Apple has pushed the boundaries of design yet again with the latest launch of their M4 iPad Pro models. These new iterations come in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, boasting a trim frame of 5.3mm and 5.1mm thickness respectively. The slender profile marks these devices as the thinnest in Apple’s product lineup to date. The brand was able to attain such sleekness partly due to the adoption of Tandem OLED technology, which eliminates the need for separate backlighting because of its self-emitting pixels.
With such a radical reduction in thickness, some consumers may be wary of a potential repeat of the ‘bendgate’ controversy that surfaced back in 2018. This issue involved Apple’s iPad Pro models presenting a slight bend right out of the box – a problem that Apple acknowledged as a side effect of the manufacturing process. However, there’s reassuring news for those contemplating an M4 iPad Pro purchase.
Apple has taken preemptive measures to bolster the durability and structural integrity of these new iPad Pro models. This was highlighted in a conversation between Arun Miani, the creator behind the Mrwhosetheboss YouTube channel, and Apple’s Senior Vice President of hardware engineering, John Ternus. Ternus explained that the latest iPad Pros have a new feature: a protective cowling over the logic board. This component is not just for heat dissipation but also serves a critical role in reinforcing the tablets. By enhancing stiffness, this metal cover aims to alleviate concerns about the devices’ susceptibility to bending.
Apple’s executives maintain a confident stance on the rigidity and resilience of their M4 iPad Pro lineup, despite the significant slim-down. This assurance is crucial given that thinner devices, particularly larger tablets like the 13-inch model, typically have a greater risk of bending due to a larger surface area.
The true test of the iPad Pro’s robustness will come as users and reviewers put these devices through real-world usage, including durability assessments. Indeed, many are keen to see if the new construction methods and internal strengthening measures will stand up to the strenuous demands that devices inevitably face.
As tech enthusiasts and potential customers alike look on with interest, it remains to be seen how Apple’s design innovation will fare against the challenges of everyday use and handling. The hope is that the technological advancements and the durability-focused design choices will equate to a new, more resilient generation of iPad Pros that users can rely on.
