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EugW

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Jun 18, 2017
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So, what apps out there would benefit from more than 4 GB RAM?

I saw an artificial action that somebody created that would crash a 4 GB iPad Pro but worked fine on a 6 GB iPad Pro, because it needed over 5 GB RAM to run (with 3.4 GB from the app alone). But it seemed to be just a proof of concept.

https://twitter.com/viticci/status/1061443135975407616/video/1

However, I have seen mention that Procreate is RAM limited so that on 4 GB iPads the amount of layers you can add is much less than you can on 6 GB iPads.

I also have seen mention that with rare games, a maxed out video setting will stutter on the iPad Pro 3rd gen with 4 GB but not on a iPad Pro 3rd with 6 GB.

I also see that LumaFusion 2.0 was just displayed at NAB 2019, and it's looking to be a beast.

https://9to5mac.com/2019/04/10/nab-2019-mobile-video-editing-lumafusion-2-0-filmic-pro-gnarbox/

In LumaFusion 1.x it supports 3 video tracks, but in LumaFusion 2.0 coming this year, it will support 6 simultaneous video tracks. That's pretty impressive for an iPad. Furthermore, 2.1 will bring export of LumaFusion projects to Final Cut X. Given this level of functionality, I'm guessing to max it out you'll need 6 GB RAM.

The other one I wonder about is Photoshop that's coming this year.

What else benefits from or will benefit from more than 4 GB RAM?
 
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tps3443

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So, what apps out there would benefit from more than 4 GB RAM?

I saw an artificial action that somebody created that would crash a 4 GB iPad Pro but worked fine on a 6 GB iPad Pro, because it needed over 5 GB RAM to run (with 3.4 GB from the app alone). But it seemed to be just a proof of concept.

https://twitter.com/viticci/status/1061443135975407616/video/1

However, I have seen mention that Procreate is RAM limited so that on 4 GB iPads the amount of layers you can add is much less than you can on 6 GB iPads.

I also have seen mention that with rare games, a maxed out video setting will stutter on the iPad Pro 3rd gen with 4 GB but not on a iPad Pro 3rd with 6 GB.

I also see that LumaFusion was just displayed at NAB 2019, and it's looking to be a beast.

https://9to5mac.com/2019/04/10/nab-2019-mobile-video-editing-lumafusion-2-0-filmic-pro-gnarbox/

In LumaFusion 1.x it supports 3 video tracks, but in LumaFusion 2.0 coming this year, it will support 6 simultaneous video tracks. That's pretty impressive for an iPad. Furthermore, 2.1 will bring export of LumaFusion projects to Final Cut X. Given this level of functionality, I'm guessing to max it out you'll need 6 GB RAM.

The other one I wonder about is Photoshop that's coming this year.

What else benefits from or will benefit from more than 4 GB RAM?

Obviously running multiple games, and having them minimized the 6GB of ram definitely helps. You simply do not need to close demanding titles, to play another demanding title performance will stay smooth, without a shudder of a skip. Shapr 3D is another app that can use the 6GB of ram.

This was the only reason why I wanted the 1TB iPad Pro 11” model. The storage is great and all, but the ram for future applications, and longevity takes the cake for me!

The new Lumafusion will most likely be more intensive on ram. Obviously the new photoshop whenever it finally comes out.
[doublepost=1554934434][/doublepost]Oh and the majority of iPads are equipped with 4GB of ram, so I imagine optimization will be important for developers with the 4GB in mind for the masses.
 
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EugW

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Jun 18, 2017
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Oh and the majority of iPads are equipped with 4GB of ram, so I imagine optimization will be important for developers with the 4GB in mind for the masses.
I guess you mean most iPad Pros? Cuz I suspect the most common size right now is 2 GB.
 
