Only the 1TB and 2TB iPad Pros feature the full M4 core count and 16GB of RAM
Only 1TB/2TB iPad Pros have all M4 cores and 16GB RAM, affecting performance.
Following Apple's recent unveiling of the new iPad Pro, equipped with the M4 chip, there's been a notable revelation that has stirred interest among tech enthusiasts and potential buyers. Apple highlighted the M4 chip's performance, particularly its configuration of up to ten CPU cores, during its presentation. However, further scrutiny reveals that the maximum hardware configuration, including all four high-performance CPU cores and 16GB of RAM, is exclusive to the higher-end 1TB and 2TB storage models of the iPad Pro. The lower storage variants, specifically the 256GB and 512GB models, are equipped with a slightly scaled-down version of the M4 chip, featuring only three high-performance cores and 8GB of RAM, which marks a significant departure in Apple's approach to device segmentation, based not just on storage capacity but also on computing power and memory.
The pricing strategy for the new iPad Pro models shows a substantial increase with higher storage capacities, also reflecting the enhanced computational capabilities. This tiered approach may not only influence consumer purchasing decisions but also highlights the practice of chip binning, where chips with minor imperfections are used in less expensive product variants. This practice allows Apple to maximize the use of its silicon production, aligning with industry practices but also raising questions about transparency and value proposition for its customers.
Critics and tech analysts see this as a strategic move by Apple to incentivize purchases of more expensive models while efficiently managing production resources. However, this also introduces a new layer of complexity for buyers, who must now consider not only storage needs but also performance differences when selecting an iPad Pro model. As Apple continues to push the boundaries of its technology, the implications of such hardware stratification merit attention from both a consumer choice and industry standards perspective.