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Eight. Freaking. Gigabytes.
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We talking macs? Because it would end when you select the amount of ram you want.
The higher capacity (1TB and 2TB) iPad Pros come with 16GB of unified memory.
Well there we go, then. Makes sense the entry-level models would have less RAM and binned SoCs to help keep the price down (which came in a fair bit lower than many expected and well below what the initial rumors claimed).
Why? The next iPad Pro will likely launch at a similar time to the iPhone 17 Pro (Autumn 2025) so what better time to bump the RAM on both devices/chips?
Apple is said to be bumping the memory on the iPhone to support AI, which thrives on more memory. So a 12GB base would arguably be better for AI on the iPad Pro than 8GB. But the 1TB/2TB models offer 16GB so they will probably be the preferred model for those doing more AI-focused work on an iPad Pro.
I'm assuming the 16GB memory upgrade is purely to support the larger memory as a cache during larger write operations to the memory. If you notice on smartphones, when they increase capacity, they would increase the RAM. I could be wrong here.
Not really fair to compare with an iPhone that's 18 months out. The iPhone 16 is expected to carry 8GB.
This first gen of AI products from Cupertino is probably tame because the Apple software will take a couple years to catch up.
Doesn't work that way. Compare maxed out storage configs for recent devices:
iPhone 13 Pro 1TB has the same 6GB RAM as iPhone 12 Pro 512GB.
iPad Air M1 256GB has the same 8GB RAM as iPad Air M2 1TB.
*sigh* I didn’t think it needed explaining but here we are:
Because there will be Macs with M4 later this year, and the biggest criticism of the M3 lineup is that it still starts with 8GB.
1. Only a certain subset of Mac users complain about 8GB as the starting point for RAM.
2. Since when are iPad configurations directly tied to subsequent Mac configurations?
1. It’s a growing subset. In 2020 with the first M1, it was only really an issue for people who wouldn’t buy base MacBook Airs anyway. In 2024, it has become a larger controversy with products like the $1599 M3 MBP which is bordering on unacceptable in the current landscape.
2. Apple doesn’t produce different variants of their chips for different devices. Producing a special 8GB variant of the M4 for the 256GB/512GB iPad Pro models and not using it in any Macs would break that precedent. It’s certainly possible, but unlikely given their history.
I have no idea why people complain about this. You are free to purchase way more memory than 8Gb. It’s not like 8 is the maximum.
Sure, you have to spend more money. You’re already buying the most premium product from the most premium computer company.. let’s not complain about the upgrade costs. Get what you need when you need it.
Sure, you have to spend more money. You’re already buying the most premium product from the most premium computer company.. let’s not complain about the upgrade costs. Get what you need when you need it.
Moderation Note
Please continue discussion in the iPad forum's thread:
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Please continue discussion in the iPad forum's thread:
Eight. Gigabytes. Of RAM.
I know it’s iPadOS, but considering the price of the hardware. Also, does this mean 8GB will live on in M4 Macs? Kill me.
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