At Apple's "Let Loose" event, the company unveiled major upgrades for the iPad Pro and iPad Air, with a new Apple Pencil as icing on the cake.

Powered by the M4 Apple silicon, Apple’s latest iPad Pro delivers a dramatic leap in device capabilities and efficiency. The chip, developed with advanced 3-nanometer technology, balances power consumption and performance, which is critical for the tablet’s innovative features. The enhanced energy efficiency supports the new Ultra Retina XDR display, offering improved brightness and color vibrancy. The design of the iPad Pro has also been refined to be thinner and lighter, making it highly portable yet durable due to its 100% recycled aluminum construction. The combination of advanced processing power and state-of-the-art display technology sets new standards in the mobile device industry.

Designer: Apple

Apple’s M4 Chip Revolutionizes the New iPad Pro

The impressive features of the new iPad Pro hinge on Apple’s latest M4 chip. This next-generation technology enables the device’s ultra-thin design and outstanding display features. Far from a minor update, the M4 chip is a transformative element that significantly enhances performance and efficiency.

Built using second-generation 3-nanometer technology, the M4 chip is impressively efficient, aligning perfectly with the sleek and lightweight design of the new iPad Pro. Its advanced silicon architecture achieves high-performance levels with significantly reduced power consumption. Apple asserts that its new chip produces the same output as the previous M2 chip but uses only half the power. Additionally, it matches the performance of modern PC chips while consuming just a quarter of the power.

The M4 chip’s integration with the iPad Pro’s Ultra Retina XDR display is central to its impact. The chip’s new display engine revolutionizes the tablet’s visual output with precise detail, vibrant color, and dynamic brightness levels, setting a new mobile display standard. It also significantly improves processing power, featuring up to four performance cores and six efficiency cores, further enhanced by next-generation machine learning accelerators. These advances result in up to 1.5 times faster CPU performance than the M2 and up to four times faster performance in professional rendering applications like Octane.

Moreover, the M4 introduces sophisticated GPU capabilities not previously seen on iPads, including Dynamic Caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing. These features enhance both graphic rendering and efficiency, making complex visual tasks smoother and more responsive. The chip’s advanced Media Engine supports AV1 decoding, optimizing power efficiency for high-resolution video streaming, which benefits both media consumption and professional creative workflows.

Through these innovations, the M4 chip does more than just support the iPad Pro’s performance. It actively enhances it, making the device’s cutting-edge design and capabilities possible. Therefore, the M4 chip is not just a part of the new iPad Pro—it’s the very foundation that redefines what a mobile device can do.

Revolutionary Dual OLED Technology and Nano-Texture Glass: A Visual Feast

The new iPad Pro boasts the cutting-edge Ultra Retina XDR display, setting new benchmarks for visual quality with its advanced tablet display technology. This display uses tandem OLED technology, where two OLED panels are stacked, doubling the light output, enhancing brightness, and extending the display’s lifespan by reducing the strain on each panel. It achieves a remarkable full-screen brightness of 1000 nits, peaking at 1600 nits for HDR content, ensuring exceptional clarity and detailed visibility in various lighting conditions.

This setup enhances luminosity and allows for sub-millisecond adjustments in color and luminance, significantly improving the precision of HDR and the overall viewing experience. The display’s wide color range and swift response rates offer vibrant, lifelike colors and fluid motion, perfect for professional graphic work and entertainment. For professionals, particularly those working outdoors or in brightly lit conditions, the iPad Pro offers a nano-texture glass option. This feature, etched at the nanometer scale, significantly reduces glare while maintaining excellent image quality and contrast, which is essential for high-end, color-managed workflows.

The pairing of Apple’s M4 chip with the Ultra Retina XDR display is a crucial enhancement. It supports this advanced display technology with a new engine that fine-tunes color and brightness. This harmony between the chip’s capabilities and the display’s advanced technology not only heightens the user experience but also pushes the limits of mobile display technology. This makes the iPad Pro an indispensable tool for professionals and a top-tier device for general users seeking the very best in display performance.

