The upcoming refreshed iPad Pro, set to be revealed during Apple’s online event on May 7, may feature the company’s latest M4 chip, according to prominent Apple tipster Mark Gurman. This news comes as a significant surprise, as many had expected a routine upgrade to the current M3 chip, rather than a leap to the more powerful M4. If true, this would make the new iPad Pro the first Apple device to boast the M4 chip, beating the company’s line of laptops and desktops, which are expected to receive the update later this year.
Gurman’s claim is based on his sources within Apple, and he suggests that the company may be introducing the M4 chip in the iPad Pro to position the device as the first truly AI-powered Apple product. This move would allow Apple to showcase its AI chip strategy without distraction, and to emphasize the company’s commitment to AI technology in the upcoming iPadOS 18 update.
The Bloomberg reporter also notes that Apple may be skipping the M3 chip for the iPad Pro in favor of the M4, citing the company’s previous decision to do the same with the 24-inch iMac, which launched with the M1 chip in 2021 before moving to the M3 with the revamped desktop in 2023.
Apple’s M4 Chip Rumored to Power Upcoming iPad Pro
In addition to the potential M4 chip update, the refreshed iPad Pro is also rumored to feature its first OLED display, which would be a significant upgrade over the current iPad Pro’s standard LED display. The iPad Air, also due for a revamp, is expected to feature a 12.9-inch display for the first time, marking a significant increase in screen size.
Other rumors surrounding the updated iPad Pro include the introduction of a new Magic Keyboard, featuring a more premium design and better typing experience. The Apple Pencil, also set to get an update, is expected to feature haptic feedback for the first time, allowing users to feel tactile feedback while writing or drawing.
The M4 chip, if introduced in the iPad Pro, would likely provide significant improvements in performance and power efficiency over the current M2 chip. The chip is expected to feature a new architecture and improved memory bandwidth, allowing it to handle more demanding tasks and demand less power. The M4 chip would also enable the iPad Pro to take full advantage of the AI software and services coming as part of iPadOS 18 later this year.
In the lead-up to the May 7 event, Apple fans are eagerly awaiting the reveal of the refreshed iPad Pro, along with the other rumored updates to the iPad Air and Magic Keyboard. With the M4 chip potentially powering the new iPad Pro, it’s clear that Apple is committed to delivering a premium and powerful device that showcases its latest technologies.
