How the M4 iPad Pro Transformed a Doubter into an Enthusiast

### The M4 iPad Pro: A Revolutionary Advancement in the Tablet Industry

For quite some time, numerous tech aficionados have thought that buying a new iPad at retail price was an unwise decision. The logic was clear: you frequently end up spending more on an iPad than on a similarly configured MacBook, while the iPad appeared restricted by its operating system, iPadOS, instead of its hardware potential. Yet, after nearly a year of utilizing the M4 iPad Pro, my viewpoint has evolved considerably, particularly with the rollout of thrilling new features in iPadOS 26.

#### What Distinguishes the M4 iPad Pro

A hallmark feature of the M4 iPad Pro is its display. Unlike MacBooks, which lack OLED screens, the M4 iPad Pro features a breathtaking Tandem OLED display. Although the M4 MacBook Pro is comparable with its 1000 nit miniLED display, it still does not match the vibrant visuals that the iPad Pro provides. This exceptional display enhances daily activities, making them more enjoyable and immersive.

Additionally, the M4 iPad Pro is sleeker and lighter than its predecessor, enhancing its portability and user experience. The 11-inch variant is merely 0.6mm thinner and 20 grams lighter, while the 13-inch version is 1.3mm thinner and over 100 grams lighter. These seemingly small variations become significant when you’re grasping a large tablet for long stretches.

#### My Insights on Usability

My journey with the M4 iPad Pro has included trying out features like Stage Manager. Nonetheless, I believe that the straightforwardness of the iPad is among its greatest advantages. For me, the split screen functionality is more intuitive and geared towards concentration than the multi-window method that Stage Manager presents.

Another impressive characteristic of the M4 iPad Pro is its exceptional battery longevity. Apple asserts that iPads can deliver up to 10 hours of web surfing, but my experience with the M4 iPad Pro has shown it to surpass these claims. It upholds superb standby time, enabling me to leave it idle for days without significant battery depletion.

In summary, the iPad excels at light tasks such as web surfing, social networking, messaging, and photo editing. Although it may not substitute for a MacBook Pro in more demanding scenarios, it fits effortlessly into my technological environment.

#### Conclusion

In the end, I decided to buy a $999 iPad (without any upgrades) mainly for its outstanding display, and I have no regrets about that choice. While budget-friendly alternatives like the 256GB iPad Air are available at $629, they entail compromises, such as a lesser-quality LCD display. The superior display of the M4 iPad Pro genuinely enhances the overall experience.

The comparison of iPads and MacBooks is not particularly helpful, as they fulfill different roles. I find that using both devices together enables me to utilize the strengths of each, whether it’s the iPad for casual activities or the MacBook for heavier tasks.

If you’re contemplating stepping into the realm of the M4 iPad Pro, it’s definitely worth assessing its capabilities and how it can integrate into your everyday life.

Are you an M4 iPad Pro user? Share your insights in the comments!

Evaluation of the Logitech Flip Folio: An Appropriate iPad Keyboard Case for Certain Users

### Logitech Flip Folio: A Multifunctional Keyboard Case for iPad

Recently, Logitech introduced a groundbreaking new keyboard case for the iPad Air and iPad Pro, named the Logitech Flip Folio. This item adopts a distinctive strategy for iPad accessories, aiming at a segment that has not been thoroughly tapped into previously.

#### Overview

The Logitech Flip Folio does not make use of the smart connector, marking a shift from other Logitech keyboards for iPad. This design decision is vital to the product’s operation. Unlike conventional iPad keyboards that merge the keyboard and iPad into one cohesive unit, the Flip Folio provides users the option to detach the magnetic Bluetooth keyboard from the iPad. This adaptability permits users to elevate their iPad on a surface while typing with ease.

Although some users may find the lack of a trackpad disappointing—considering its role in the iPad experience—the general idea of the Flip Folio is captivating. The product consists of two components: a sturdy folio case and a magnetic Bluetooth keyboard. The combination is not excessively bulky, rendering it a sensible option for portability. The keyboard functions on CR2016 batteries, which deliver up to two years of battery life under regular use, removing the necessity for frequent recharging.

#### Verdict

Having utilized the Flip Folio for a few weeks, it’s evident that this keyboard is a valuable acquisition for those in search of an iPad keyboard that presents notable versatility. Unlike Apple’s Magic Keyboard, which confines the iPad and keyboard into a singular laptop-like arrangement, the Flip Folio fosters new opportunities for iPad utilization.

The Flip Folio is equipped with numerous magnets that enable users to set their iPad in landscape mode while positioning their phone next to it for improved productivity. Moreover, the keyboard can connect with up to three devices, allowing users to type on their phone as well.

Nonetheless, there is a constraint regarding compatibility with iPad Pro models. The Flip Folio only accommodates the M4 iPad Pro model, leaving M1, M2, or older iPad Pro model users without support. This limitation is perplexing, as the keyboard functions through Bluetooth, but Logitech has verified that earlier iPad Pros are not compatible.

#### Wrap Up & Pricing

In summary, the Logitech Flip Folio is a welcome entry into the market. Although it comes with a higher price point for a keyboard case, it undercuts Apple’s Magic Keyboard by about 50% while offering a markedly different experience.

The Flip Folio is retailing for $159.99 for the 11-inch iPad models and $179.99 for the 13-inch iPad models. It is compatible with M1, M2, and M3 iPad Air models, as well as M4 iPad Pro models.