Thinner, Lighter iPad Pro Redefines Portability with Advanced Materials and Optimized Camera Placement

The new iPad Pro excels in performance and display while also showcasing significant advancements in hardware design, enhancing both portability and functionality. Here’s an overview of the redesigned iPad Pro:

The latest models emphasize lightweight and slim profiles. The 11-inch iPad Pro is incredibly compact and light, weighing in at .98 pounds, making it an ideal companion for productivity and entertainment on the go. The 13-inch variant, despite its larger screen, maintains a surprisingly thin and light structure, weighing only 1.28 pounds. This makes it easier to carry, whether commuting or traveling.

Both models set new records in terms of slimness within Apple’s product lineup. The 11-inch version is only 5.3 mm deep, and the 13-inch model is even slimmer at 5.1 mm. This sleek form is achieved without compromising the device’s strength and durability, thanks to its construction from 100% recycled aluminum. This not only strengthens the iPad Pro but also underscores Apple’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The new iPad Pro models really step up the game with their cool design and practical features. They’re pushing what’s possible with tablets and even thinking about the environment. It’s a bit of a letdown that they skipped MagSafe this time around, but when you think about the tablet’s design, it kind of makes sense. All in all, these iPads keep Apple at the cutting edge, perfect for pros and tech lovers who want top-notch performance and easy-to-carry tech.

Enhanced iPad Pro Cameras: Superior Photo Quality and Smarter Video Calls

The camera capabilities of the latest Pro tablet from Apple have substantially improved. Furnished with studio-grade microphones for crystal-clear audio, the device amplifies both photography and video editing experiences. The Pro tablet’s 12MP rear camera seizes vibrant Smart HDR images and videos, presenting richer colors and more precise details, even in dim lighting. Besides, the innovative adaptive True Tone flash enhances document scanning. It employs AI to identify documents, automatically capturing several photos to remove shadows and flawlessly merging them for a pristine scan.

Turning to selfies and video calls, the front-facing TrueDepth camera now adopts a landscape orientation, optimizing the video call experience with the Ultra Wide 12MP camera and Center Stage technology. This setup ensures you remain in the frame effortlessly, even when moving, which is particularly beneficial when using accessories like the Magic Keyboard or simply holding the iPad. These intelligent enhancements significantly boost the versatility of the iPad Pro’s camera system.

I’m genuinely impressed with the new iPad Pro, especially with all the advanced features packed into it. Since I’m still using the iPad Pro M1, this new model seems like a delightful and worthwhile upgrade. The enhancements, from the M4 chip’s power efficiency to the stunning Ultra Retina XDR display with its dual OLED technology and nano-texture glass, all signal a major leap forward in design and functionality. Plus, the iPad’s sleeker, lighter build and the revamped camera system really speak to how much thought Apple has put into this iteration. We’re excited and anxious to get our hands on it and give it a thorough review. This could very well set a new standard for what we expect from tablets in terms of performance and portability. Moreover, the 13-inch model appears to be a potential laptop replacement, especially considering I’ve been contemplating getting a MacBook Air. This iPad Pro might just be the powerful, portable solution I’ve been looking for. The 11-inch model starts at $999, and the 13-inch model begins at $1,299. You can pre-order today, with availability starting on May 15, 2024.

The post New 2024 iPad Pro’s M4 and Dual OLED Display Outshine All Tablets! first appeared on Yanko Design.

Hold onto your hats, folks, because Apple’s “Let Loose” event on May 7 is shaping up to be a blockbuster! Following a history of groundbreaking innovations, Apple’s upcoming event promises to introduce the next chapter in the iPad saga with potentially game-changing new models. We’ve snagged some insider info from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, and it looks like Apple is ready to roll out not just one or two but four new iPad models, with a surprise fifth possibly in the mix. From sleek designs to powerful chips, Apple’s gearing up to impress us all.

