Category: iPad

  • PWM Confirmation for 2024 iPad Pro OLED – Why You Should Hold onto Your 2018 12.9″ Model

    Current technology constraints prevent the production of color-accurate OLED displays without employing Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). This is primarily because color integrity varies with the current amplitude. The most effective method for achieving consistent color when adjusting brightness is to manipulate the pulse width while maintaining the same amplitude.

    Although increasing the frequency could benefit individuals sensitive to flicker, it would subsequently lead to higher energy consumption. This challenge arises because color shifts occur with intensity changes. To manage intensity while retaining consistent color, the device operates at full power for brief intervals, switching off for similar durations, thus relying on the human eye’s persistence of vision to average the changes.

    PWM plays a pivotal role here, similar to how dimmers for incandescent bulbs function—by truncating sine waves in AC systems. Likewise, PWM modifies portions of the DC signal, which complicates the use of these dimmers with LED and CFL bulbs. Employing a variable resistor to reduce current would waste energy as heat, thus proving impractical in devices like smartphones or tablets.

    PWM has long been favored for its energy efficiency in both LEDs and OLEDs in flat panel displays. While DC and AC refer to whether the waveform is constant or exhibits frequency content, PWM is categorized as AC, representing a square wave with a varying duty cycle. It is simpler and more efficient to produce than sine waves, functioning effectively as an on/off switch.

    Recent discussions surrounding DC dimming focus on establishing a controllable but quasi-constant current source. Since LEDs are diodes (the “D” in LED), they maintain a nearly constant voltage that correlates power with the current flowing through. The eye strain some experience due to PWM’s operations raises questions about why modern LCDs with LED backlights seem less problematic.

    Historically, LCDs exhibited similar issues, but advancements in technology, such as phosphor-coated white backlights that are energized by blue or UV LEDs, likely mitigate these effects. The phosphor’s delayed energy release, akin to cathode-ray tubes (CRTs), helps average out the flicker, so users may not notice the PWM flickering as prominently. Furthermore, since the phosphor generates color rather than the LED itself, any underlying color shifts are potentially minimized, reducing the harshness of PWM effects.

  • Unable to Access iTunes Music on New iPad and Can’t Access My Profile

    Hello everyone,

    I recently purchased an iPad Air 2025, and I’m experiencing an issue with the music app. It does not display my purchased music from iTunes, which is quite frustrating. To resolve this, I attempted to log out and then log back into my Apple account, but unfortunately, that did not make any difference. I also made sure to log out and back in for media & purchases, yet still, I cannot access my music.

    If anyone has suggestions or tips on how to fix this problem, I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you!

  • Is it safe to install the public beta on your sole iPad?

    Is it safe to install the public beta on an iPad Pro M1? This is a common question, especially for those who don’t own a secondary device. The curiosity about new features, particularly the “windowing” mode, is strong. However, concerns about syncing issues with your iPhone and Mac, which are still running last year’s software, are valid.

    It’s worth considering that installing the beta might cause some hiccups in syncing across devices. Personally, I won’t install the public beta on my iPhone or Mac. I prefer to wait for the official fall release for those devices to ensure stability. The idea of a beta version introduces uncertainties, such as potential bugs that could affect your daily tasks.

    If you have taken the plunge and installed the beta, I’d love to hear about your experience. Have you encountered any significant problems, or has the update been smooth? On a positive note, I went ahead and installed the public beta on my iPad. So far, it’s been a pleasant experience.

    While it doesn’t feel as revolutionary as I had initially anticipated, I think it’s a solid update. The aesthetic changes are refreshing and add to the overall user experience. In conclusion, if you’re considering installing the public beta on your iPad Pro M1, weigh the risks and benefits. While it can be tempting to dive into the latest features, it’s essential to think about how it might impact your other devices.

  • Should You Wait for the M5 iPad Pro or Choose the M4 Now?

    I currently own a MacBook Pro M1 Pro 16” and an iPhone 16 Pro, and I’m feeling the need for a device that fits comfortably between the two. The idea of a tandem OLED screen is quite appealing. However, I have some reservations about the 8GB of RAM. I’m worried that in three to four years, this might become a significant bottleneck for performance.

    I’ve been considering the 11” M4 iPad Pro as an option, but my main concern remains the RAM, especially since I would be opting for the base version. It’s always a challenge to balance immediate needs with future-proofing. On one hand, the iPad Pro offers impressive performance and a beautiful display that would greatly enhance my productivity and entertainment experience. On the other hand, I’m cautious about whether the hardware will keep pace with my demands in a few years.

    The question I’m grappling with is whether to wait for a future model or go ahead and purchase the M4 version now. I hope to get some insights from others who might have faced a similar decision. Do you think it would be wise to invest in the current model, or are there reasons to hold out for a potential upgrade? Thank you for your help!

  • Which is better: 11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro?

    Choosing between the 11″ and the 12.9″ iPad can be quite challenging, especially depending on how you take your notes and utilize the device. If you’re primarily working at a desk, the larger screen of the 12.9″ may appeal to you for its better multitasking capabilities. However, if you find yourself moving around the office, taking notes or giving presentations, the lightweight 11″ model might be more beneficial. It’s much easier to handle with one hand while using the pencil in the other.

    Having experience with different iPad models, I initially ordered the 12.9″ for its larger display. However, I ended up valuing the portability of the 10.5.” I frequently move between locations, using apps like OneNote and marking up PDFs. The 12.9″ felt too unwieldy for my needs, particularly since my note-taking style involves holding the iPad in one hand and writing with the pencil in the other.

    The weight difference is significant; the 11″ weighs nearly a pound, while the 12.9″ is about 1.4 pounds, making the former more practical for frequent movement. Ultimately, I canceled my 12.9″ order and went for the 11″ instead. While I know I’ll miss the extra screen space, I realized that the size of the 12.9″ is comparable to my MacBook Pro. Therefore, a desktop experience wouldn’t suit my mobile requirements.

