The last time we saw an iPad was back in 2022 when Apple launched its 10.9-inch version, with an all-screen design, Retina display, and the impressive A14 Bionic chip that helps to deliver powerful performance for any activity. Fast forward two years later, the tech behemoth has unveiled two bolder and more-advanced iPads. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking centre stage, Apple’s new iPad range marks a fresh beginning for modern innovations.
The iPad Air is available in two sizes, 11-inch and 13-inch, clad with the M2 chip that makes it nearly 50 percent faster than the previous iPad Air with M1. Meanwhile, the 2024 version of the iPad Pro features an incredibly thin and light design, which has been meticulously designed with M4 – the next generation of Apple silicon that delivers a huge leap in performance. Here’s everything you need to know about the new iPad(s) and their accessories.
iPad Air
Following Apple’s official announcement on May 7th, the 11-inch iPad Air emphasises portability, while its 13-inch counterpart offers a larger display, providing ample space for work, study, and entertainment. Both models deliver exceptional performance and advanced functionalities, elevating the iPad Air to new levels of power and versatility. Equipped with the M2 chip boasting enhanced CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine capabilities, the latest iPad Air delivers even greater performance, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) tasks.
Leveraging this AI prowess, users opting for the iPad Air can enjoy added intelligent features within iPadOS, such as Visual Look Up, Subject Lift, and Live Text. Furthermore, iPadOS incorporates advanced frameworks like Core ML, enabling developers to harness the Neural Engine for robust AI functionalities directly on the device.
The new iPad Air is available in new blue and purple finishes, along with starlight and space grey, starting at MYR 2,999 for the 11-inch model and MYR 3,999 for the 13-inch version.
iPad Pro
For iPad Pro, with its formidable M4 features – known as Apple’s most potent Neural Engine to date – is capable of executing 38 trillion operations per second, which is 60 times faster than the initial Neural Engine in the A11 Bionic chip. Enhanced by next-generation ML accelerators within the CPU, a high-performance GPU, expanded memory bandwidth, and intelligent features alongside robust developer frameworks in iPadOS, the Neural Engine renders the new iPad Pro an exceptionally formidable tool for AI tasks.
Equipped with the iPad Pro featuring M4, users can execute AI-powered functions with unprecedented speed, such as effortlessly isolating subjects from their backgrounds in 4K video through a simple tap with Scene Removal Mask in Final Cut Pro.
This progress is accompanied by a design aimed at enhancing work organisation for students, content creators, and small businesses. It’s hardly a surprise that the iPad has long been associated with productivity, enabling individuals to tackle tasks from virtually anywhere, thereby streamlining busy lifestyles.
Bob Borcher, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing said, “So many users—from students, to content creators, to small businesses, and more—love iPad for its portability and versatility […] We’re so excited with these new launches; which combine the brilliant Liquid Retina display, the phenomenal performance, incredible AI capabilities, and its colourful, portable design, iPad is now more powerful and versatile than ever.”
The iPad Pro comes in silver and space black finishes, starting at MYR 5,299 for the 11-inch model and MYR 6,799 for the 13-inch variant.
Apple Pencil Pro
The Apple Pencil Pro has enhanced features and improved interactions that enhance the Apple Pencil experience. With a new sensor, users can squeeze the barrel to access a tool palette and easily switch between tools, line weights, and colours without disrupting their creative flow. The custom haptic engine provides a gentle tap to confirm actions like squeezing, double-tapping, or snapping to a Smart Shape, making the experience even more intuitive. Additionally, the gyroscope enables precise control by allowing users to roll the Apple Pencil Pro according to the tool they are using.
The new Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the new iPad Pro and will be available at a price tag of MYR 599, while the Apple Pencil (USB-C) is available for MYR 399.
Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio
Created for the latest iPad Pro, a brand-new thinner and lighter Magic Keyboard is now more convenient and flexible. The updated Magic Keyboard features the beloved floating design and introduces a function row for easy access to settings like screen brightness and volume controls. With an elegant aluminium palm rest and an expanded trackpad with haptic feedback, it provides a seamless experience similar to using a MacBook. The new Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically and connects instantly through the Smart Connector for power and data transfer without requiring Bluetooth.
The new Magic Keyboard will be available in black and white finishes, starting from MYR 1,479.
Homepod
Aside from the recent iPad(s), Apple fans in Malaysia will also have the opportunity to purchase HomePod and HomePod mini beginning May 10. These devices bring exceptional audio experiences to every corner of the home, utilising sophisticated computational audio technology to produce revolutionary acoustics. HomePod and HomePod mini users can listen to a catalogue of over 100 million songs with Apple Music; enjoy room-filling audio with a single speaker, in a stereo pair, and using multi room audio; or create a captivating home theatre experience with Apple TV 4K.
The HomePod (2nd generation) will be available for MYR 1,549, while the HomePod mini is priced at MYR 529.
Customers can order the new iPad Air with M2 and iPad Pro with M4 soon, while the HomePod and HomePod mini will be available from apple.com/my/store, the Apple Store app, and in stores starting May 10.
For more information, visit the Apple website here.