Designer: Apple

As someone who’s still using a maxed-out M1 12.9-inch iPad Pro with 1TB of storage and WiFi + Cellular connectivity, I’m eagerly waiting on the next new iPad Pro. Let’s dive into the details of each model, highlighting their unique selling points and discussing who might benefit most from an upgrade.

iPad (ninth generation)

• Unique Selling Point: This model continues to feature the classic physical home button, appealing to users who prefer traditional navigation. It’s a familiar design with reliable performance.
• Upgrade Advice: Ideal for those using older iPad models who need a dependable device for everyday tasks like web surfing, streaming, and light productivity, without the complexity or cost of more advanced models.

iPad (10th generation)

• Unique Selling Point: Introduces a sleek, button-less design with a larger 10.9-inch screen, enhancing user interaction and visual engagement.
• Performance Leap: A significant upgrade in display and user interface makes it perfect for those who enjoy media consumption and need a bit more space for productivity apps.
• Upgrade Advice: This is great for users upgrading from older non-Pro models who prefer a more modern look and improved performance without stepping up to the Pro level.

iPad mini (sixth generation)

• Unique Selling Point: Despite its small size, the iPad mini does not compromise on performance, offering robust capabilities in a compact package that is easy to carry.
• Upgrade Advice: This model is ideal for those who travel frequently or need a powerful, portable device that can handle tasks on the go without the bulk of larger tablets.

iPad Air (11-inch and 12.9-inch models)

• Unique Selling Point: Now equipped with the M2 chip, these models bring near-pro performance at a more accessible price point. The design is expected to be sleek, inheriting the advanced aesthetics of previous iPad Pros.
• Upgrade Advice: This is a smart choice for those seeking a larger iPad that focuses less on cutting-edge technology but still offers substantial performance. It’s perfect for users like me who need a versatile device that bridges the gap between a conventional iPad and the high-end Pro model.

iPad Pro (11-inch and 12.9-inch models)

• Unique Selling Point: The new iPad Pro models, set to feature the cutting-edge M4 chip, are poised to be the most powerful iPads yet. They are designed to handle extremely demanding applications and multitasking with ease.
• Anticipated Features: Upgrades like OLED displays are expected to provide unmatched visual quality, making these models a top choice for professionals in creative fields. Additionally, I would speculate that an advanced optics camera system, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro, might be included, with capabilities to capture immersive videos that could synergize with devices like the Vision Pro.
• Personal Insight: As a power user who is always chasing the next big thing, I’m particularly excited about the new iPad Pro. Given its anticipated capabilities, it could potentially replace my laptop for on-the-go tasks, offering a more convenient option for portability compared to carrying a MacBook Air.

Strategic Redesign and Market Impact

The potential repurposing of the current iPad Pro chassis for the new iPad Air models is especially interesting, suggesting a significant redesign of the iPad Pro line. This could mean even more advanced features are on the way:

• OLED Displays: Set to enhance visual quality to new levels.
• Advanced Input and Connectivity Options: Improved Apple Pencils and additional connectivity ports are likely to make these devices more versatile and functional.
• Cutting-Edge Design Innovations: Expect sleeker designs with slimmer bezels and potentially new size options.

Additional Considerations when deciding whether to upgrade:

• Budget: Consider the cost-effectiveness based on the new features offered.
• Compatibility: Verify whether existing accessories will be compatible with the new models.
• Longevity: Investing in a newer model ensures longer support and updates from Apple, providing better long-term value.

As anticipation builds for the official announcements at the “Let Loose” event, the excitement highlights Apple’s ongoing innovation and leadership in the tech industry. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting unveiling of Apple’s newest creations!

