The MacRumors Show: Dissecting the New iPads and Apple TV

[MacRumors]

Following the announcement of new iPad Pro, entry-level iPad, and Apple TV 4K models earlier this week, on the latest episode of The MacRumors Show podcast we talk through our immediate reactions to the new devices.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos​

We discuss the details of Apple's latest product announcements, including the more powerful Apple TV 4K with the A15 chip, and explore the significance of switching to USB-C on the Siri Remote. We weigh up features like the M2 chip and Apple Pencil hover that headline the new iPad Pro, and take a deep dive into where the 10th-generation iPad now sits in the lineup amid features like its landscape front-facing camera, range of vibrant color options, support for the Magic Keyboard Folio, and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil and the adapter required to charge it.

Listen to The MacRumors Show using apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Castro, Google Podcasts, or subscribe by copying our RSS feed directly into your podcast player. You can also watch a video version of the podcast on the MacRumors YouTube channel.

​

If you haven't already listened to the last episode of The MacRumors Show, be sure to catch up for a discussion about how Google's new Pixel Watch, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel Tablet devices compare to Apple's offerings.

Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for more episodes, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by exciting guests like Sarah Dietschy, Luke Miani, Sam Kohl, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, iJustine, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, Jon Rettinger, Rene Ritchie, Andru Edwards, Jon Prosser, and Mark Gurman. Remember to rate and review the show, and let us know what subjects you would like the podcast to cover in the future.

Article Link: The MacRumors Show: Dissecting the New iPads and Apple TV

 

[MobiusTech]

Anyone have the Cliff Notes for this 46 minutes podcast?

 

[closer01]

These updates were pathetic and worthless. The line up makes no sense. Laziness on Apple's part. I was waiting to get a new iPad Pro. yesterday I bought a 2021 iPad Pro 12.9" 256GB on Amazon for $1000.

 

[Realityck]

Someone not awake, it's not going to matter the difference between the A14 and the A15 as far as the Apple TV? 2nd gen has a A12 Bionic, and this takes it to a A15 Bionic. Thats a fair amount of changes that effects perhaps games more so than anything. Lots of us were questioning the removal of the NIC and usefulness of 128 GB storage.

 

[WiiDSmoker]

Anyone have the Cliff Notes for this 46 minutes podcast?

Basically, like everyone else, thinks the iPad lineup is ridiculous and don’t recommend the Air.

Already listened to the whole thing on my afternoon walk. Great podcast

 

[AndiG]

ROFL. No support for Pencil 2, only Pencil 1, but no way to charge a Pencil 1. So you need a Pencil adapter.
What kind of s**t is Tim Cook smoking?

 

[Juicy Box]

Lots of us were questioning the removal of the NIC and usefulness of 128 GB storage.

Games can take up a lot of storage space. I have been dealing with out of storage messages on my 64GB ATVs for years now. The 128GB storage has been long overdue for me.

No way I could deal with the 32GB ATV.

If one just streams with their ATV, even the 32GB versions were overkill, imo.

 

[CharlesShaw]

The AR view of the iPad shows a Smart Connector, btw.

 

[klasma]

The AR view of the iPad shows a Smart Connector, btw.

It’s where it connects the new keyboard.

 

[Orange Bat]

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that I think the Apple TV update is all about Apple’s VR glasses. The Apple TV will allow VR glasses to work with Apple TV apps in the future without the need for a Mac or other Apple device.

 

[MobiusTech]

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that I think the Apple TV update is all about Apple’s VR glasses. The Apple TV will allow VR glasses to work with Apple TV apps in the future without the need for a Mac or other Apple device.

What VR glasses?

 

[MUrhino]

Someone not awake, it's not going to matter the difference between the A14 and the A15 as far as the Apple TV? 2nd gen has a A12 Bionic, and this takes it to a A15 Bionic. Thats a fair amount of changes that effects perhaps games more so than anything. Lots of us were questioning the removal of the NIC and usefulness of 128 GB storage.

Yea, was going to point that out as well. ATVs usually get a chipset that is 2-3 yrs old. This is the first time they’ve used last year’s chipset (and now this year’s w/ the basic iPhone). I think that’s a pretty good jump in processing power as well.

<edit> And his gripe about the USB-C charging port on the remote b/c he’ll have to charge it in the bedroom? C’mon….this thing gets charged like 4-6 times a year and charges up pretty fast (<1 hr). He said he’s not using it for gaming, so batt life is amazing. They’re just looking for things to complain about. USB-C is coming….have to make the swap at some point.

 

[Juicy Box]

This is the first time they’ve used last year’s chipset (and now this year’s w/ the basic iPhone). I think that’s a pretty good jump in processing power as well.

I agree with your post, with the exception on the above.

The 2017 ATV4K1 came with the A10X, which launched the same year and was the most powerful GPU of any A-chip at the time. In real-world use, the A10X's GPU outperforms the A12 in the 2021 ATV4K2.

