M4 Macs, New iPad Mini, and iPad 11 Expected at Upcoming Apple Event

[theluggage]

The VESA variant doesn't cost extra.

Sure, but you have to order it specially (probably ruling out any discounts) and can’t change your mind later (on a device that ought to be good for 5-10 years and several computer upgrades).

That isn't on Apple, except for the fact that they've priced it absurdly.

well, it is on Apple in as much as they didn’t give MacOS a fully resizable UI (unlike Windows) just two “fixed resolution” UI sizes for 110 and 220ppi. Anything else needs non-integer scaling which puts extra load on the GPU and can create blurring and artefacts (although I think that problem is somewhat exaggerated - 4K with scaling works perfectly well for most purposes).

4k@27” is “retina“ (1 arc minute per pixel) at normal desktop viewing distances and Windows (and many Linux distros) are quite happy with that - 5k@27 may be better but is deeply into diminishing returns for a significant increase in bandwidth and cost - it is not going to take off in the PC world.

 

[DavidSchaub]

well, it is on Apple in as much as they didn’t give MacOS a fully resizable UI (unlike Windows) just two “fixed resolution” UI sizes for 110 and 220ppi. Anything else needs non-integer scaling which puts extra load on the GPU and can create blurring and artefacts (although I think that problem is somewhat exaggerated - 4K with scaling works perfectly well for most purposes).

Windows scaling is less consistent across apps, but is way better at fonts at non-integer scaling. It is a bit of a tradeoff, but Windows sucked at it for a long time, which is partially why the desktop PC market (lots of laptops have retina screens) hasn't taken off.

4k@27” is “retina“ (1 arc minute per pixel) at normal desktop viewing distances and Windows (and many Linux distros) are quite happy with that - 5k@27 may be better but is deeply into diminishing returns for a significant increase in bandwidth and cost - it is not going to take off in the PC world.

I made a web calculator for this stuff at https://dpi.froods.ca

4K 27" is only "retina" at almost 1.8 feet away, which is not where I would measure desktop screens. I would only measure desktop retina at around 1 to 1.5 feet.

 

[theluggage]

4K 27" is only "retina" at almost 1.8 feet away, which is not where I would measure desktop screens. I would only measure desktop retina at around 1 to 1.5 feet.

YMMV how far you sit from a desktop screen. Mine are abouy 2' away.

Anyway, the whole "retina" thing is very, very hand-wavy based on "typical" eyesight. We're talking ballpark figures.

 

[DavidSchaub]

YMMV how far you sit from a desktop screen. Mine are abouy 2' away.

Anyway, the whole "retina" thing is very, very hand-wavy based on "typical" eyesight. We're talking ballpark figures.

Absolutely, the whole 1 arc minute thing is from the Doctor who standardized the "letter" vision tests boards, but it is too pretty a number to be anything but a "rule of thumb".

While I pity the people who dislike 4k 27" screens, I can't say that they're wrong

 

[puppy29452]

What are your thoughts on the potential updates to the iPad mini? Do you think the improved cameras and faster chip will make it a compelling upgrade for existing users?

 

[DavidSchaub]

What are your thoughts on the potential updates to the iPad mini? Do you think the improved cameras and faster chip will make it a compelling upgrade for existing users?

The iPad mini is currently on an A15.

I absolutely expect it will get updated to the A18 Pro (for USB3 speeds); though, we don't have any context for having two SKU's of iPhone SoC to pick between.

A fine upgrade, if it is needed. An A15 iPad mini probably has some more years in it.

I'll be shocked if it gets the M4... that would be unprecedented.

 

[chucker23n1]

Sure, but you have to order it specially (probably ruling out any discounts) and can’t change your mind later (on a device that ought to be good for 5-10 years and several computer upgrades).

Right.

well, it is on Apple in as much as they didn’t give MacOS a fully resizable UI (unlike Windows) just two “fixed resolution” UI sizes for 110 and 220ppi.

Yes. But let me tell you, while it’s been getting steadily better, Windows support for anything but 100% still isn’t great, from a developer perspective. Apple avoided this by abandoning their Tiger-era approach and sticking to integers.

