Apple has unveiled the new iPad Pro M4, featuring a stunning OLED display, a remarkably thin design, and the all-new M4 chip. However, there are some important details that Apple may not have mentioned during its launch event.
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iPad Pro M4: Higher Storage Options Unlock More Powerful M4 Chips
If you want to take full advantage of the RAM and power of the M4 chip, you’ll need to opt for the 1TB or higher storage models of the iPad Pro M4.
Similar to previous generations, the iPad Pro M4 comes in various storage options. But beyond just storage capacity, there are also differences in RAM and the number of M4 chip cores.
By paying an additional $600 to upgrade from 256GB to 1TB, you’ll get 16GB of RAM instead of 8GB. Additionally, the number of CPU cores on the M4 chip will increase from 9 (3 high-performance cores) to 10 (4 high-performance cores).
This is the first time that iPad models have offered different chip configurations. Previously, all models had the same chip regardless of storage capacity or connectivity options, with the only difference being RAM (8GB or 16GB).
Nano-texture Glass Exclusive to Higher Storage Options
If you purchase an iPad Pro M4 1TB or higher, you also have the option to add a $100 nano-texture glass anti-glare coating, an option that is not available on the lower-priced models.
For the Best Performance, Consider Upgrading Storage
In other words, if you want the most powerful and best-performing iPad Pro M4, you will need to spend more money to upgrade the storage to 1TB or 2TB.
However, for most users, the 256GB or 512GB options should still be sufficient. These models still have a 10-core GPU, 120GB/s memory bandwidth, and hardware ray-tracing.
With 6 energy-efficient CPU cores, the device is capable of handling everyday computing tasks. However, the RAM may be a bottleneck for demanding tasks like editing 4K video in Final Cut Pro.
Additional Considerations for Accessories
If the M4 chip and OLED display aren’t your reasons for upgrading, it’s worth noting that the new Magic Keyboard is only compatible with the iPad Pro M4, while the Apple Pencil Pro also supports the iPad Air M2.
Also, among older Apple Pencil models, only the USB-C version (released in October 2023) is compatible with the iPad Pro M4. So, if you prefer the design or features of the newer accessories, upgrading your device may be your only option.
By understanding these hidden details about the iPad Pro M4 storage and RAM options, you can make an informed decision about which model is right for you.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