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mixel

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Jan 12, 2006
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Based on the fact that Plasq’s Comic Draw (my joint favourite art app) seems to automatically assign how many layers you can use based on RAM (it gives an appropriately intermediate number to the new 3GB models despite not having an update, unlike Procreate which still needs updating to take advantage of new models..) I’m guessing it’ll do the same for the 6GB model.

Which makes me think with a standard US comic page at 300 dpi you should be able to get ~68 layers or something?! I know it’s niche/under appreciated software but I’d love for someone to test it out.
 

tps3443

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Based on the fact that Plasq’s Comic Draw (my joint favourite art app) seems to automatically assign how many layers you can use based on RAM (it gives an appropriately intermediate number to the new 3GB models despite not having an update, unlike Procreate which still needs updating to take advantage of new models..) I’m guessing it’ll do the same for the 6GB model.

Which makes me think with a standard US comic page at 300 dpi you should be able to get ~68 layers or something?! I know it’s niche/under appreciated software but I’d love for someone to test it out.

I downloaded Plasq’s comic draw app. What do you want to know?

I selected standard US comic size, and I’m at 70 layers so far. I, not an expert with drawing software. But, I must say this is some impressive software here.
[doublepost=1554947214][/doublepost]
iron man 3 bad guy
[doublepost=1554948621][/doublepost]
I guess you mean most iPad Pros? Cuz I suspect the most common size right now is 2 GB.

Yep I meant iPad pro’s
 
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EugW

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Jun 18, 2017
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Shapr 3D is another app that can use the 6GB of ram.
I wasn't aware of that app before. I just had a look at the website, and wow, that's a beautiful app. :)

Based on the fact that Plasq’s Comic Draw (my joint favourite art app) seems to automatically assign how many layers you can use based on RAM (it gives an appropriately intermediate number to the new 3GB models despite not having an update, unlike Procreate which still needs updating to take advantage of new models..) I’m guessing it’ll do the same for the 6GB model.

Which makes me think with a standard US comic page at 300 dpi you should be able to get ~68 layers or something?! I know it’s niche/under appreciated software but I’d love for someone to test it out.
Another very cool app.

These apps are ones I'd probably never use myself, but nonetheless it's amazing to see what these iPads can do these days.
 
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tps3443

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I wasn't aware of that app before. I just had a look at the website, and wow, that's a beautiful app. :)


Another very cool app.

These apps are ones I'd probably never use myself, but nonetheless it's amazing to see what these iPads can do these days.

Yes they are awesome apps. You need a pencil for Shapr 3D. But, it is the AutoCAD of iPads as far as I know. It really is impressive. I need to get a Apple Pencil ASAP.
 
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mixel

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Jan 12, 2006
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Leeds, UK
I downloaded Plasq’s comic draw app. What do you want to know?

I selected standard US comic size, and I’m at 70 layers so far. I, not an expert with drawing software. But, I must say this is some impressive software here.
70! That’s exactly what I wanted to know.

Thanks for that, so many layers! And yeah it’s a bit of a hidden gem, it’s drawing tools are great and line smoothing/pressure very nice but different feeling to other apps. Between it and Clip Studio Paint the iPad caters really well to comic artists.

What the iPad really needs is pixologic to port a full version of ZBrush. Running out of bases to cover then.

Anyway, off topic. 6GB clearly does make a big difference in a bunch of apps. Good to know. I wonder how long it will take 6 to become more standard considering how slowly they’re phasing out 2GB machines.
 

EugW

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Jun 18, 2017
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6GB clearly does make a big difference in a bunch of apps. Good to know. I wonder how long it will take 6 to become more standard considering how slowly they’re phasing out 2GB machines.
As of 2019, all of Apple’s new iDevices are minimum 3 GB. Yes they’re still selling the 2018 iPad with 2 GB, but that’s effectively legacy now.

The 6 GB 1 TB iPad Pro shows us Apple’s near-term future today, and provides developers a real world product to which they can target.

I think it is likely the next round of iPad Pros will start at 6 GB.
 
