55 Cons of M4 iPad Pro (Review 2024)

I’ve been keeping up with the advancements so I was excited to check out the new iPad Pro (M4) that just got released, like many others. Apple appears to have delivered a great product with all the buzz, about its powerful M4 processor and sleek design.

However upon investigation and reading some experiences I discovered that this flashy new device comes with some downsides that might give you pause before splurging on it. Lets dive in and discuss why the M4 iPad Pro may not be the groundbreaking gadget we were hoping for.

If after reading all these cons, you still want to buy the product, congratulations! You’re making a well-informed decision, and you won’t regret your purchase!

Subtle Enhancements

First off, lets talk about the supposed “upgrades.” While the M4 processor is undeniably powerful the new iPads are essentially upgraded versions of their predecessors. If you were expecting a user experience you might be underwhelmed. Due to limitations within iPadOS the noticeable hardware improvements don’t always translate into everyday performance boosts. So unless you’re consistently using demanding apps at capacity on your tablet the M4 chip could seem like more, than necessary.

Concerns About Software Limitations

When it comes to iPadOS there’s an issue to address. The software doesn’t fully utilize the capabilities of the M4 chip, which can hold back the performance potential of iPads. It’s, like having a car engine but being stuck in city traffic unable to experience its power.

Cost vs. Enhancements

Lets talk money now. The latest iPad Pro models come with a price tag starting at $799 for the 13 inch version. It’s hard to justify this cost when considering the improvements compared to models. The value proposition seems questionable especially if you already own a iPad and are only getting marginal upgrades.

Compatibility Challenges with New Accessories

Apple has introduced accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro, which may sound exciting at glance. However there’s a catch. These accessories are only compatible with the iPad Pro and iPad Air models due to changes in magnet arrays and other hardware specifications. Upgrading your iPad would entail costs, for these new accessories.

Concerns About the Material

The M4 iPad Pro stands out as the Apple device measuring just 5.1 millimeters in thickness. While this slim design contributes to its lightweight appearance it raises concerns, about its durability. Due to its build the device is more prone to bending and damage potentially leading to a slightly bowed housing. Continued use could exacerbate bending issues around the charging port area posing a risk to its integrity. Subjecting it to bends may result in breakage.

Practicality of the Design

The thinness of the device also makes it challenging to pick up from surfaces. Although this may seem like an inconvenience regular usage over time can accumulate these frustrations and detract from the overall user experience.

Limitations on Accessories

Another issue arises with the anodized metal used in the new Magic Keyboard. Despite efforts in hinge design to mitigate this concern there remains a possibility of scratching the iPads glass surface. Therefore with handling there is still a chance of ending up with scratches, on your tablet.

Camera. Functionality

In terms of camera capabilities the absence of a wide lens leaves only one 12 megapixel rear camera on the new iPad Pro model.
For individuals who utilized the wide angle feature this change may seem like a step. It could have a impact, for those who relied on the wide angle lens for photography or specific professional tasks.

Battery Life and Heat Management

with the enhanced energy efficiency of the dual OLED screen the iPad may still face challenges in managing heat during intensive tasks. Both battery performance and overall stability could be affected by this. Keep this in mind if you plan to run resource applications on the iPad Pro.

Consistency with Versions

If you already own a current iPad Pro model upgrading to the new M4 model might not offer enough additional features to justify the switch. The M4 iPad Pro provides functionality as its predecessor, which is already more than capable for most users. For owners upgrading may not seem necessary.

Thinner Design Trade offs

The latest iPad boasts a sleeker design at 5.1 mm thickness resulting in reduced space. While it does feel noticeably lighter this slim design choice limits room for a battery that could have significantly extended battery life. It’s a balance between aesthetics and practicality, with practicality taking a backseat in this scenario.

Display Enhancements

The iPads new OLED display lacks a, on feature, which could have made it more user friendly and visually appealing. Many users would have found this addition valuable especially considering the devices premium price tag.

Apple Pencil Pro Compatibility

The latest Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with iPads making it necessary for users to upgrade if they want to access all its features. This requirement to purchase a device alongside the Pencil can be viewed as an avoidable expense.

Software Limitations

Despite hardware advancements the iPads software, iPadOS has not kept up with the pace. This results in potential for features. Users are eagerly anticipating updates that will maximize the utilization of the devices capabilities through software enhancements.

Camera Placement and User Experience

With the camera placement on the landscape side of the iPad conflicting with where the Pencil charged magnetically users may face inconvenience due to this change. The rearrangement of components was necessary. Might disrupt habits formed with previous setups.

Value for Casual Users

For users seeking tablet functions like email and casual browsing the advanced features and high cost of the iPad Pro may not offer value. These individuals might find that such features are excessive, for their needs. If you’re not a tech user, the M4 iPad Pro may not be the practical choice.

Compatibility Concerns Across Generations

The latest Apple Pencil Pro is designed to work with the iPads rendering it incompatible, with older models. This requirement for an upgrade to use the Pencil can be seen as a cost for users who already have accessories from previous generations leading to frustration.

