2024 iPad Pro Features Point to Future iPhone Enhancements
The new iPad Pro introduces features like ultra-thin design, nano-texture glass, and advanced document scanning, which may soon influence future iPhone models.
Apple’s 2024 iPad Pro, powered by the M4 chip, is designed to appeal to professionals using PCs and Chromebooks. However, some of its standout features—such as its ultra-thin design, nano-texture glass, and enhanced document scanning capabilities—are also perfectly suited for the iPhone. These attributes would fit seamlessly into the iPhone Pro or iPhone 17 Slim, which may incorporate similar technology in future models.
One notable feature of the new iPad Pro is its ultra-slim design. The 13-inch model measures just 5.1mm thick, significantly thinner than both the iPhone 16 Pro (8.25mm) and the iPhone SE (7.3mm). Given that smartphones are carried everywhere, reducing thickness in future iPhone models could make them more portable, particularly for those who find the iPhone Pro Max too bulky. Moreover, a thinner design would help Apple stand out in the market, especially as other manufacturers experiment with foldable devices.
The document scanning capabilities on the 2024 iPad Pro also hold promise for the iPhone. The iPad now uses AI to recognize documents, reduce shadows, and stitch multiple photos into a single scan. This feature is incredibly useful for iPhone users who often digitize receipts or other important documents. Given the iPhone’s popularity for work-related tasks, an upgraded document scanner could enhance productivity for many. Apple’s previous innovations, such as Live Text for scanning text from photos, show the company is aware of the demand for better document management. It’s likely that the iPhone Pro Max, known for its advanced camera system, could benefit from a similar upgrade, perhaps through a future software update.
Another potential iPhone upgrade could involve the nano-texture display technology introduced on the iPad Pro. This display reduces glare, a feature already found on some of Samsung’s high-end smartphones. The addition of a nano-texture display could make the iPhone more appealing for outdoor enthusiasts, especially when paired with the iPhone Pro’s more durable titanium frame.
While there are no concrete announcements regarding these features for future iPhones, industry analysts suggest that Apple may introduce a slimmer iPhone by 2025. As of now, iOS 18 doesn’t mention any improvements to document scanning, but there are new productivity tools, such as text rewriting and object removal features. The inclusion of nano-texture glass in iPhones remains uncertain, though it seems likely Apple could explore this in the coming years. Given the ongoing evolution of the iPhone, incorporating iPad Pro features like improved design and camera capabilities could set a new standard for the next generation of iPhones.