Apple will be holding a special event on May 7 that will likely focus on the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models. Here’s what you can expect from the “Let Loose” event.
iPads expected at next Apple Event
Apple hasn’t made a significant update to the iPad lineup since October 2022, except for an update to the Apple Pencil in November 2023. That’s a long time for an entire product category to go without updates, especially for the iPad lineup. of iPad.
On April 23, Apple revealed that it will be holding a special event on May 7, which the company captioned as “Let It Loose.” It also directly hinted at what the event will be about, with a series of stylized Apple logos incorporating a hand using an Apple Pencil.
Apple is not known to be so direct in its event alert charts. It usually offers much more subtle clues that give a minimal hint about the themes of an event.
With Apple’s hint in mind, here’s what you could expect to see during the event based on months of rumors.
New iPad Pro
The biggest change expected for the iPad Pro line is the switch to OLED displays. The change offers a variety of benefits, including the lack of backlighting to provide true blacks, richer colors, and energy savings compared to LCD equivalents.
A collection of iPad Pros
At the same time, there are expectations of a switch to the M3 chip, following a progression from previous models. The 3-nanometer chip will provide more performance and efficiency than the M2 and M1.
There have also been claims that Apple could offer a matte option for the screen, providing an anti-reflective coating to the tablet line for the first time.
However, there have also been rumors that the new models could get a price increase to match the updates, which could start the line at around $1,500.
New iPad Air
Back in November, the iPad Air was rumored to arrive in two sizes, with a 10.9-inch model accompanied by a 12.9-inch version, mirroring the iPad Pro line.
However, instead of receiving the upgrade to OLED like the iPad Pro, it was believed that the displays would have the current LED backlighting.
A more recent rumor from April suggests that there may still be an update to the display technology. One rumor said that the 12.9-inch iPad Air could use the same display panels as the current-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro’s existing mini-LED backlight.
However, an April 24 rumor from Ross Young, known for his reporting on the display supply chain, says that the 12.9-inch iPad Air mini LED display is not on the way for the event. Instead, the improved display could arrive later in 2024.
The larger screen can also be quite expensive for consumers, as a change in size has always been accompanied by an increase in price. It will be cheaper than the Pro equivalent, but probably not as much as people want.
If the iPad Air has this screen, it further distances it from the 10th-generation iPad in the product line.
There have also been claims that the new iPad Air could have a new horizontal FaceTime camera. One that might be better used in landscape orientation than portrait.
New apple pencil
Also expected is the next Apple Pencil, often referred to as Apple Pencil 3 despite potentially being the fourth release.
The main rumor is a new squeeze gesture, which includes the detection of long and short squeezes and multiple squeezes to trigger different actions.
There is also a belief that Apple could incorporate interchangeable tips into the Apple Pencil. In theory, this could change the feel of the Apple Pencil when the user draws on the screen, or perhaps how the device interacts with drawing apps.
There have also been suggestions of adding Find My functionality, although that seems less likely than the other rumors surrounding the device.
New Magic Keyboard for iPad
The Magic Keyboard is already an impressive accessory for the iPad Pro, but it could be made even more useful.
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro
The news from last September, which has been maintained over the months, anticipates a revision in the design of the accessory. Chief among the rumors is that the top case area around the keyboard could use aluminum, making it look more like a MacBook.
The change can also go beyond aesthetics: the modifications make the accessory stronger and more resistant. There have also been rumors that the trackpad could become larger.
Maybe: USB-C peripherals
After failing to arrive in October, rumors in December claimed that Apple would release versions of its accessories that continue the company’s move away from Lightning in favor of USB-C.
This list included the Apple Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Trackpad, with a release date for the collection expected in Spring 2024.
The key here is that while they are primarily Mac peripherals, adding USB-C support makes it a little easier to connect them to an iPad or iPad Pro. This could make the iPad Pro more of a desktop workstation for users who prefer to work that way.
Also includes: an iPad, iPad mini, and Foldable iPad
While not as dramatic as the updates to the iPad Pro and Air, Apple makes regular updates to the base model iPad and sometimes the iPad mini as well. However, these updates are typically more low-key and tend to include smaller changes or spec improvements.
A rumor from October claimed that the iPad mini 7 would receive only a minimal spec update from the iPad mini 6. This could consist of an upgrade of the A15 Bionic chip to a newer variant, but no other real modifications.
This seems plausible if Apple updates the iPad mini, and a similar change could happen to the iPad as well. However, there are relatively few rumors about the models, meaning there is a chance they will not participate in the event.
Rumors also agree, with proposals that the iPad and iPad mini might not be updated until later in 2024.
There have also been rumors about a possible foldable iPad, which has been in development for a long time but has not yet reached production. There have been claims about a foldable iPad launching but given the claims of a late 2024 or early 2025 launch, that makes it a bit doubtful.
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