Tag Archives: Apple Pencil Pro

iPadOS 18 Gets Optimized for the Apple Pencil

With Apple Intelligence getting integrated across the board, it seems like Apple is taking the Apple Pencil more seriously when it comes to iPadOS 18. The WWDC 2024 keynote focused on a range of enhancements focused on personalization, improved multitasking, and deeper integration with the Apple Pencil, solidifying the iPad’s position as a versatile tool for diverse workflows. Let’s explore some of the key features expected with iPadOS 18.

A Home Screen Tailored to Your Needs

Apple WWDC24 iPadOS 18 customize Home Screen 240610 big.jpg.large 2x

iPadOS’s close relationship with iOS continues with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 with personalization taking center stage. Imagine a home screen that reflects your individual workflow and preferences. Users can now arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the home screen, allowing for a level of customization that caters to specific needs. A data analyst might place data visualization tools and spreadsheets prominently, while a musician might prioritize music creation apps and tuners. Additionally, the ability to customize the Dock at the bottom of the screen provides quick access to frequently used applications, further streamlining workflows.

Enhanced Multitasking for Seamless Workflows

Multitasking on the iPad receives a significant boost in iPadOS 18. The introduction of Stage Manager allows users to create and manage multiple app windows simultaneously. Imagine working on a complex presentation in Keynote while simultaneously referencing a web browser window and conducting research in a note-taking app like Notability. Stage Manager facilitates a seamless transition between tasks, eliminating the need to constantly switch between full-screen applications. Additionally, users can leverage features like Split View and Slide Over for even more granular control over their workspace, allowing them to work with multiple apps simultaneously and efficiently.

Apple Pencil Optimization: A Boon for Creative Professionals

Apple WWDC24 iPadOS 18 hero 240610 big.jpg.large 2x

Apple Pencil continues to be a core element of the iPad experience, and iPadOS 18 brings a range of optimizations designed to enhance its functionality for creative professionals. Imagine a more natural and responsive writing experience with improved palm rejection and reduced latency. Artists can create smoother lines and more precise strokes, while note-takers can enjoy a more pen-to-paper-like experience when jotting down ideas or taking notes in lectures.

Scribble, the feature that allows users to handwrite directly within text fields, receives an upgrade in iPadOS 18. Imagine handwriting a quick note in a brainstorming session and seamlessly converting it to typed text without needing to switch between handwriting and typing modes. That is exactly what’s coming with iPadOS 18. This functionality will streamline workflows and allow for a more fluid transition between handwritten ideas and digital text.

Advanced Note-Taking with Quick Notes

Note-taking receives further enhancements with the introduction of Quick Notes in iPadOS 18. Imagine a streamlined way to capture fleeting thoughts or ideas. With a simple swipe from the corner of the screen, users can access a Quick Note window and jot down ideas, create checklists, or even add sketches using the Apple Pencil. These Quick Notes can then be easily saved, organized, and accessed later within the Notes app.

Apple WWDC24 iPadOS 18 Control Center 240610 big.jpg.large 2x

Enhanced Video Editing Capabilities

iMovie, the built-in video editing app on iPad, receives an update in iPadOS 18. Imagine having access to more professional-grade editing tools on your iPad. The update might include features like multi-timeline editing, allowing users to edit multiple video clips simultaneously, and the ability to apply color grading for a more polished look. This empowers iPad users to create more sophisticated and visually engaging video content.

Improved File Management

The Files app receives an update in iPadOS 18, offering improved functionalities for managing your digital library. Imagine quickly locating specific documents or projects by leveraging a more robust search function. Additionally, the ability to tag files for easier organization allows for a more streamlined workflow. You could categorize project-related files with specific tags, making them easier to find later.

New iPad Pro Pushes Boundaries with Ultra Retina XDR Display & Apple M4 Silicon

Apple’s highest-end iPad has gotten a full refresh with a slimmer design, more powerful insides, cutting-edge display technology and a bevvy of new accessories to make it one of the most compelling tablets available. The new iPad Pro is available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes striking the balance between portability and productivity.

More Svelt & Touting the First Ultra Retina XDR Display

The new iPad Pro will be touting Apple’s new Ultra Retina XDR display. The new display comes with what Apple calls “tandem OLED” technology which allows for more precise and true-to-life colours and better visual performance. The new display has a peak brightness of 1000 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits. Its performance is driven by the next-generation GPU of the Apple M4 Chip. The display also comes with a nano-texture which produces less glare thanks to precision etching that doesn’t compromise visual quality and responsiveness.

Apple iPad Pro Ultra Retina XDR with OLED 240507

Together with new display technology, the new iPad Pro also features a new, slimmer design. This design has resulted in lighter weight and a svelt appearance. The new tablets come in at just 5.3mm thin on the 11-inch model and a slimmer 5.1mm on the 13-inch model. Apple claims that the durability of the tablets remains unchanged even with the slimmer profiles. The tablet’s enclosures are also made of 100% recycled aluminium.

Debuting with Apple’s Next Generation Silicon – the M4 Chip

The new M4 chip from Apple delivers improvements not only when it comes to performance, but also in battery efficiency. The M4 silicon is built on Apple’s second-generation 3nm process that delivers better performance with higher power savings. The chip features four performance cores and six efficiency cores. It also leverages new machine learning (ML) accelerators to deliver a touted 50% increase in CPU performance compared to the M2 processor.