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Boil

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Oct 23, 2018
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Anyway, off topic. 6GB clearly does make a big difference in a bunch of apps. Good to know. I wonder how long it will take 6 to become more standard considering how slowly they’re phasing out 2GB machines.

I predict the 2020/21 iPad Pros (optimized for iOS 13 with an A13X Bionic APU) will have 6GB default & 8GB available with the top end 2TB storage model...?
 

EugW

macrumors G5
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Jun 18, 2017
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I predict the 2020/21 iPad Pros (optimized for iOS 13 with an A13X Bionic APU) will have 6GB default & 8GB available with the top end 2TB storage model...?
So you don't think the iPad Pros won't be updated this year? I am not convinced they will release new ones either this year, but if they don't, I think the latest we will see them is 2020. 2021 seems too long, as they are on a 1-2 year release cycle:

2015-09: 12.9" 1st gen (A9X, 4 GB)
2016-03: 9.7" 1st gen (A9X, 2 GB) <-- I'm still surprised this didn't come with at least 3 GB RAM.
2017-06: 10.5" and 12.9" 2nd gen (A10X, 4 GB)
2018-10: 11" and 12.9" 3rd gen (A12X, 4-6 GB)

I figure my 4 GB in my 10.5" Pro will last me a while even if I start using LumaFusion and Affinity Photo more, since I won't be doing huge projects in them. However, for my next upgrade, I won't accept anything less than 6 GB. I agree that minimum 6 GB is likely by 2020, with 8 GB at the top tier as a new forward-thinking target for developers. I probably won't be ready to buy until 2022 or later though, for an 11" 128/256 GB Pro, also at 6 GB. An 8 GB minimum probably won't happen until 2024 or later.

Despite all this focus on RAM though, I think what would help me more than RAM is if they introduce proper external storage support.
 
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mixel

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Jan 12, 2006
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I predict the 2020/21 iPad Pros (optimized for iOS 13 with an A13X Bionic APU) will have 6GB default & 8GB available with the top end 2TB storage model...?
Jeez 8GB will feel completely overkill for my use unless they're really pushing multitasking in new ways.. I'm totally into the idea though. Would be nice to never even have to think about layer limits in Procreate et al!

Cool app!
Very cool app and nice developers and community too, can't recommend it enough! :)

As of 2019, all of Apple’s new iDevices are minimum 3 GB. Yes they’re still selling the 2018 iPad with 2 GB, but that’s effectively legacy now.

The 6 GB 1 TB iPad Pro shows us Apple’s near-term future today, and provides developers a real world product to which they can target.

I think it is likely the next round of iPad Pros will start at 6 GB.
Now the lines are a bit more well defined, I think they should really lean into the educational/kid suitability of the entry level iPad and release official durable cases at the minimum, maybe make them chunkier and bouncier in general. Like the Newton Emate 300 was near indestructible. :)
 

tps3443

macrumors 65816
Jan 24, 2019
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I predict the 2020/21 iPad Pros (optimized for iOS 13 with an A13X Bionic APU) will have 6GB default & 8GB available with the top end 2TB storage model...?

The new iPad pro’s will probably be just like this. But, the top end may be a 1.5TB instead of 2TB.

We’re gonna need that 8GB of ram for all that storage space! Lol haha jk.
 

rui no onna

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Oct 25, 2013
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2015-09: 12.9" 1st gen (A9X, 4 GB)
2016-03: 9.7" 1st gen (A9X, 2 GB) <-- I'm still surprised this didn't come with at least 3 GB RAM.
2017-06: 10.5" and 12.9" 2nd gen (A10X, 4 GB)
2018-10: 11" and 12.9" 3rd gen (A12X, 4-6 GB)
I’m not. None of Apple’s devices back then had 3GB so no bulk discount. It probably would’ve been cheaper for them going 2x2GB on the 9.7 than a low quantity order of 3GB LPDDR4.