It looks like Apple might be following a pattern for the ATV HW:

2015 ATV4, A8 was underpowered relative to what was available at launch.
+2 years
2017 ATV4K1, A10X was the top-of-the-line chip at the time.
+3ish years
2021 ATV4K2, A12 was underpowered relative to what was available at launch.
+ almost 2 years
2022 ATV4K3, A15 was the top-of-the-line chip at the time, second to the expensive A16.

Maybe the A15 ATV will be around for another 3 years, and Apple will put a (relatively) mediocre A-chip in the next model.

 

[GucciBeltReceipt]

The air is such a strange device at this point I think it would benefit the lineup to just have 3; iPad mini, iPad, and iPad Pro.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

The air is such a strange device at this point I think it would benefit the lineup to just have 3; iPad mini, iPad, and iPad Pro.

For sure, there is no point to the Air in the lineup. The mini also should cost 100 bucks less but that's another story

 

[lazyrighteye]

The whole "Air" naming convention needs... to... go. Why is it still in the mix? It's a tired holdover from an era where 'light weight' was the differentiator marketing was pushing. Back when laptops were being pulled out of manilla envelopes, "Air" had relevance. But today? Honestly, is anyone using an entry-level iPad and thinking "this thing is just a teeny bit too heavy. If only Apple made one that was a just a little bit lighter, I'd happily pay an additional $150 for that tiny weight-savings." I have never used a single iPad, from launch day devices to my most recent mini 6, and ever once wished they were lighter. They're all thin and light. When comparing models on their site, the difference between Air and 10th gen, is M1/A14, Pencil 1/2 and Smart Keyboard folio/not. Scrolling down, you find that the weight difference is a whopping 15 grams.

I get that the Air hits at price point between regular iPad and iPad Pro. Fine. Just like other lines, offer tiers that are differentiated by features. Got it. I'm only talking about the naming convention here. WTF is Air? At this point, Apple should remove "Air" as a distinguisher and, instead, lean into their whole mini, regular, Pro, Max, Ultra strategy. It will afford them the ability to still hit the varying price points they feel are important, while unifying the language and expectations across product categories.

 

[spaxxedout]

Apple TV 4K drops frames occasionally when navigating main menu. Hoping update will resolve.

 

[jcshas]

I think for many of us coming from an M1 iPad Pro, yesterdays announcement is pretty underwhelming but for owners of older iPads yesterday is huge. Alot of Apple employees worked really hard on these products so I think we should all relax and cut Apple some slack. The pandemic is barely over, and there’s a recession brewing which will continue to impact the supply chain. hoping 2023 will be better.

 

[Biro]

I think for many of us coming from an M1 iPad Pro, yesterdays announcement is pretty underwhelming but for owners of older iPads yesterday is huge. Alot of Apple employees worked really hard on these products so I think we should all relax and cut Apple some slack. The pandemic is barely over, and there’s a recession brewing which will continue to impact the supply chain. hoping 2023 will be better.

I agree. But since the iPad Pro now has an M2 and the Air an M1, the new gen-10 iPad should have the A15 chip, not the A14.

 

[swm]

Someone not awake, it's not going to matter the difference between the A14 and the A15 as far as the Apple TV? 2nd gen has a A12 Bionic, and this takes it to a A15 Bionic. Thats a fair amount of changes that effects perhaps games more so than anything. Lots of us were questioning the removal of the NIC and usefulness of 128 GB storage.

i'd like to have Stage manager support for the new ATV - this would make a great "mac micro" when paired with a cheap display. totally good for casual computing for folks who don't like touchscreens.

 

[da9848]

For sure, there is no point to the Air in the lineup. The mini also should cost 100 bucks less but that's another story

I have maverick view of this right now since I mainly use iPad with Pencil ... I think the new iPad is totally unrecommendable with Pencil 1 and adapter. I find the Air still an option (albeit long in the tooth) if only because I could use the Pencil 2 and M1. Also 200 less than the iPad Pro. Honestly though, Im glad I can wait a year or two for Apple to get their iPad lineup in order...

This new Ipad is going to go down as one of the wonkiest decisions by Apple ever.

 

[TallManNY]

I think for many of us coming from an M1 iPad Pro, yesterdays announcement is pretty underwhelming but for owners of older iPads yesterday is huge. Alot of Apple employees worked really hard on these products so I think we should all relax and cut Apple some slack. The pandemic is barely over, and there’s a recession brewing which will continue to impact the supply chain. hoping 2023 will be better.

You wouldn't be "coming from an M1 iPad Pro" though. iPads are devices that last like computers. Even enthusiasts in the PC world get a new computer no more often than every three years. And most users get five or more years out of a computer purchase. It is the same for a top of the line iPad.

This is just a better device that Apple has released. It isn't intended to convince M1 iPad Pro users to upgrade. I've got an M1 iPad Pro and I strongly suspect that it will be some sort of situation where that iPad breaks that will actually make the device unproductive and not useful. It could be a device that is highly functional for even 10 years if it doesn't suffer some form of damage that makes it not worth repairing.