Episode Summary
Executive Summary: The episode centers on a deep hands-on discussion of the new iPad Pro, especially the redesigned accessories and USB-C transition, plus follow-up on ATP Store merch, site dark mode, and broader Apple product strategy. The hosts debate hardware design tradeoffs, accessory ergonomics, memory behavior on iOS vs Mac, and what Apple is signaling about future pro-device workflows and security.
Main Topics: ATP Store relaunch and merch details: The hosts reopen the ATP Store with classic and new Pro Max shirts, enamel pins with improved locking backs, and a sales push before the holiday cutoff. Hands-on review of the new iPad Pro and accessories: A major section covers initial impressions of the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros, the new flat-edge industrial design, the updated Smart Keyboard Folio, and the redesigned Apple Pencil. USB-C transition and professional workflow tradeoffs: The conversation explores why Apple moved the iPad Pro from Lightning to USB-C, including external display support, fast charging, hubs, audio adapters, and the loss of Lightning compatibility. iPad Pro hardware limits and feature omissions: They discuss missing features such as the headphone jack, water resistance, oleophobic coating improvements, SD/mass storage support, and the still-limited Smart Connector ecosystem. Security and T2 chip behavior on Macs: They highlight Apple’s claim that T2 Macs hard-disconnect the microphone when the lid is closed, and use it to discuss Apple’s broader push to make Macs behave more like locked-down iPhones. iPad app scaling, RAM, and software readiness: The hosts compare iOS memory constraints to macOS, explain why 6 GB on iPad can be enough, and note that many apps are not yet updated for the new iPad Pro’s screen and safe-area requirements. Ask ATP: programming habits and Apple’s product philosophy: Listener questions prompt discussion of how programming shapes real-world thinking, plus a practical digression about buying a MacBook Air for school and balancing specs, durability, and cost.
Key Arguments: The new iPad Pro accessories matter more than the internal spec bumps: the Pencil, keyboard, and physical design are what materially improve day-to-day use. USB-C is strategically valuable because it enables external displays and broader peripheral support; Lightning was too limited for the new pro workflow Apple wants. Apple appears to be moving the iPad toward a more laptop-like, pro-oriented device, but current iPadOS software still lags behind the hardware. The lack of headphone jack support is explained by physical constraints of the chassis, not by arbitrary omission, and Apple likely considered that tradeoff worth it. The new Pencil’s flat side and magnetic charging make it dramatically more usable, even if the underlying drawing latency and software experience are unchanged. iOS devices can get away with less RAM than Macs because the OS and app ecosystem were designed around strict memory limits and aggressive termination, unlike macOS. The T2 chip’s hardware microphone disconnect shows Apple is increasingly making security properties enforced in hardware, limiting what even malware with root access can do. Many of the new iPad Pro’s benefits will be undercut temporarily because third-party apps need updates to support the new display geometry and safe areas.
Data Points: ATP Store order deadline: November 15 - Listeners are urged to order before the evening ATP time deadline for holiday shipping. Screen sizes discussed: 11-inch and 12.9-inch - The hosts compare the two new iPad Pro sizes and their use cases. USB-C output for new iPad Pro: up to 5K at 60 Hz - Marco confirms the new iPad Pro can output full 5K external video without downscaling. USB standard on new iPad Pro: USB 3.1 Gen 2 - The port is described as the higher-bandwidth generation compared with prior iPad Pros. Fast charging ceiling: up to 45 watts - Apple reportedly says the new iPad Pro can fast charge much higher than before. Observed charging draw: about 27 watts - Marco measures current charging from an Apple 62W adapter while the battery is at 64%. Power output to accessories: 7.5 watts outbound - The new iPad Pro can supply external devices with significant power over USB-C. USB-C charger sold by Apple: 18 watts - The new Apple USB-C power brick is described as a compact 18W charger. Smart Keyboard Folio design: one-piece bottom plate - The new keyboard is contrasted with the old two-piece design that was more tippy in lap use. Old iPad Pro thickness reference: 10.5-inch model - Compared with the 12.9-inch unit being reviewed, and used to discuss pickup and ergonomics. MacBook Air homework machine storage: 512 GB - John orders a new MacBook Air for school use after rejecting the 128 GB base option. MacBook Air memory: 16 GB - Chosen to support multiple family logins and avoid RAM pressure.
Pivotal Quotes: "Hardware is willing, but the software is weak." — Casey: Used to summarize the mismatch between the new iPad Pro’s ambitious hardware and the current state of iPad app software. "The accessories make this product, really." — Marco: Marco emphasizes that the Pencil and keyboard redesigns are what transform the new iPad Pro experience. "This is the first person to ever ask that question." — Marco: A response from Apple-briefing conversations about iPad water resistance and whether the iPad should be made more waterproof.
Implications: Apple is betting on USB-C, better accessories, and hardware-enforced security to push the iPad further into pro-computer territory. But software updates, app redesigns, and accessory ecosystem growth will determine how fully users can realize that promise.