Are you ready for a thinner, sleeker, and supposedly better iPad Pro? Apple seems to think so with the upcoming M3 iPad Pro set to make its debut. However, before you get too excited, let’s dissect five reasons why Apple might be heading down a slippery slope with their relentless pursuit of thinness.
1. Limited Battery Size:
Apple’s choice to make the iPad Pro thinner comes at the cost of a smaller battery. While the OLED display technology contributes to the slim profile, it limits the space available for a larger battery. The current 12.9-inch iPad Pro already falls significantly below the legal limit for flight batteries. Thinner doesn’t always mean better, especially when sacrificing essential battery life.
2. Performance and Thermal Concerns:
The M3 chip has managed to handle performance and thermal considerations well, thanks to a switch to a new, efficient 3-nanometer architecture. However, pushing the iPad Pro to be even thinner raises concerns. With a fanless design and potential advancements in apps taking advantage of the M3’s full capabilities, the risk of thermal throttling and overheating becomes a legitimate worry.
3. Shrinking Interior Components:
Thinness might force Apple to shrink interior components, affecting speakers, enclosures, and even cameras. Thinner speakers could lead to a decrease in audio quality, as seen in the 24-inch iMac. The selfie camera might also face compromises, impacting factors like f-stop and low-light performance. Balancing thinness with maintaining or improving component quality is a delicate act.
4. Wireless MagSafe Complications:
Excitement about the potential inclusion of Wireless MagSafe technology on the iPad Pro might be short-lived. The thinness of the device poses challenges in accommodating MagSafe components, including magnets, charging coils, and other necessary elements. Integrating this technology without compromising the structural integrity might be a puzzle Apple can’t solve with a 5.0mm thin chassis.
5. Bend Gate Redux:
Remember the bending issues with the current iPad Pro? Well, brace yourself for a potential sequel. The thinner design makes the iPad Pro more susceptible to unintentional bends, especially during everyday scenarios like dropping it or placing it in a backpack. Thinner doesn’t always mean sturdier, and users might find themselves dealing with a bent iPad Pro more frequently.
In conclusion, while Apple’s pursuit of innovation and design excellence is commendable, there’s a fine line between progress and compromise. The race for thinness might not always result in a better user experience, and in the case of the M3 iPad Pro, the potential drawbacks are looming large. As users, it’s crucial to weigh the trade-offs and question whether a few millimeters of thinness are worth the sacrifices in battery life, performance, and durability. Let’s hope Apple is ready to address these concerns as they unveil the M3 iPad Pro in the coming months.