2015 12.9” got 2x2GB while 2016 9.7” got 1x2GB. You can actually see the A9X 9.7 lagging the A9X 12.9 in benchmarks that are sensitive to memory bandwidth. Mind, even with double the memory bandwidth, 3D bench/frame rates at native display resolution is higher on the 9.7 than on 12.9 owing to the much lower pixel count.
 
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tps3443

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Jan 24, 2019
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I’m not. None of Apple’s devices back then had 3GB so no bulk discount. It probably would’ve been cheaper for them going 2x2GB on the 9.7 than a low quantity order of 3GB LPDDR4.

2015 12.9” got 2x2GB while 2016 9.7” got 1x2GB. You can actually see the A9X 9.7 lagging the A9X 12.9 in benchmarks that are sensitive to memory bandwidth. Mind, even with double the memory bandwidth, 3D bench/frame rates at native display resolution is higher on the 9.7 than on 12.9 owing to the much lower pixel count.

I’ve seen the memory bandwidth comparison, the 12.9” 2015 iPad destroys the 2016 9.7” iPad Pro.

The 12.9” 2015 iPad Pro was like over doubling the memory bandwidth of the iPad Pro 2016 9.7”

The 9.7” iPad Pro 2016 was just a little faster than budget iPhone SE’s. While the 2015 iPad Pro was on par with the much later released 2017 iPad Pro 10.5”

I’ll try to find the link. It had every apple devices memory bandwidth listed.
 
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RevTEG

macrumors 65816
Oct 28, 2012
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So, what apps out there would benefit from more than 4 GB RAM?

I saw an artificial action that somebody created that would crash a 4 GB iPad Pro but worked fine on a 6 GB iPad Pro, because it needed over 5 GB RAM to run (with 3.4 GB from the app alone). But it seemed to be just a proof of concept.

https://twitter.com/viticci/status/1061443135975407616/video/1

However, I have seen mention that Procreate is RAM limited so that on 4 GB iPads the amount of layers you can add is much less than you can on 6 GB iPads.

I also have seen mention that with rare games, a maxed out video setting will stutter on the iPad Pro 3rd gen with 4 GB but not on a iPad Pro 3rd with 6 GB.

I also see that LumaFusion 2.0 was just displayed at NAB 2019, and it's looking to be a beast.

https://9to5mac.com/2019/04/10/nab-2019-mobile-video-editing-lumafusion-2-0-filmic-pro-gnarbox/

In LumaFusion 1.x it supports 3 video tracks, but in LumaFusion 2.0 coming this year, it will support 6 simultaneous video tracks. That's pretty impressive for an iPad. Furthermore, 2.1 will bring export of LumaFusion projects to Final Cut X. Given this level of functionality, I'm guessing to max it out you'll need 6 GB RAM.

The other one I wonder about is Photoshop that's coming this year.

What else benefits from or will benefit from more than 4 GB RAM?


So does this mean Photoshop and LumaFusion could be limited to Pro iPads since they have higher ram?
 

tps3443

macrumors 65816
Jan 24, 2019
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So does this mean Photoshop and LumaFusion could be limited to Pro iPads since they have higher ram?

There probably gonna have to tighten up ram usage a little with iOS 13 even on the 4GB models, just to offer a smooth experience. Maybe full photoshop is only available on iPad Pro models.
 

EugW

macrumors G5
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Jun 18, 2017
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So does this mean Photoshop and LumaFusion could be limited to Pro iPads since they have higher ram?
No. Definitely not for LumaFusion. It's just that it wouldn't be as constrained on iPads with more RAM.

As for Photoshop, I don't know, but my guess is that it will run on any 2 GB iPad, but Pro iPads will do better, esp. when it comes to layer support.

---

BTW, mixel mentioned elsewhere that Procreate has been updated to support 3 GB iPads, so that they can support more layers than 2 GB iPads now, but still not as many as 4 GB iPads.
 
