I just replaced my old second generation IPad pro 12.9 with the new IPad Pro 13 inch M4 and the speakers sound really inferior compared to the old ones. Much thinner, and for lack of a better word "cheaper".
Anyone else with a similar problem? anything which can be done about this?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPad Pro (M4, 2024)
I received the 13" iPad Pro M4 yesterday and spent much of the day setting it up and entering passwords in all the apps. It was only in the evening that I discovered that the speakers were much worse than my fifth generation 12.9" iPad Pro: they sounded thin/tinny, without richness.
I am a classical musician and listened to my own playing on each device, as well as switching back and forth between devices using Spotify. I discovered a thread on Reddit where other people felt the same way, so I returned the iPad to the store this evening.
I received the 13" iPad Pro M4 yesterday and spent much of the day setting it up and entering passwords in all the apps. It was only in the evening that I discovered that the speakers were much worse than my fifth generation 12.9" iPad Pro: they sounded thin/tinny, without richness.
I am a classical musician and listened to my own playing on each device, as well as switching back and forth between devices using Spotify. I discovered a thread on Reddit where other people felt the same way, so I returned the iPad to the store this evening.
I’m also a sound engineer, and noticed my iPad Pro Gen 1 has far superior sound quality than my new IPad Pro M4. It’s even more frustrating due to the fact that I just upgraded to Pro from a new iPad Air, because I thought the Air wasn’t comparable to the Pro M4 audio speakers. I was wrong, in assuming the quality would be better. Now I’m out $600 more dollars, and a full day at Apple making the exchange. I liked my Gen 1 audio, and used it every day. The sound quality of the M4 is unbearable.
I’m wondering is the thinner case, and lighter materials are the root cause.
I have the same issue with my iPad Pro M4 13” - the bottom two speakers sound *very muffled (it’s not a subtle difference!). It’s almost as if they were just resonance chambers, not actual speakers.
Zep71 wrote:
Exactly the same issue. My 2018 12.9 iPad had a better sound, yet m4 is so expensive so disappointing. I feel cheated. When will apple give us a proper equaliser
Apple invite submission of constructive comments and feature requests via its Product Feedback pages. If you would like to see improved control of sound quality, this would be the most appropriate channel through which to make your voice heard:
For anyone interested: I purchased the 11“ iPad Pro M4 last Thursday and had the same impression: muffled and tinny speaker experience.
I went to the local Apple Store here in Munich and they confirmed that, in comparison to the presentation device, the speakers were faulty. They exchanged the device. Although the speakers in the new one are not as good as with my old iPad Pro, it is way better than with the faulty M4 iPad Pro I had earlier.
Do you happen to know if all four speakers in the 11” iPad Pro M4 are the same? Putting my ear closely next to it, the two speakers on top (widescreen format - camera on top) sounds excellent. The two on the bottom are muffled / less treble, however. Do you notice the same?
Consider visiting an Apple Store or Apple retailer - and compare your new iPad with demonstration devices. Making this comparison will establish whether or not your iPad's sound is characteristic of the model, or if you may have a problem that needs to be addressed.
Either way, if purchased directly from Apple, you have 14-days within which to return your new iPad for exchange or refund.
fluppy180 wrote:
I have the same issue with my iPad Pro M4 13” - the bottom two speakers sound *very muffled (it’s not a subtle difference!). It’s almost as if they were just resonance chambers, not actual speakers.
You would be best advised to visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to offer assistance:
I finally found some time to go to the apple genius bar, showed the case and got replacement. Was a little bit of effort but thank you Apple.
Definitely different. Apple employees agreed.
Exactly the same issue. My 2018 12.9 iPad had a better sound, yet m4 is so expensive so disappointing. I feel cheated. When will apple give us a proper equaliser
I am a 50-year pro recording engineer. I have 2 iPads, Gen. 1 and new M4 model.
There is no question: the so-called 'improved' speakers in the 2024 iPad M4 are far inferior to my Gen 1.
I've already had it for more than 14 days, and there's so many reports of this, I don't think comparing it to other M4 iPads at the Apple Store will reveal any especially wrong with mine. They're just crap speakers delivering significantly less dynamic range. Luckily I purchased extended Apple Care.
I still love the new iPad, and for me this isn't a deal-breaker, because I almost never listen to music straight thru the iPad speakers; I almost always send the signal to good speakers or headphones.
Still, what's up with the claim, Apple, that these speakers delivered 'better' more-spacious sound than previous iPad models??
Did you find that the replacement iPad made any difference in sound quality? Or is the issue still there?
I am experiencing sound quality issues with my iPad Pro M4
