Apple has unveiled its M4 chip, an update in the technology that powers its devices. This new chip, which follows the recent release of the M3, is built using a 3nm process and includes a mix of four high-performance and six efficiency CPU cores, each integrated with machine learning accelerators. The M4 also features a 10-core GPU that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, offering performance comparable to laptops while being more energy-efficient.
Enhanced AI and Display Features
The M4 chip includes a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of performing 38 trillion operations per second (TOPS), positioning it ahead of competitors like AMD's Ryzen 8040 series and Intel's Meteor Lake in terms of AI processing power. Apple claims this makes the M4's Neural Engine the most advanced NPU in the AI PC market. The latest iPad Pro models equipped with the M4 chip also introduce a new “tandem OLED” display technology, termed Ultra Retina XDR, which delivers increased brightness and clarity in a design that is both thinner and lighter than previous models.
Product Lineup and Availability
The M4 chip will be exclusive to the new iPad Pro models, available in 13 and 11-inch sizes. These models offer storage options from 256GB to 2TB and RAM configurations from 8GB to 16GB. Apple has also updated its iPad Air series with the M2 chip and introduced the new Apple Pencil Pro, which features a squeeze sensor, haptic feedback, and a gyroscope for improved control. Additionally, a new Magic Keyboard with a function key row and haptic feedback on the trackpad has been released, though it is only compatible with the iPad Pro.
The new iPad Pro models are currently available for pre-order and will go on sale starting May 15. The 11-inch model is priced starting at $999, while the 13-inch model begins at $1,299.