    That said, I appreciate the appeal of a larger screen in a smaller footprint. The new advancements in size classes with the 11″ model show promise, especially for multitasking. Still, I see the value of trying both sizes and returning one to find out which fits my needs best.

  • Anticipating the iPad Pro M5? Join the Discussion on MacRumors Forums!

    Here are my spec predictions for the upcoming device:

    First and foremost, I anticipate the inclusion of the M5 chip. This upgrade is essential for enhancing overall performance and efficiency.

    Additionally, I expect the standard RAM configuration to be either 12GB or 16GB. With the iPhone 17 Pro likely to receive a memory increase, this upgrade will aid in future-proofing the device and supporting the latest AI features.

    Connectivity is another area where I hope to see improvements. The adoption of WiFi 7 would significantly enhance internet speeds and connectivity reliability.

    Furthermore, the introduction of Bluetooth 4.5 would ensure better compatibility and energy efficiency for connected devices. Another intriguing addition could be dual selfie cameras.

    This enhancement would allow for better photography capabilities, particularly in various lighting conditions or during video calls. The dual-camera setup could also support advanced features like portrait modes or enhanced depth perception for more professional-looking selfies.

    In summary, I firmly believe that the M5 chip and the potential for increased RAM will be crucial for the next iteration of this device. As technology progresses and user demands evolve, these upgrades will play a vital role in maintaining relevance and competitiveness in the market.

    Enhanced connectivity and advanced camera features will also be key components that can set the device apart from its predecessors. Overall, these spec predictions reflect an exciting glimpse into the future of smartphone technology.

  • iPadOS 26: A Complete Disaster Discussed in MacRumors Forums

    I am not referring to bugs, as I anticipate those in a beta. What concerns me is the overwhelming dysfunction in the user experience (UX). The multitasking system has become so complicated and unwieldy that it raises serious questions about how this could have passed the approval process.

    It seems inevitable that the teams behind these systems were reluctant to launch them, suggesting that pressures from corporate executives drove the decision to push these changes live to satisfy shareholders and analysts. It is my hope that some leaders within the organization can redirect their focus towards prioritizing reliability and ease of use in the user experience. This isn’t about lamenting the past and claiming that Steve Jobs would never have allowed such a decline; rather, it’s an expression of frustration over how far Apple has deviated from the core values that once positioned them among the leading tech companies.

    These principles—and the pioneering products they inspired—were not the result of a single individual’s vision. I genuinely believe that Apple has strayed off course. It’s crucial for the company to undertake a significant course correction to mend its fractured organization.

    The focus must return to essentials: customer experience, reliability, usability, and functionality. Only by reinforcing these fundamental aspects can Apple hope to regain its former stature in the tech industry.

  • Upcoming iPad Pro Set to Resolve Its Most Frustrating FaceTime Problems – MacRumors

    Apple is set to update the iPad Pro, addressing a long-standing issue that many FaceTime users have encountered. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the next iteration of the iPad Pro will introduce a significant change in its camera system—specifically, it will feature dual front-facing cameras. This new setup will allow one camera to be optimized for portrait mode, while the other will be designed for landscape use. With this enhancement, users will no longer need to awkwardly reposition the device during video calls or selfies, regardless of their holding style.

    Currently, the iPad Pro only has a single front camera located along the landscape edge. This setup is functional when the device is used in a laptop-like orientation, but it creates an awkward scenario for users who prefer portrait mode for reading or scrolling during FaceTime calls, resulting in their face appearing off-centered. Though this change may not seem revolutionary, it represents a necessary correction for optimizing the video call experience, especially given that Face ID already accommodates users in any orientation. The update is expected to be part of a series of modest improvements centered around processing power, following last year’s major redesign that introduced OLED displays.

    In the broader context of Apple’s upcoming announcements, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models are also on the horizon, with features and rumors circulating about the changes that will accompany them. This combination of new hardware signals an exciting period for Apple enthusiasts as the company continues to refine its existing products while launching new ones.

  • Is the iPad Mini 1 Still Relevant in 2025?

    Hello everyone,

    I recently came across a clean and affordable iPad Mini 1 on eBay. I’m curious if this device would still have practical uses, despite it being limited to iOS 9.

    I realize that using it online could pose security risks, so I’m not inclined to do much browsing. I wonder if anyone out there still owns an iPad Mini 1 or uses it for specific tasks.

    Given its age, I’m aware that the app compatibility may be an issue, but I’m interested in hearing how others manage to make use of older devices like this one. I’m contemplating potential non-internet-related uses, such as using it as an ebook reader for PDFs or basic documents, or even as a digital photo frame.

    Are there other creative ways to repurpose an iPad Mini 1 that I might not have thought of? Your insights would really help me decide whether investing in this older model is worthwhile or if I’d be better off looking for a more current device.

    I appreciate any feedback or personal experiences you can share!

  • What are your favorite locations for using your iPad?

    I primarily use my 13” M4 iPad Pro while relaxing in bed. It’s become my go-to device for a variety of activities. Whether I’m browsing the web, shopping online, managing emails, or indulging in TikTok and YouTube, the iPad serves all my needs flawlessly.

    I find it convenient to prop the iPad against a pillow while using it with a Folio case. This setup creates a comfortable viewing angle, allowing for an immersive experience. The vibrant screen and powerful performance enhance my enjoyment, whether I’m engaged in social media or catching up on favorite shows.

    What about you? How do you utilize your device? Do you engage in similar activities such as surfing the web or online shopping, or do you have different habits?

    I’d love to hear how you experience your technology and what your favorite apps are!