Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple’s upcoming OLED iPad Pro will reportedly begin the company’s shift into AI hardware. Apparently, the new tablets will sport the next-gen M4 chip to power all the AI features.
If this report is accurate, Apple will skip bringing its existing M3 SoC to its flagship tablet lineup.
2024 iPad Pro could skip the M3 chip for M4
Apple unveiled its 3nm-based M3 chip just a few months earlier, in October 2023. It introduced notable performance and efficiency improvements along with a faster and more efficient Neural Engine.
A recent report suggests the company has planned even bigger AI-focused upgrades for its next-gen M4 chip. The SoC would power many AI features Apple has planned for its upcoming Macs.
But Apple has typically announced a new M-series after 12-15 months. So, it would be an odd move for the company to unveil the M4 chip so soon.
As per Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter release, this will allow Apple to “position the tablet as its first truly AI-powered device.” Every new product the company releases after this will also highlight its AI capabilities. The upcoming iPhone 16’s A18 chip will also reportedly center around AI.
An M4 chip could help Apple better justify the OLED iPad Pro’s rumored price increase.
Apple Pencil 3 might feature haptic feedback
Apple is also expected to unveil a refreshed Apple Pencil, in addition to introducing a new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and a revamped Magic Keyboard. The company’s May 7th ‘Let Loose’ event invite does a good job of teasing the accessory already.
While the rumor mill has been relatively silent about the third-gen Apple Pencil features, Gurman says it will sport haptic feedback. If true, this would be the first time Apple’s stylus for the iPad has incorporated this technology. It would also help the Apple Pencil 3 stand out from other styluses on the market, as none offer any form of haptic feedback.