Category: iPad

  • Comparing iPad Pro 12.9 M2 and iPad Pro 11 M4: Which One Is Right for You?

    I currently have both iPads, but I have to decide which one to keep. Initially, I purchased the 11” iPad Pro M4 with 256GB storage, and while I absolutely love it, I found it a bit small for my needs. In search of more space, I came across an excellent deal on a like-new 12.9” M2 with 1TB of storage, and it was offered at a slightly lower price. Now that I have both devices in my possession, I’m feeling conflicted.

    The larger 12.9” model has impressed me with its stunning display, making it fantastic for multitasking. However, I’ve come to appreciate the lightness and portability of the 11” iPad. It’s incredibly convenient for on-the-go use, making it easy to carry around. This dilemma is challenging for me.

    The 12.9” is indeed powerful and versatile, especially for work-related tasks or watching videos, but its bulkiness can be cumbersome at times. The 11” model, while smaller, allows for ease of use without sacrificing too much functionality. Ultimately, I need to weigh the advantages of each. The question is whether I favor portability or a larger display for multitasking.

    I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to choose between the two. Which one do you think would be the better fit for my lifestyle?

  • Feeling Discontent with My New iPad

    I have been using my iPhone extensively, even for managing my business. Recently, I decided to purchase an iPad to enjoy a larger screen for my tasks. I opted for the latest base model, as I didn’t require much processing power.

    One of my primary reasons for using the iPad instead of the iPhone was to handle my bookkeeping. This involves switching between a couple of apps and Safari, where I log in to my web-based bookkeeping software. I input information into forms on the site while fetching data from other applications, such as invoice numbers, total amounts, fees, and net amounts.

    Essentially, I copy the necessary figures from other apps and paste them into Safari. However, I’ve encountered a frustrating problem with the new iPad. Each time I navigate away from Safari and return, all the entered numbers disappear and the forms reset.

    This issue is reminiscent of older versions of Safari, which would freeze when memory was low. It’s puzzling that a brand new iPad lacks the capability to retain this information, especially since my older iPhone 13 Pro manages to do so without any issues. I am looking for solutions to this dilemma.

    I attempted using split screen functionality, yet the other two apps I need for information aren’t compatible with it. I really hope I won’t need to invest in a more expensive iPad just to retain data in forms. Overall, aside from this issue, everything else about the new iPad meets my needs satisfactorily.

  • Retrospective Analysis: M4 iPad Pro Pricing Appears Much Less Appealing

    As an owner of the M4 iPad Pro, I can’t shake the feeling that I might have overpaid. The 14″ M4 MacBook Pro, which boasts an impressive screen, excellent speakers, and monitor support, is priced at $1,599. Meanwhile, the 13″ M4 iPad Pro with 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage comes in at $1,399. This price doesn’t even include the additional cost of the keyboard case, which is an additional $329.

    When you add this up, the total cost for the iPad Pro often surpasses that of the MacBook Pro in practical scenarios. It’s challenging to argue that the iPad Pro is a more advanced or superior product compared to the MacBook Pro. There are also alternatives like the iPad Air, which can perform 95%—if not 100%—of what the iPad Pro can do at a significantly lower price. Given that I need an iPad for work, the added features of the Pro don’t seem to justify its high price tag over the Air.

    While I do appreciate the iPad Pro, I am hesitant to purchase another one at full retail price. Lately, I find more value in some of Apple’s basic model configurations, particularly within the non-“Pro” lineup. The notable exception to this trend is the base M4 MacBook Pro, which has proven to be an outstanding choice. As I reconsider my options, I am increasingly inclined to explore more budget-friendly alternatives rather than opting for the premium models.

  • McAfee Expiration Warning Popup on iPad: Discussion on MacRumors Forums

    My wife is encountering an issue with her iPad. Every few minutes, a popup appears stating that McAfee is expiring today, accompanied by a ringing sound. When I pull down the notifications, I see a box that says “Scanning.” However, there is no McAfee software installed on this iPad, so I suspect that this is a form of malware resulting from something she may have clicked on.

    Has anyone else experienced something similar? If so, how can I resolve this issue? I’m looking for guidance on how to remove this unwanted software and stop the constant notifications. Any assistance or advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you.