To conclude, the Logitech Flip Folio signifies a notable advancement in iPad keyboard design, presenting versatility and functionality that appeals to a broad spectrum of users.

iPhones and iPads Launch EU Energy Labels: Essential Insights Unveiled

**Apple’s Latest Energy Labels: Adherence to EU Standards**

For those residing in the European Union and visiting Apple’s website today, you’ll see a new piece of information alongside iPhones and iPads: vibrant energy labels that rate each model’s efficiency, longevity, and repairability. This update is not optional; it reflects Apple’s adherence to a new EU regulation that has recently come into force.

The labels designate a grade ranging from A to G for energy efficiency and durability metrics, such as impact resistance and repairability. However, Apple has raised concerns about the clarity of the regulation.

### Insights on the Fresh EU Regulations

With today’s updates, Apple released a 44-page technical document outlining its labeling approach, citing the regulation’s ambiguity. The document states:

> “The EU’s recent Energy Labelling regulation for smartphones and tablets sets forth several interim testing methods that contain vague language. Consequently, some metrics on the energy label are shaped by the decisions made by manufacturers and test laboratories interpreting the regulation. This document aims to clarify Apple’s selected testing methodology and the resultant scores, which were, in some instances, voluntarily adjusted lower to reflect potential differences in interpretation. We are eager to collaborate with other stakeholders to resolve test method ambiguities moving forward.”

Apple is not completely content with how certain grades are determined. The company asserts that its current iPhone models would meet the highest “A” grade on the energy efficiency index. Nonetheless, it has voluntarily adjusted its own rating down to a “B,” which it describes as being cautious. The worry is that independent laboratories might interpret the EU’s testing protocols differently, which could lead to a lower public score.

This cautious downgrade strategy also extends to iPhone drop resistance ratings. Apple contends that the EU’s standardized drop tests might not truly reflect real-life durability, as they rely on various factors, such as the kind of wood and steel employed for impact surfaces.

### What the Labels Indicate and Where to Locate Them

The energy labels encompass six primary categories:

– Energy efficiency per charge
– Battery longevity (number of complete charge cycles)
– Repairability
– Ingress protection (water and dust resistance)
– Drop impact resistance
– Battery life per cycle (hours of usage per full charge)

For consumers, the most prominent feature is a new icon (a vibrant little tag) that appears on iPhone and iPad product pages for EU countries, including on every product’s purchase page. Clicking or tapping the icon displays the full label, which can also be accessed in the environmental section of each product’s technical specifications.

Moreover, there is a downloadable PDF with additional information, including battery capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh), the device’s scratch resistance rating on the Mohs hardness scale, and the guaranteed minimum number of years each product will continue to receive security updates.

In addition to the website updates, Apple will now provide a printed version of the energy label inside the box with each new iPhone and iPad sold in the EU, starting with products produced from this point onward.

Apple Investigates Purchase of AI Search Firm Perplexity, Based on Report

As Apple races to catch up in the generative AI arena, a recent report indicates that the company is contemplating its largest acquisition to date.

According to Bloomberg, Apple executives have engaged in internal conversations regarding a potential offer for Perplexity AI, a rapidly expanding AI startup renowned for its conversational web search platform.

## This would represent Apple’s largest acquisition to date

As stated by Mark Gurman, these discussions are still in the preliminary phase and may not lead to an official bid, but the concept has allegedly been discussed among Apple’s mergers and acquisitions head Adrian Perica, services chief Eddy Cue, and the company’s top AI leadership.

Perplexity recently concluded a funding round that valued it at $14 billion, which would make an acquisition a groundbreaking step for Apple, significantly higher than the $3 billion Beats acquisition in 2014.

Here’s what Gurman says about the potential acquisition:

> “Acquiring Perplexity would provide Apple with a boost in AI talent, an established brand in the AI realm, and a consumer product. A deal could also help enhance future recruitment efforts.”

While the report mentions that Apple has conducted several meetings with Perplexity in the past few months, and its internal AI divisions have been closely assessing the technology, Apple chose not to comment, and Perplexity stated it has “no awareness of any ongoing or future M&A discussions.”

## The rationale for acquiring Perplexity

Firstly, there’s the potential risk of Apple’s $20 billion annual search agreement with Google being dismantled due to the US government’s ongoing antitrust litigation. Eddy Cue himself hinted at this during his testimony earlier this year, asserting that the industry is shifting away from conventional web search towards AI-powered responses.

Secondly, Perplexity possesses what Apple currently lacks: a consumer-centric AI search product with real-time web access and brand recognition in the AI sector, all at a much lower (though still exorbitant) cost compared to direct rivals like OpenAI. Perplexity even boasts its own iPhone assistant that, despite the system’s deliberate constraints, performs significantly better than Siri and ChatGPT in various tasks.

Perhaps this is the reason, beyond a complete acquisition, that Apple is also reportedly investigating a possible partnership that could integrate Perplexity into Safari as a search alternative or incorporate it into Siri’s responses.

One significant challenge: Samsung. The report indicates that Samsung is nearing the finalization of its own substantial partnership with Perplexity, which could complicate any exclusive deal with Apple. Notably, Bloomberg reported earlier today that Meta has also engaged in acquisition talks with Perplexity but appears to have abandoned the idea in favor of its recent $14B investment in Scale AI.

Do you believe Apple should acquire Perplexity? If not them, who do you think Apple should pursue for acquisition? Share your thoughts in the comments.