Design Considerations

Although the devices sleek thin design is impressive it limits space which affects battery capacity and potentially compromises durability. The relocation of the facing camera to the landscape side clashes with the spot where the Pencil magnetically attaches and charges causing potential inconvenience for users.

Diminished Camera Performance

The quality of the camera is notably subpar compared to that of an “iPhone 6.” This downgrade in camera quality will disappoint users who heavily rely on their iPads for photography. If having a performing camera is crucial for your needs this drawback should be taken into account.

Shortcomings in Included Accessories

The bundled accessories, like the USB 2.0 cable are considered outdated. Do not match up to the status of the device. Given its price point users expected modern and top quality accessories included with this expensive device.

The initial cost and storage expenses

The base model comes with a price tag of about $1,000. Offers only 256GB of storage. Expanding storage capacity incurs costs with a 256GB setting you back by $200. The higher tier models are quite pricey going, up to $2,300, which might not be justifiable for consumers.

Underwhelming Keyboard Design

The Magic Keyboards functionality is limited. It doesn’t fully open up reducing its usability compared to a MacBook. If you’re seeking a keyboard experience this might fall short of your expectations.

Capable Hardware but Underutilized

Despite boasting a M4 processor the iPad Pros performance is hampered by its software (iPadOS). Fails to make full use of its hardware potential. Users are restricted from choosing between iPadOS and macOS limiting its potential as a MacBook alternative. This poses a drawback for users in search of a versatile device.

Audio Quality Concerns

While the speakers deliver quality the devices slim design leads to noticeable vibrations, during audio playback that can be distracting. If you rely on your iPad for music or video content this could pose an issue.

Compromised Battery Life

Striving for thinness comes at the expense of battery longevity despite the device managing 17 hours in tests. Users might have found it more beneficial to have a design that comes with extended battery life. However this trade off may not be justified for users who prioritize lasting battery performance.

Front Camera Placement

The placement of the facing camera is considered subpar impacting the user experience particularly during video calls. If you frequently use your iPad for video conferencing this could pose an inconvenience.

Limited Impact of Slimness

Although the extreme slimness of the iPad Pro is impressive it doesn’t significantly enhance the user experience. While some users may appreciate its profile it doesn’t offer practical advantages. The compromise, between design and durability might not be worthwhile for users.

Incremental Updates

The latest M4 iPad Pro brings enhancements compared to its predecessors M1 and M2 than introducing revolutionary changes. Users with models may not observe improvements in performance or display quality. This factor makes the new model less enticing for those who already own iPads.

Compatibility Issues with Accessories

The new Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard are incompatible with generations of iPad Pro necessitating users to invest in accessories if they switch to the M4 model. This additional cost could frustrate users who have previously purchased accessories, for their iPads.

Overall Cost Considerations

The M4 iPad Pro comes at a price especially when factoring in the added expense of accessories, like the Apple Pencil Pro and the latest Magic Keyboard. The base model, starting with 256GB storage is already quite pricey and opting for storage capacities only drives up the cost further. This premium pricing may not sit well with buyers.

Potential for Underutilized Performance

While the M4 chip boasts power its capabilities are not fully harnessed by the iPadOS rendering its high performance somewhat excessive for everyday tablet tasks. Users might not see the benefits of this hardware prowess until forthcoming software updates roll out. If you don’t necessarily require cutting edge performance this might not be your bet.

Display Tone Adjustment

One noticeable difference in the M4 iPad Pro is its warmer display tone compared to iterations. Though the display quality remains top notch some users may find this shift in color temperature less to their liking. If you lean towards cooler displays in your devices this alteration could be viewed as a drawback.

Additional Cost of Accessories

The price tags attached to accessories, like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro significantly inflate the cost of ownership. With just the keyboard alone priced at $349 some users may find it hard to justify these expenses. For those watching their budget closely this aspect could potentially be a deal breaker.

Specialized Features of the Apple Pencil Pro

Some users may not fully utilize the features of the Apple Pencil Pro, like haptic feedback and gyroscope for tool rotation. These features are more geared towards tasks such as art and calligraphy making them less essential for users.

Battery Size and Charging Speed

Although the performance is impressive there is room for improvement in terms of battery size and charging speed. While the new pass through charging feature on the Magic Keyboard is faster now it may not meet everyones expectations for charging. If fast charging is a priority for you this could be seen as a drawback.

Potential Software Updates

Potential buyers are encouraged to wait for iPadOS 18s release, as it promises to optimize the capabilities of the M4 chip. This means that current purchasers may not fully unlock their devices potential until the new software becomes available. If immediate value is crucial to you this aspect might raise some concerns.

Design Changes Impact

Despite being thinner and lighter than its predecessors the M4 iPad Pros design changes have impact on user experience. The alterations are primarily aesthetic, than improvements. If you were hoping for enhancements these changes might be underwhelming.

Accessory Compatibility Issue

The latest Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard are designed exclusively for the iPad models meaning users upgrading to the M4 iPad Pro will need to purchase accessories. This additional expense can be frustrating, for those who already own accessories.