Apple iPad Pro camera close up 240507

Building on the GPU architecture of the M3, the M4 features a whopping 10-core GPU that features Dynamic Caching. This allows for features like hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing. Both are featured on the iPad lineup for the first time in the new iPad Pro. The Neural Engine of the M4 is Apple’s most powerful to date. It’s capable of 38 trillion operations a second which is 60x faster than the A11 Bionic, Apple’s first chip featuring a Neural Engine.

Updated Cameras & Connectivity

The iPad Pro also comes with an updated camera setup. It features four studio-quality mics complemented by the 12-megapixel back camera. This setup can capture Smart HDR images and high-quality videos even in low light. The camera also comes with a True Tone flash that delivers excellent performance. Scanning documents with the camera is even easier thanks to the flash and intelligent processing by the M4 that delivers high-quality scans. Upfront, the 12-megapixel camera with an ultra-wide viewing angle delivers an updated experience when video calling. Center Stage augments the experience further especially when paired with the Magic Keyboard or Smart Folio.

Screenshot 2024 05 07 at 22 44 45 Apple Event May 7

The iPad Pro comes with a USB-C connector that supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB4. This enables high-speed wired connectivity of up to 40Gbps. With Thunderbolt 3 you can even hook the iPad up to a 6K display and high-speed external storage. It also supports WiFi 6E and 5G for the fastest wireless data connectivity available.

New iPad Pro, New Accessories

The new iPad Pro will also be accompanied by a bevvy of new accessories. Of note are the new Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. The new Apple Pencil Pro comes with a new sensor that allows users to squeeze the stylus for added functionality. Complementing this is a haptic motor that provides feedback when squeezed or when certain actions are performed. Using a gyroscope, Apple is looking to deliver a more realistic experience with the Apple Pencil Pro allowing users to change the orientation of the shaped pen and brush tools. Users are able to see these changes with a hover that previews the orientation.

Screenshot 2024 05 07 at 22 44 12 Apple Event May 7

The Magic Keyboard has also been updated with a slimmer profile and lighter weight. It now comes with a function row that gives quick access to key settings and features of the iPad and keyboard. It also comes with a larger trackpad with haptic feedback and an aluminium palm rest. Lastly, Apple also announced a new Smart Folio for the iPad Pro that features more viewing angles.

Pricing & Availabilty

The Apple iPad Pro (2024) will be available for pre-order starting May 7, 2024. Store availability will start on 15 May 2024.

Screenshot 2024 05 07 at 22 45 12 Apple Event May 7

The iPad will be available in 13-inch size with WiFi and Cellular options. Pricing for the 13-inch model starts at USD$1,299/RM6,799 for the WiFi model and USD$1,499/RM7,799 for the WiFi+Cellular model. The smaller 11-inch model will be priced at USD$999/RM5,299 for the WiFi model and USD$1,199/RM6,299 for the WiFi+Cellular model. Both versions will be available in Space Black and Silver.

The Apple Pencil Pro will be available for USD$129/RM599.

The 11-inch Magic Keyboard is priced at USD$299/RM1,479 while the 13-inch version is priced at USD$349/RM1,699. It will be available in Black and White.

The Smart Folio will be available in Denim, Black and White and will cost USD$79/RM379 for the 11-inch version and USD$99/RM479 for the 13-inch version.

iPad Air Redesigned with New Sizes and Apple M2 Chip

Apple’s iPad line up have long been the front runners when it comes to tablets. The new generation iPad Air is looking to reinforce that with an updated design, slimmer profile and the Apple M2 chip. The new iPad Air will also be the first iPad Air model to be available in two sizes.

Apple iPad Air lifestyle 240507

The new iPad Air has been supercharged and updated with some of the hallmark features of the iPad series. It comes with slimmer bezels, a better Liquid Retina Display and is more versatile. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes that strike a balance between portability and visual real estate.

Also updated in the new Air is camera which has been updated with a 12-megapixel sensor. It’s also got a landscape 12-megapixel camera with Center Stage support. This will allow the camera to ensure that you are center frame when you’re using the table. The new tablet also comes with landscape stereo audio making your media consumption experience more immersive. It also comes with Touch ID and features an enclosure made of recycled aluminium.

iPad Air 2024 KSPs

Under the hood, the new tablet comes with the Apple M2 Chip. This processor, while not the latest, brings a huge leap in performance for the Air. Compared to the iPad Air with the A12 Bionic, Apple touts 3x life in speed. Compared to the M1 touting Air, Apple is boasting a 50% increase in performance. The new iPad Air is also now 5G enabled and supports up to 1TB of internal storage. It will also support the newly announced Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.

Pricing & Availability

iPad Air 2024 Pricing Announcement

The new iPad Air will be available in four colours: blue, purple, starlight and space gray. Prices for the 11-inch iPad Air will start at USD$599/RM2,999 for the WiFi model and USD$749/RM3,749 for the WiFi+Cellular model. The 13-inch iPad Air will be priced from USD$799/RM3,999 for the WiFi model and USD$949/RM4,749 for the WiFi+Cellular model.