In any case, 200%, 125%, 250%, whatever: either way, nobody seems to be drumming up interest for higher-res desktop monitors.

 

[chucker23n1]

The iPad mini is currently on an A15.

I absolutely expect it will get updated to the A18 Pro (for USB3 speeds); though, we don't have any context for having two SKU's of iPhone SoC to pick between.

A fine upgrade, if it is needed. An A15 iPad mini probably has some more years in it.

I'll be shocked if it gets the M4

I think that’s right. Both for market segmentation (I do wish there were a smaller Pro) as well as for heat reasons. A18 Pro seems like the best fit.

 

[DavidSchaub]

In any case, 200%, 125%, 250%, whatever: either way, nobody seems to be drumming up interest for higher-res desktop monitors.

I'm actually kinda confused why all the high resolution density screens available in Windows laptops hasn't resulted in more demand on the desktop.

 

[chucker23n1]

I'm actually kinda confused why all high resolution density screens available in Windows laptops hasn't resulted in more demand on the desktop.

I'm guessing there are largely two market segments for external displays:

a) businesses, who were fine with a $150 120 ppi display ten years ago and continue to be, and
b) gamers, who prioritize refresh rate over resolution.

There (probably) aren't that many consumers who buy an additional display just to have more screen estate.

So the incentive has to come from Apple or Microsoft.

 

[bnumerick]

A very reasonable plan, thank you. But, in my precise circumstances, I am often out of range of basic smart plugs. So would have to use ones that are expensive/fancy ones that talk Matter or whatever.

You can get them pretty inexpensive. I have HomePods so get ones that work with HomeKit. The Meross ones are about $10-15 and have been really reliable. TP-Link has some too that we use for Christmas lights when we're away.

 

[Vanilla2108]

iPad Mini 7 sounds closer to what I expected the 6 to be: No jelly scroll, higher base storage. If they could also get rid of the more narrow width in portrait mode vs. older Minis (aka reduce the bezels), I would be completely sold. The more narrow width negatively affects how certain web pages render and scale, things usually look better on my Mini 5.

Of course, a Mini Pro would be fantastic. Apple has even set up this year’s processors perfectly to support this (A18 for regular Mini, A18 Pro for the step up). That said, I’m not holding my breath. It’s a huge long shot that they ever release that product.

Thinner bezels, pro-motion, thinner design, would all be very welcome.. a pro version with faceid would also be awesome but unlikely...

 

[thv]

Sure, but you have to order it specially (probably ruling out any discounts) and can’t change your mind later (on a device that ought to be good for 5-10 years and several computer upgrades).

You can change your mind. you can go to a store & swap it, or do it by mail I believe

I don't disagree that it's overpriced though. I would love if they sold a stand like for the XDR where you can rotate it, as I'd like to do that with one display but still have it match the aesthetic of the other. Considering the height adjustable fee though I assume that would end up around $999 like the XDR stand 🙃

 

[ipedro]

Hasn't there been code for a HomePod with a display found in iOS18 that would indicate an upcoming refresh of the line? That's the kind of thing that comes out before Christmas, yet no rumors of HomePod in the October event?

 

[polyphenol]

Hasn't there been code for a HomePod with a display found in iOS18 that would indicate an upcoming refresh of the line? That's the kind of thing that comes out before Christmas, yet no rumors of HomePod in the October event?

Also, rumours of new Airtags seem to have dried up. Which seem a likely pre-Christmas product release.

 

[ipedro]

Also, rumours of new Airtags seem to have dried up. Which seem a likely pre-Christmas product release.

I've thought about this a little more and it may be related to how Apple got caught with their pants down on AI, underestimating how important it would be in 2024 and had to pre-announce Apple Intelligence a year before most of its features even become available –– perhaps years in advance of the original plan. HomePods aren't capable of running AI so maybe they sent the coming update back to the drawing board, to become a part of the Apple Intelligence story next year after most of the iPhone AI has been rolled out.

As for AirTags, they're so fundamentally simple to manufacture that they're less likely to leak. I could see them being updated on the site with a media release. I agree that they're due right about now; they're perfect stocking stuffers.

 

[Force11111]

Which iPads? I haven’t seen that with my M4 iPad Pro.

There’s been complaints about them.