Apple's recent iPad event wasn't just about powerful new devices; it was a showcase for the company's growing focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Here's a breakdown of how AI took center stage:
M4 Chip: The Powerhouse with a Neural Engine
The star of the show was undoubtedly the new M4 chip. This next-generation chip boasts Apple's most powerful Neural Engine ever, capable of a staggering 38 trillion operations per second. That's 60 times faster than the Neural Engine in the A11 Bionic chip, a massive leap forward.
This translates to real-world benefits for users. Tasks like isolating a subject from a 4K video background in Final Cut Pro become a one-tap affair. Apple claims the M4's Neural Engine surpasses any neural processing unit found in AI PCs today, making the new iPad Pro an "outrageously powerful device for AI."
AI Across the iPad Lineup
While the M4 stole the spotlight, AI wasn't limited to the high-end iPad Pro. The new iPad Air also received an upgrade, featuring a faster Neural Engine as part of its M2 chip. This allows the iPad Air to leverage features like object recognition in photos, live text capture, and even utilize AI-powered tools from third-party developers.
A Glimpse into the Future
Apple didn't reveal its entire AI strategy at the iPad event, opting to save some details for its upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference in June. However, the focus on AI at the iPad event makes it clear that Apple sees this technology as a key differentiator for its devices.
We can expect to see even more powerful Neural Engine capabilities and tighter integration of AI features across Apple's entire product line in the future.