Tag: iPad Pro

  • Apple M5 Starts Mass Production at TSMC’s N3P Node

    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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  • New OLED iPad Pro Expected Before Late 2025 Release

    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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  • Apple MacBook Air OLED Delay for Improved LCD Model

    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.

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  • Future iPad Air and MacBook Air OLED Release Roadmap

    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.

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  • Apple M5 iPad Pro Launch Expected Late Next Year, Analyst Says

    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

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  • M4 14-inch MacBook Pro Box Leaks: Memory Upgrade & 10-Core CPU

    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.

    M4 14-inch MacBook Pro Box Leaks: Memory Upgrade & 10-Core CPU
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  • M4 iPad Pro vs M3 MacBook Pro: Speed Comparison Results

    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.

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  • 2024 Apple iPad Pro: New Tandem OLED Display Explanation

    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.

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  • iPad Pro Upgrade: M4 Chip Leap, Bypassing M3 Gen

    iPad Pro Upgrade: M4 Chip Leap, Bypassing M3 Gen

    Apple is gearing up for its upcoming event titled "Let Loose" on May 7th, where it is anticipated to unveil the latest iPad Pro lineup. While specific details are being kept confidential by the company, leaks circulating suggest that the new iPads will come packed with notable enhancements such as OLED displays, MagSafe charging support, and a performance uplift with the introduction of the M3 chip.

    Potential Shift to M4 Chip

    Insider Mark Gurman, in his recent Power On newsletter, hints at the possibility of Apple bypassing the M3 chip entirely and leaping straight to the M4 for the upcoming Pro iPads. If this speculation materializes, the forthcoming iPad Pro would mark the debut of Apple's M-series chip in devices. Gurman highlights that the upgraded Neural Engine of the M4 is expected to enhance the device's performance in AI-related tasks.

    Emphasis on AI Capabilities

    There is a likelihood that Apple will position the upcoming tablets as its "first truly AI-powered device," as per Gurman's insights. Nevertheless, detailed specifics regarding the new System on Chip (SoC) have not been disclosed yet.

    Enhanced Features and Accessories

    The overall design of the new iPad Pro is projected to maintain similarities with the current models, featuring two screen sizes: 11 inches and 12.9 inches. An exciting upgrade could be the integration of OLED displays. Moreover, Gurman hints at the introduction of an Apple Pencil with haptic feedback for the first time, potentially incorporating a Taptic Engine for vibrating feedback during tool transitions.

    Additionally, a revamped keyboard accessory could be on the horizon, boasting a larger trackpad and an aluminum deck akin to a MacBook keyboard, aiming to provide users with a more premium experience.

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  • New iPad Pro, iPad Air, Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil Launch Timeline Unveiled

    New iPad Pro, iPad Air, Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil Launch Timeline Unveiled

    As speculation surrounding updated iPad models grows, rumors about their release appear more and more reliable sources are hinting that early May 2024 might be their release timeframe.

    Potential Launch Window Revealed

    Mark Gurman from Bloomberg is known for providing accurate Apple-related information and predicted in his Power On newsletter that new iPads should make an appearance around May 6 – giving us approximately one month until their unveiling!

    Expected Updates And Enhancements (upgrades / upgrades )

    According to this leak, we can anticipate both an iPad Pro and Air, and enhancements for Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.

    Large Changes Are On The Horizon

    Gurman previously hinted at major updates coming soon to the iPad Pro, such as powerful M3 chips, MagSafe wireless charging capability and OLED displays available in both 11-inch and 13-inch variants – changes which would likely cause significant price hikes on Pro models.

    Gurman also suggests there may be ongoing development work relating to updates for both iPads and Minis; though these models might not make their appearance until sometime later this year.

    Given Apple’s anticipated early May launch date, it would be prudent to stay vigilant for official announcements by them.

    Now, Apple has revealed that WWDC 2024 will take place virtual from June 10th-14th and it is anticipated that Apple will demonstrate their strength in AI with new iOS 18 AI features as well as possible announcement of Mac products featuring M3 chips.

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