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Dave245

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This looks interesting, it’s from the upcoming LumaFusion 2.0. Is this the sort of thing that the 6GB and 1TB storage would benefit?


I have to say that it’s impressive to see this being done on an iPad :)
 

Falhófnir

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Aug 19, 2017
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I was aware of the Procreate layer/ canvas size limitations being tied to chipset generation and RAM amount, but other than that (and the same sort of thing another apps) as far as I'm aware you have to build to run on the lowest supported specification? I guess there's probably also instances of games having higher texture quality where more RAM is available etc.
 

EugW

macrumors G5
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Jun 18, 2017
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This looks interesting, it’s from the upcoming LumaFusion 2.0. Is this the sort of thing that the 6GB and 1TB storage would benefit?


I have to say that it’s impressive to see this being done on an iPad :)
LumaFusion has a bar gauge that gets filled up as you use more effects. The more RAM you have, the longer it takes to get filled up.

LumaFusion 1.x currently supports three video tracks with audio, and three additional audio tracks, for a total of 3 video tracks and 6 audio tracks.

LumaFusion 2.0 supports six video tracks with audio, and six additional audio tracks, for a total of 6 video tracks and 12 audio tracks. Truly impressive, but this would use a lot of RAM. Just how much I don't know. Performance with that many tracks would probably be very poor on my 2017 iPad Pro too, esp. if it was 4K HEVC, because of the slower SoC in the 2017 models. IOW, while more RAM would help in certain usage, you would need an SoC to match it to fully utilize that RAM, at least in LumaFusion 2.0.
 
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Dave245

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Sep 15, 2013
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LumaFusion has a bar gauge that gets filled up as you use more effects. The more RAM you have, the longer it takes to get filled up.

LumaFusion 1.x currently supports three video tracks with audio, and three additional audio tracks, for a total of 3 video tracks and 6 audio tracks.

LumaFusion 2.0 supports six video tracks with audio, and six additional audio tracks, for a total of 6 video tracks and 12 audio tracks. Truly impressive, but this would use a lot of RAM. Just how much I don't know. Performance with that many tracks would probably be very poor on my 2017 iPad Pro too, esp. if it was 4K HEVC, because of the slower SoC in the 2017 models. IOW, while more RAM would help in certain usage, you would need an SoC to match it to fully utilize that RAM, at least in LumaFusion 2.0.

It’s definitely impressive, I’m contemplating an upgrade to the 2018 iPad Pro from current 2017 version. I want to start dabbling in LumaFusion at some point, the 2.0 upgrade looks great.

Also it looks like Apple won’t be fixing the keyboard on the MacBook Air (and Pro’s) anytime soon, so I’m tempted to get a new 12.9” iPad Pro and see how I get on. I do have the Surface Pro 6 and while I’ve started to like it for certain things, it’s just not the same as an Apple device and Apple ecosystem where everything works together.

It’s certainly food for thought.

The Apple Pencil 2 would also be an upgrade from my current version 1 :)
 

tps3443

macrumors 65816
Jan 24, 2019
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I cannot wait for lumafusion 2.0. I’ve held off on buying LumaFusion for a while now. And I’ve just been getting by with a mix of Adobe Rush, and iMovie.

LumaFusion 2.0 is way better than what I’m using. It honestly looks like it’ll push the 6GB models pretty well. I’m happy to test this one!

Any idea when it’ll be available for purchase?
 
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richpjr

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May 9, 2006
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I cannot wait for lumafusion 2.0. I’ve held off on buying LumaFusion for a while now. And I’ve just been getting by with a mix of Adobe Rush, and iMovie.

LumaFusion 2.0 is way better than what I’m using. It honestly looks like it’ll push the 6GB models pretty well. I’m happy to test this one!

Any idea when it’ll be available for purchase?

I had read the tentative release date is the end of May, but it could get pushed out depending on how long it takes to get through testing. I am using the current version and it is fantastic.
 
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