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It’s hard to have strong opinions about the new Apple iPad Pro and Air just yet, we’ve simply not spent enough time with them. However, since their release on the 7th May 2024, some things have stuck out. Particularly when it comes to the m4 iPad Pro.
It’s ultra-thin, has an M4 processor, and new OLED display, and is the most advanced iPad yet. But, as exciting as the new hardware may be, a closer inspection reveals that the iPad Pro 2024 isn’t without its fair share of issues.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the five biggest problems that M4 iPad Pro owners may encounter, from frustrating accessory compatibility to concerning display quality concerns.
Let’s get into it!
Accessories: Magnetic Stand Incompatibility
One of the most significant letdowns for Apple’s M4 iPad Pro owners is the incompatibility of their existing magnetic stands and mounts.
Due to the iPad Pro’s redesigned interior and thinner profile, the placement and strength of the built-in magnets have changed, rendering old accessories essentially useless.
This means that anyone upgrading from a previous iPad Pro model will likely need to invest in a whole new set of stands, mounts, and other peripherals to properly secure their shiny new tablet.
The problem is compounded by the fact that third-party accessory makers are still playing catch-up, with limited options available at launch. This leaves iPad Pro owners in a bit of a bind, forced to either use their tablets without any kind of stand or shell out even more money for the latest accessories.
Grainy Display Issues
Another issue that has emerged with the 2024 iPad Pro’s OLED display is the appearance of visible grain or “mura” effects in certain situations. Some users have reported noticing a grainy, uneven texture when viewing dark content or menu elements, particularly in low-light environments.
While the cause of this problem is not yet fully understood, it’s possible that it’s related to the complex panel manufacturing process or the way the display’s image processing handles certain colour tones.
Regardless of the underlying reason, it’s undoubtedly disappointing, especially on a premium tablet that touts its display as a key selling point.
Apple has acknowledged the issue and is reportedly working on a software fix for their new Pro tablet, but it remains to be seen how effective any potential solution will be. In the meantime, some users may find the grainy display to be a significant detractor from the overall experience.
Headaches and Eye Strain
The grainy effect isn’t the only issue with the iPad Pro’s OLED display. Its high brightness and vivid colour reproduction can also contribute to increased eye strain and headaches for some users.
The intense contrast and blue light emitted by the panel can be particularly taxing on the eyes, especially during prolonged use or in dark environments.
This problem is not unique to the iPad Pro, as OLED technology in general has been known to cause these issues for some individuals.
However, the sheer brightness and visual impact of the iPad Pro’s display may exacerbate the problem, leading to discomfort and fatigue for those sensitive to such factors.
While Apple does offer a Night Shift mode and other display customization options, these may not be enough to alleviate the problem for all users. Those who prioritize extended tablet use or who are prone to eye strain may need to carefully consider the potential downsides of the iPad Pro’s display before making a purchase. Especially if you are an artist and rely on brightness and colour precision, which the night mode would significantly alter.
Pricing and Accessory Costs
One of the biggest pain points for many potential iPad Pro buyers is the device’s steep price tag, which can quickly escalate when factoring in the cost of essential accessories. The 11-inch model now starts at $999/ £999, a $200 increase over the 2022 iPad Pro, and $1,199/ £1,199 for Wi-Fi + Cellular. The 13-inch variant begins at $1,299/ £1299, also $200 more than the previous generation, and $1,499/ £1,499 for Wi-Fi + Cellular. And that’s just the starting point. If you want to max out on storage, which is a great idea for creative professionals and gamers, than you could spend up to $2299/ £2299.
Along with the Apple store, you can also purchase the new iPad Pro at BestBuy, or Amazon.
To truly unlock the full potential of the iPad Pro, users will likely need to invest in additional peripherals, such as the Apple Pencil Pro ($129/ £129) and the Magic Keyboard ($299/ £299 for 11-inch, $349/ £349 for 13-inch). Throw in a protective case or cover, and the total cost of ownership can easily surpass $1,500 or even $2,000 for a fully-equipped setup.
This pricing structure puts the iPad Pro firmly in the realm of premium, professional-grade devices, pricing out many casual users who may have been eyeing the tablet as a potential laptop replacement. It’s a significant investment that requires careful consideration, especially for those who may not fully utilize the tablet’s advanced capabilities.
iPadOS Limitations
Perhaps the most persistent criticism of the iPad Pro, even with its latest hardware upgrades, is the continued limitations of the underlying iPadOS software.
Despite Apple’s efforts to make the iPad a more capable productivity tool, the operating system still falls short of providing the same level of flexibility and multitasking prowess as a traditional desktop or laptop computer.
While features like Stage Manager have improved the iPad’s ability to juggle multiple apps simultaneously, the overall experience still feels constrained compared to the workflow offered by macOS or even Windows. Tasks that may be straightforward on a computer, such as file management, document editing, and window resizing, can often feel cumbersome and unintuitive on an iPad.
This disconnect between the iPad Pro’s hardware capabilities and the software’s limitations is a recurring issue that has plagued the tablet since its inception. Until Apple addresses these fundamental software shortcomings, the iPad Pro may continue to struggle to fully replace a traditional laptop or desktop computer for many users, despite its impressive technical specifications.
The Importance of Realistic Expectations
The issues outlined in this article do not necessarily make the iPad Pro 2024 a bad device. In fact, for many users, the tablet’s strengths may outweigh its weaknesses, particularly for those with specific creative or professional needs.
However, it’s crucial for potential buyers to approach the iPad Pro with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of its limitations.
Nobody’s perfect, right? Even Apple’s new 2024 iPad Pro M4.
Have you encountered any of these issues?
Let us know in the comment section down below!
