## The M4 iPad Pro: A Technological Wonder, But Is It Worth the Cost?
The 2024 iPad Pro, driven by Apple’s advanced M4 chip, is a remarkable technological achievement. With its sleek design, OLED screen, and outstanding performance, it’s difficult not to be drawn to this device when you see it on display. Nonetheless, despite its impressive hardware, the M4 iPad Pro is experiencing a notable drop in sales, leading to doubts about its value given the steep price point.
### **The Hardware: A Marvel**
The M4 iPad Pro is unquestionably an engineering feat. Apple has successfully created a tablet that is not only exceptionally thin and lightweight but also brimming with power. The OLED display stands out, showcasing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and superb contrast. Whether you’re streaming videos, editing images, or simply browsing online, the screen is a pleasure to behold.
The M4 chip, the latest addition to Apple’s custom silicon lineup, ensures exceptional performance. Whether you’re multitasking, engaging in resource-heavy applications, or playing demanding games, the M4 iPad Pro manages it all effortlessly. Additionally, battery longevity is remarkable, allowing you to utilize the device over extended periods without frequently searching for a charger.
Moreover, the 2024 iPad Pro is poised to incorporate **Apple Intelligence**, a collection of AI-driven functionalities that aim to enhance user interactions. While details regarding Apple Intelligence continue to develop, it’s anticipated to introduce advanced machine learning features to the iPad, making activities such as photo editing, note-taking, and even productivity more intuitive and streamlined.
### **The Price: A Significant Hurdle**
Despite the outstanding hardware, the M4 iPad Pro comes with a substantial price. The entry-level model begins at $999, while the premium version can reach up to $1,299. For many prospective customers, this represents a hefty expenditure, particularly considering that the iPad Pro is not a complete computer.
This creates a conundrum. While the iPad Pro is incredibly capable, it still operates on **iPadOS**, which, despite enhancements, remains a mobile platform. This restricts the iPad Pro’s functionality in fully substituting a standard laptop, especially for professionals relying on macOS or Windows systems.
### **iPadOS 18: A Missed Chance?**
A primary factor contributing to the iPad Pro’s lackluster sales may be **iPadOS 18**. While the hardware has advanced significantly, the software has not been able to keep up. iPadOS 18, although better than its predecessors, continues to feel more like a mobile system than a desktop-caliber experience. This poses a significant issue for users considering the iPad Pro as a laptop alternative.
For example, even though iPadOS 18 brings forth new multitasking capabilities and improved file management, it still does not offer the same flexibility and power as macOS or Windows. Many users encounter limitations within the operating system when attempting to carry out more complex tasks such as coding, video editing, or running desktop-level software.
This has resulted in uncertainty among potential purchasers. As one user expressed, “I just don’t believe the tablet can reliably replace my MacBook, so I can’t rationalize spending that much on what would likely end up being a device I primarily use for entertainment.”
### **Sales Decline: A Sign of Consumer Reluctance**
The sales figures for the M4 iPad Pro have fallen short of Apple’s projections. Display expert Ross Young reports that Apple has significantly reduced orders for both the 11-inch and 13-inch OLED panels employed in the iPad Pro. Initially, Apple anticipated selling around 10 million units, but recent projections indicate the figure may only reach approximately 6.7 million.
Young’s scrutiny of OLED panel shipments shows a steep drop in demand. In Q3 2024, OLED iPad Pro panel shipments plummeted by 40%, with Q4 2024 expected to witness a further reduction of over 30%. The more expensive 13-inch models have been particularly affected, with shipments decreasing by over 50% in Q3 and projected to fall by 90% or more in Q4.
This drop in interest suggests that after the initial excitement from early adopters, enthusiasm for the M4 iPad Pro has diminished. Young attributes this perception to the iPad Pro often being regarded as a “supplementary” device rather than a primary computing solution. In essence, many users still consider the iPad Pro an accessory for their smartphone or laptop, rather than a true substitute.
### **Is the M4 iPad Pro Justifiable?**
The M4 iPad Pro is certainly a potent and elegantly crafted device. Its OLED display, M4 chip, and ultra-sleek design position it as one of the most advanced tablets available.
