPad Pro: New Tandem OLED Display Explanation
For years, Apple iPads have been highly regarded for their exceptional Retina displays. However, with the latest iPad Pro series, Apple has elevated their game by introducing a novel display technology known as Tandem OLED. While not entirely new – as the Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design was the first smartphone to sport a Tandem OLED display – Apple has rebranded it as "Ultra Retina XDR" technology. This piece delves into the mechanics of this innovative display, delving into its advantages and elucidating why it signifies a substantial advancement for the iPad Pro.
Understanding Tandem OLED Technology
Tandem OLED technology is a cutting-edge display innovation that has now found its way into Apple's iPad Pro lineup. By combining multiple OLED layers, this technology enhances brightness, contrast ratios, and color accuracy, delivering an unparalleled visual experience. The Ultra Retina XDR display on the latest iPad Pro models leverages this technology to provide users with stunning visuals and lifelike colors.
Benefits of Ultra Retina XDR Technology
The adoption of Tandem OLED in the iPad Pro marks a significant improvement in display quality. Users can expect deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and improved energy efficiency compared to traditional LCD displays. The Ultra Retina XDR display is designed to meet the demands of creative professionals, offering exceptional color accuracy and dynamic range for tasks such as photo and video editing.
A Leap Forward for the iPad Pro
With the introduction of Ultra Retina XDR technology, Apple has once again raised the bar for display quality in its flagship tablet lineup. The enhanced visual capabilities of the iPad Pro not only cater to the needs of content creators and professionals but also enrich the overall user experience for anyone using the device. This advancement underscores Apple's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering top-tier technology to its customers.
This paraphrased article discusses how Apple has integrated Tandem OLED technology, rebranded as Ultra Retina XDR, into the iPad Pro lineup, highlighting its benefits and significance for users.
Tags: iPad Pro, OLED, Ultra Retina XDR