Price Consideration

The cost of the M4 iPad Pro, for storage capacities is on the steeper side. Starting at $999 for the base model adding storage and essential accessories can significantly raise the expenditure. This price point may be hard to justify for buyers.

Incremental Updates

Compared to its predecessors the improvements in performance and display quality on the M4 iPad Pro are more evolutionary than revolutionary. Users with models might not experience a difference making it less enticing for those already owning newer iPads.

Limited Utilization of Enhanced Features

While new functionalities like those offered by the Apple Pencil Pro cater well to artists and designers they may have limited appeal to users. If you’re not, in a profession these new features may not offer value to your everyday use.Camera Features Reduction

The latest rear camera setup no longer includes the wide lens found in previous models, which could be perceived as a step, down for users who valued this function. In the model the ultra wide lens has been replaced with a LiDAR scanner, which may not cater to all users needs. This change could pose an inconvenience for those who heavily relied on the wide camera.

Limited Display Enhancements for Usage

Although the new tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display on the M4 iPad Pro offers brightness and color accuracy these improvements might not be discernible during tasks when compared to the previous generations display. If you primarily use your iPad for activities you may not notice differences in performance.

Consistent Speaker Quality

The speakers on the models mirror those of their predecessors. While there is an improvement in quality between the Pro and Air models there isn’t a leap in audio performance from the previous version. If you were expecting an audio enhancement this aspect might leave you wanting more.

Excessive Performance Capability for Average Users

Although the M4 chip delivers performance most users would find that the M2 chip featured in the iPad Air already meets their needs adequately. The added power offered by the M4 chip might surpass requirements, for tablet functions and daily usage.

If you’re not looking for top notch performance this might be too much.

No Major Boost, in Battery Life

Despite the hardware the battery life hasn’t seen an upgrade compared to earlier models. Users might have expected battery performance considering the chip and other improvements. If having a lasting battery is crucial to you this could be disappointing.

Frequent Updates

The M4 iPad Pro was released six months after the M3, which could annoy users who recently switched to the M3. If you recently purchased the M3 you might feel like you missed out on having the latest and greatest by a few months.

Gradual Performance Improvements

Although the M4 shows performance enhancements these updates focus more on pushing the architectures boundaries than introducing revolutionary changes. The practical impact of these upgrades may not be significant for users. If you were expecting a performance leap you might end up feeling let down.

High Energy Consumption

The M4 processor exhibits a rise in power usage during peak performance scenarios. This strategy aligns more with Intel and AMDs approaches and diverges from Apples emphasis, on energy efficiency.

If you’re worried, about how the battery lasts that could definitely be a problem.

Limited Practical Advantages

The exceptional performance of the M4’s more advantageous for Macs than for iPads. Even though the iPad Pro has hardware it might not fully make use of this power making it seem like much for regular tablet tasks. If you’re not running demanding apps this could be unnecessary.

Heat Management Concerns

The increased frequencies and performance enhancements bring about output. While the iPad Pros cooling system without fans is impressive it can still struggle when running at speed possibly resulting in limitations. If you intend to push the iPad to its limits this might pose an issue.

Worries About Battery Life

Despite some improvements made the high power usage affects how long the battery lasts. The energy efficiency of the M4 doesn’t show improvements compared to models raising doubts about its long term battery performance. If you need a device with a lasting battery this may not be your bet.

Expensive for Small Improvements

The price of the M4 iPad Pro is steep especially when considering that the performance enhancements may not bring benefits to users. This makes it less appealing, for those who already have models of iPads.

If you’re trying to save money this might not be the choice.

Limited Compatibility, with Accessories

The M4 iPad Pro requires accessories like the updated Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard which can increase the total cost. This could be frustrating for users who already have accessories from models. If you own accessories this could be a downside.

Performance Issues for Gaming

Although the M4 iPad Pro performs well in games such as Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact; Star Rail it struggles to maintain frame rates at settings for extended periods due to thermal limitations. For gamers this could pose a problem.

Minimal Improvements in Energy Efficiency

The N3E process utilized in the M4 model does not demonstrate energy efficiency enhancements compared to the N3B process. The boost in performance comes with increased energy consumption, which may not be sustainable for devices. If energy efficiency is a priority, for you this aspect might be a drawback.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. While the new iPad Pro (M4) showcases specifications and some exciting features it also comes with its share of disadvantages that may give you pause when considering an upgrade.

However, if after reading all these cons, you still want to buy the iPad Pro (M4), congratulations! You’re making a well-informed decision, and you won’t regret your purchase.

Reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHcDrXeyguM
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSlXrmEZ59I&pp=ygUUaVBhZCBQcm8gKE00KSByZXZpZXc%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbDPvcbilCs&pp=ygUUaVBhZCBQcm8gKE00KSByZXZpZXc%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN6ZlssqNAE&pp=ygUUaVBhZCBQcm8gKE00KSByZXZpZXc%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T0MGehwWvE&t=645s&pp=ygUUaVBhZCBQcm8gKE00KSByZXZpZXc%3D