  • M4 iPad Pro Experiences Wi-Fi Issues: Discussion on MacRumors Forums

    My wife and I both have identical M4 iPad Pros, and we’re running on iPadOS 18.5. However, we’ve been facing a persistent issue with her device. Every one to two days, she experiences a “No Internet Connection” error while connected to our home Wi-Fi network.

    In her Settings, the Wi-Fi shows our network but indicates “No Internet Connection” beneath it. Interestingly, I never encounter this problem. We’ve tried toggling the Wi-Fi off and on, but that doesn’t resolve the issue.

    The only solution we’ve found is to reboot her iPad, which temporarily restores her connection. I’ve meticulously compared the settings on both devices, and everything appears to be configured identically. We use an Eero mesh network, and when this problem arises, the Eero control panel confirms that her iPad is connected.

    I’m wondering if there are any specific areas I should investigate further for the root of the problem. It’s becoming frustrating, and I’m almost leaning toward erasing her iPad and reinstalling the apps, which seems drastic. Any recommendations on troubleshooting this issue would be greatly appreciated.

    Perhaps there are hidden settings, software conflicts, or network-related problems that I might have overlooked. I’m open to any suggestions that might help us resolve this connectivity issue so that she doesn’t have to reboot her iPad regularly.

  • iPadOS 19 May Feature Mac-Style Menu Bar with Magic Keyboard Connection, According to Rumors – MacRumors

    Rumors surrounding iPadOS 19 suggest that when an iPad is connected to a Magic Keyboard, a macOS-style menu bar will be featured on the screen. This information comes from leaker Majin Bu, who has hinted at significant changes in this upcoming version of iPadOS.

    The introduction of a Mac-like menu bar would further merge the functionalities of the iPad and Mac. Notably, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has previously stated that iPadOS 19 would increasingly resemble macOS, including unspecified enhancements related to productivity, multitasking, and window management.

    These anticipated improvements support the overall trend of integrating both operating systems. Additionally, Majin Bu claims that Stage Manager—the feature that allows users to operate multiple apps simultaneously on an external display—will see enhancements in its functionality, although no specific upgrades have been detailed.

    Furthermore, there is speculation that iOS 19 will provide a basic version of Stage Manager for iPhones equipped with USB-C ports, expanding its usability across devices. The initial beta version of iPadOS 19 is expected to be released following the WWDC 2025 keynote on June 9, which may include additional features available only in later betas.

    While Majin Bu has a mixed history with Apple rumors, possessing both accurate information and incorrect predictions, the excitement surrounding these changes continues to grow as users await more details. In related news, the Apple community anticipates a new Apple TV and the launch of the iPhone 17 series, along with considerable updates for various Apple products, including potential advancements in connectivity and design alterations.

  • iPad Pro 13” M4 Magic Keyboard Causes Permanent Horizontal Line on Display

    I have been using the 13” M4 iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard since its release. Recently, I observed an alarming issue with this setup. The rubber gasket that surrounds the keyboard keys, intended to prevent contact between the screen and keyboard when the case is closed, appears to be causing damage instead. Specifically, I have noticed a permanent horizontal line on the screen that mirrors the shape of the rubber gasket.

    When I clean the screen with a microfiber cloth or use the Apple polishing cloth, the line disappears temporarily. However, as soon as the screen gets smudged with fingerprints, the line reappears. This leads me to believe that the issue may not be a deep scratch but rather a degradation of the anti-fingerprint coating on the screen. I have even tried using lens cleaner on the surface, and the result is the same: the line vanishes with a clean screen but returns once any fingerprints show up.

    This situation seems to indicate a potential design flaw in the iPad M4 Magic Keyboard. Given the high standards typically associated with Apple products, it is frustrating to encounter such issues. The rubber gasket, which is supposed to enhance the product’s usability, is instead contributing to an aesthetic problem that detracts from the overall experience. It would be beneficial for Apple to reconsider this design aspect to prevent similar issues for future customers.

  • Shocked by the underwhelming performance of iPadOS 26

    I’m currently in the process of factory restoring my device to eliminate iPadOS 26. After a few weeks of usage, including two developer betas, I’m left feeling that this version is just a less effective iteration of the iPadOS I had previously. The glass UI feels unprofessional and reminiscent of outdated open-source desktop themes from a decade ago.