The post There Are 5 iPads in Apple’s 2024 Lineup: Is It Time to Upgrade? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple has a knack for igniting curiosity with its creative event teasers. This year, they’ve captivated us with an image of a hand holding an Apple Pencil, set against a backdrop shaped by an imaginative Apple logo, which has led to widespread speculation about potential iPad updates. I, along with other members of the media, was invited to tune into Apple’s “special event” on May 7th at 7 AM PST. We’re keen to see if products like the 2021 iPad Mini and the 2015 Magic Trackpad 3, still on the market and recently spotlighted by my colleague, will receive updates. The event, intriguingly named “Let Loose,” promises to possibly reveal these changes, all under the iconic Apple logo that creatively hints at what’s to come.

Designer: Apple

I’m betting that new iPad models being announced at the event will sport a larger 13-inch display while maintaining the sleek size and form factor we’re used to. The Pro model could really impress with a larger OLED screen, especially if they shift the front-facing camera to a horizontal layout. While we’re on the topic of design, I’m hoping for a stronger yet lighter build using titanium, and it wouldn’t hurt to slim down the thickness by 25% while upping the battery life. On the performance front, these new iPads are expected to be powered by the M3 chipset.

I really like the current Apple Pencil, but it wouldn’t hurt for Apple to give us something even more eye-catching. As for the Magic Keyboard, the design is great, but the first row of keys tends to get blocked by the iPad, and the trackpad feels too cramped for comfort. Thinking back to my titanium wish list, wouldn’t it be wild if Apple used titanium in a redesigned Magic Keyboard? That would definitely lighten the load when paired up. But coming back to reality, an aluminum build with a redesigned key layout and a larger trackpad would be more than welcome. And let’s not forget about giving the new iPad Pro some MagSafe compatibility. Just think of the endless accessories that could turn it into a dream machine for creatives and professionals alike.

Apple could potentially make subtle upgrades to the iPad Air and iPad mini or even discontinue the latter. One speculation is a larger 12.9-inch size iPad Air in addition to the 11-inch model. On the peripheral side, it’s unlikely that Apple will update the other products on Sarang’s list.

The post Apple ‘Let Loose’ Media Event Hints at new iPad Updates and More first appeared on Yanko Design.

Just in time for Apple’s May 7th event, Blackmagic announced the Micro Control Panel, a tiny, keyboard-sized controller that takes your iPad color grading to a whole new level. Dock your latest iPad Pro in the Micro Control Panel, fire up the DaVinci Resolve app, and this tiny rig rivals most color-grading setups. Designed for professional as well as novice videographers and unveiled at NAB 2024 this year, the new portable control panel features a mounting slot for an Apple iPad Pro, an internal battery, supports both Bluetooth and USB-C connections, and boasts an affordable $495 price tag.

Designer: Blackmagic

Standing out for its portability, the DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel is roughly the size of a keyboard. Don’t be fooled by its size, though. This panel packs a punch with high-quality trackballs and machined knobs for precise control over color correction. Whether you’re adjusting shadows, highlights, or saturation, the tactile feedback provided by these controls allows for nuanced fine-tuning.

Beyond color correction, the panel offers a range of transport and grading controls conveniently positioned around the edges. With these buttons at your fingertips, you can navigate your project timeline, set stills, and execute other commands with ease, significantly speeding up your workflow. Notably, some of these controls were previously exclusive to the larger DaVinci Resolve Mini and Advanced panels.

For existing DaVinci Resolve users, the Micro Color Panel offers a familiar feel. The trackballs boast a similar professional design, and the shift keys mimic the layout of higher-end panels. This ensures a smooth transition for experienced colorists while offering a user-friendly introduction for beginners.

An exciting feature for creators on the go is the integrated battery and Bluetooth connectivity. Ditch the cables and achieve wireless control over your color grading suite. This makes the Micro Color Panel ideal for location shoots or editing suites with limited space. But don’t worry, traditionalists can still connect via USB-C if desired.

The biggest perk might be the price tag. At $495, the DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel is significantly more affordable than its larger counterparts. This opens the door for a wider range of editors and colorists to experience the power of dedicated control panels and take their creative output to the next level.

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