5 Changes in the New M4 iPad Pro You Might Not Know

The all-new OLED iPad Pro is a remarkable tablet that delivers enhanced performance in an even slimmer form. With its Tandem OLED screen, potent M4 processor, and various enhancements, the 2024 iPad Pro truly succeeds the prior 2022 model. However, Apple discreetly introduced several alterations, creating ambiguity regarding what has been modified and what is absent. Certain aspects could be unexpectedly impressive, while others might seem like a step down. If you are considering purchasing a new iPad, it is essential to acquaint yourself with lesser-known details and features of the latest 2024 iPad Pro. Read on!

1. There’s no Ultra-wide Camera

Similar to its predecessor, the 2022 iPad Pro, the latest 2024 iPad Pro features a 12MP f/1.8 primary camera. However, it does not include the 10MP ultra-wide camera found in the previous iPad Pro M2. This omission may be surprising, but indeed, the M4 iPad Pro comes with a single-lens rear camera instead of a dual-lens setup.

The device offers a LiDAR scanner, an adaptive True Tone flash, and digital zoom up to 5x. The removal of the 10MP ultra-wide lens represents a significant and unexpected decision by Apple. Considering this is the top-tier iPad Pro model from the company, it is notable that the ultra-wide lens was excluded. Apple may have assumed that most users did not extensively use the ultra-wide camera on the 2022 iPad Pro. Regardless of the rationale, it feels like a downgrade for the flagship iPad model.

If you are considering purchasing a new iPad for photography purposes, it may be worthwhile to explore the 2022 iPad Pro. Additionally, if you already own one, you can take pride in the fact that your tablet surpasses the latest model, at least in terms of the camera setup.

2. Higher-End Storage Variants Have More RAM and Extra CPU Core

Apple has introduced the 2024 iPad Pro lineup with the powerful M4 chipset across all variants. However, not all OLED iPad Pros are identical in terms of performance capabilities. The most advanced and cutting-edge experience is reserved for those selecting the 1TB or 2TB storage options.

The 256GB and 512GB models of the M4 iPad Pro feature a 9-core CPU configuration of the M4 chip, comprising 6 efficiency cores and 3 performance cores. In contrast, the 1TB and 2TB models are equipped with an additional high-performance core of the M4 chip, bringing the total core count to ten in these higher storage variants compared to nine cores in the lower capacity models.

Moreover, the 1TB and 2TB models offer 16GB of RAM, doubling the 8GB RAM present in the other models. To fully experience the exceptional performance advertised by Apple during its launch event, opting for the 1TB or 2TB model of the new iPad Pro is recommended. Priced starting at $1,599 and $1,999 respectively, these upgrades come at a premium cost. Furthermore, if you intend to select the nano-texture glass coating for your M4 iPad Pro, an additional $100 will be required. For professional users seeking top-tier performance, these enhancements are deemed worthwhile.

3. No Physical SIM option

The previous M2 iPad Pro offered both a physical SIM and an eSIM option. However, with the introduction of the OLED iPad Pro, only the eSIM option is available. While this change eliminates the physical SIM choice, it contributes to creating the thinnest iPad ever.

Apple has previously removed physical SIM trays from iPhones in certain regions, and this marks the first instance of the same approach being applied to iPad models. If you are considering a Cellular version of the new iPad Pro or the M2 iPad Air, ensure you switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM if your network carrier supports it. Otherwise, a network switch will be necessary to enable cellular data on your iPad.

4. No Adpater in EU and UK

Following the precedent set with the iPhone 12 release in 2020, Apple has decided not to include adapters in the boxes of the new 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air models for customers in the EU and UK. Instead, only a USB-C cable will be provided. If you possess an existing adapter, you can continue using it; otherwise, a separate purchase will be required. Additionally, the new iPad Pro packaging does not contain Apple logo stickers, which may disappoint enthusiasts who enjoy displaying these stickers on their devices and belongings.

5. Supports Lower Refresh Rate and No Always-On Display

Apple has finally adopted OLED technology for its iPad lineup. The new iPad Pro features a Tandem OLED display, a significant upgrade from the LED and mini-LED displays found on previous models. Additionally, the new display incorporates ProMotion technology, allowing for adaptive refresh rates ranging from 10Hz to 120Hz. The OLED iPad Pro supports a lower refresh rate of 10Hz, compared to the 24Hz on previous models.

However, the OLED iPad Pro does not include an Always-On display. The 10Hz refresh rate is not low enough to support an Always-On display and would likely cause more battery drain compared to the 1Hz refresh rate. Despite the introduction of the stunning Ultra Retina XDR OLED Display, the Always-On display remains exclusive to Apple Watch and iPhones.

Personally, I don’t prefer using an Always-On display on my iPhone 14 Pro as I find it distracting, making me feel like there are always notifications or phone calls waiting for me. However, an Always-On display could be a nice addition to the iPad Pro’s large display, which we might see in the future.

Bonus

Apple demonstrates ingenuity whenever possible, as seen in the default wallpaper of the new iPad Pro. At first glance, the design appears to be a random array of colors against a black backdrop. There is more to it than what initially appears. The wallpaper features an optical illusion that forms the word “PRO.” Enthusiastic Apple fans with sharp eyesight are likely to have noticed this hidden detail.