    It seems designed by someone with basic UI skills who is eager to showcase their preferences instead of delivering a polished product. Unfortunately, I didn’t find any new features to explore. Instead, everything seemed designed to be different for the sake of change, without enhancing functionality.

    While the system operations remained the same, the new UI made the overall experience worse. It’s clear to me that Apple might need a serious rethink regarding its direction. I believe there’s a pressing need for someone to step in and offer a reality check to their board of directors.

    The constant change seems superficial, as if the company has become disconnected from its core values. It feels like they’ve lost sight of their “compass,” those individuals who could guide the organization towards a meaningful path and define what innovation should look like. I anticipate that many will respond with laughter or dismissiveness, but I genuinely believe there’s room for an important conversation about the missteps in their recent developments.

    It would be refreshing to engage in a thoughtful dialogue rather than resorting to trivial banter.

  • M5 Chip Set to Launch in iPad Pro This Fall – Latest from MacRumors

    The upcoming iPad Pro models are set to be the first devices to feature Apple’s faster M5 chip, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. These refreshed models are likely to debut in October, making them an exciting addition to Apple’s high-end tablet lineup. The last update to the iPad Pro series occurred in May 2024 with the introduction of the M4 chip and OLED display technology.

    This means there will be approximately 17 months between the M4 and M5 launches. While the 2025 models are not expected to undergo significant design changes due to a major redesign in 2024, they will maintain the sleek chassis and OLED display, benefiting from the enhanced speed and efficiency of the new M5 chip. Built on TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer process, the M5 will deliver notable performance upgrades.

    Apple is also exploring new display technology that could slim down the bezels of the iPad Pro, though it’s uncertain if this innovation will be ready for the M5 models. In parallel, Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 17 series in a couple of months. The iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to undergo a redesign, particularly in the rear casing and camera area.

    However, major changes to the lineup will likely be reserved for the following year with the iPhone 18 models. Looking ahead, Apple does not intend to refresh its Mac lineup with the M5 chip until 2026. Plans for updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models have shifted, as the introduction of M5 MacBook Pros is now expected in early 2026.

    Meanwhile, anticipation is also building for an updated Apple TV, which is expected to feature key enhancements including a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. Overall, as new devices are set to emerge, Apple continues to innovate within its product lineup.

  • Is the M4 Air a viable replacement for the iPad?

    Hello everyone,

    I am seeking advice on what will likely be my final Apple purchase for the next five years, as it will ensure that all my devices continue receiving software updates over this timeframe. As a student on a somewhat tight budget, I currently own a Mac Mini M4 (16GB RAM, 256GB storage) gifted to me at Christmas and an iPad Mini 6th gen (256GB, 5G) paired with an Apple Pencil 2. I use these devices for schoolwork, but I anticipate needing CAD software in three years, at which point I plan to purchase a Windows machine. For now, I’m focused on consolidating my workflow and believe that a MacBook Air (16GB RAM, 256GB storage) would suit my needs, but I’d appreciate some additional perspectives.

    Initially, I relied on the iPad as a replacement for a school-issued Chromebook, which worked out well. The addition of the Apple Pencil transformed it into an effective digital notepad. I enjoy taking digital notes and am curious about how well I can utilize the MacBook’s trackpad for note-taking. However, I have accumulated a substantial amount of stationery over time.

    I feel that paper notes may facilitate communication with my teachers better than digital notes, as I prefer not to draw attention with my elaborate digital setup. Additionally, staring at my iPad for about seven hours a day raises concerns about my eyesight. Another consideration is the potential overlap with my Mac Mini, which I don’t intend to sell since it was a gift. I plan to sell the iPad to a family member for $350.

    I’m contemplating the practicality of having two M4 Macs. The new MacBook could run on a power adapter instead of relying on its battery when stationary, drive the same 27” 4K monitor as the Mini, and offer a quality built-in keyboard, unlike my current, less reliable one. I can afford the price difference, especially with educational pricing and by selling the free AirPods I received. Before making a decision, I want to ensure that choosing the M4 Air is the right move and that my plan makes sense.

    Thank you for any insights you can provide!