by Julie Clover
Apple is set to hold its first event of the year next Tuesday, and the focus will be on the iPad. The iPad Pro and iPad Air models will be updated, and Apple also plans to update some iPad accessories. The video event will last approximately 35 minutes.
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This guide details everything we expect to see at the Let Loose event, which will take place on May 7.
iPad Pro
iPad Pro models will be the star of the Apple event, introducing the first larger OLED displays factor. OLED display technology will provide deeper blacks, better contrast, brighter colors and better power efficiency.
Apple is said to use “the best OLED panels on the market” with higher brightness, longer runtime. battery life, 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and long-lasting OLED technology OLED displays have pixels that can be individually controlled so high dynamic range content looks more lifelike and realistic.
iPad Pro the models will be available in 11.1-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, and both models will be thinner with smaller bezels. 11.1-inch iPad Pro The 12.9-inch model is expected to be 5.1mm thick, up from 5.9mm, and the 12.9-inch model is expected to be 5mm thick, up from 6.4mm. The tablets will be roughly the same size as current models, with minor changes in length and width.
It's not entirely clear which M-series chip is in the iPad Pro models will be used, and there is a possibility that these will be the first devices equipped with the next-generation AI-focused M4 chip. If that doesn't happen, Apple will use the M3, which is found in the iMac and MacBook Air. In any case, this will represent a significant improvement.
It is expected that along with the reduced bezels, the front panel of the iPad Pro will be moved to the side of the device rather than the top, so the camera will be in a vertical position when the iPad is in landscape orientation. This makes more sense for video calls and filming when the iPad used with a keyboard.
There have been rumors about possible support for MagSafe charging and up to 4TB of storage, and we could also see a price increase. Several sources have reported that OLED technology will make the 2024 iPad Pro more powerful. models are more expensive, but how much more expensive is still unknown. Rumors ranged from $160 to $700.
For more on the rumors we've heard about the iPad Pro, we have a dedicated guide to the 2024 iPad Pro.
iPad Air
iPad Air will receive an update along with the iPad Pro, and for the first time Apple is splitting the Air line and introducing two models. The first iPad Air will be a direct successor to the current version, its size will be 10.9 inches. The second model will have a diagonal of 12.9 inches, like the iPad Pro.
Offering iPad Air with two screen sizes will allow customers who want a larger screen at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro to have this opportunity. 10.9- and 12.9-inch iPad Air models will not have the same OLED screen technology that Apple is introducing into the iPad Pro it will use an LCD display instead, which will reduce costs.
We don't expect any changes to the design of the iPad Air ;, except for the new, larger size. Both models will look like iPad Air 4 features an edge-to-edge display with thin bezels and an aluminum body with flat, curved edges. iPad Air will be thicker than the iPad Pro and will have thicker bezels.
Leaked images of the iPad Air indicate a rear camera with a pill-shaped bump, which is similar to the design we expect to see on iPhone 16. The front camera can be moved so that it is at the top &zwnj. ;iPad Air when it's in landscape mode, allowing it to be in the correct orientation for video calls when used with a keyboard. In the current version, the camera is at the top when it is in portrait mode.
While we won't see any noticeable design updates, Apple may introduce new color options. The existing model comes in a variety of pastel colors, so Apple may change the color selection.
We have more information on what to expect from the iPad Air in our iPad Air guide.
Apple Pencil
iPad Pro and iPad Air will be accompanied by an updated version of the Apple Pencil, which Apple may call Apple Pencil 3. It is unclear whether there will be design changes, but it is expected to be the first Apple Pencil which supports haptic feedback.
How this haptic feedback will be used remains to be seen, but the code in iOS 17.5 suggests there will be a “pinch” gesture that can do things like activate various tools . and settings in applications.
At one point there were rumors about replaceable magnetic attachments, but we don't know if this will actually be a new feature or if it's an inaccurate rumor. Deeper integration with Vision Pro is possible, and it could possibly work with VisionOS-enabled drawing apps. There is also a chance that we could see Apple Pencil come in both black and white and white.
On the home page of Apple in Japan there is a mention of “Apple Pencil Pro” and since it is associated with the event, it suggests that Apple may be planning to introduce a new Apple Pencil nickname Pro.
Apple's home page also mentions some kind of erase feature: the logo on the site can be erased to reveal a new logo.
Magic Keyboard
Apple plans to revise the Magic Keyboard with a more durable frame made from aluminum rather than the polyurethane used in the current version. Although the frame and area around the keyboard will be made of aluminum, the outer shell will still be made of silicone.
Thanks to the aluminum construction iPad and the Magic Keyboard will look more like a MacBook in both appearance and functionality. The trackpad will be larger, similar to the trackpad on a MacBook, so the keyboard will provide typing and navigation like a MacBook.
Apple is using more premium materials on the new Magic Keyboard, so it may be more expensive. The current model starts at $299 for the 11-inch version. The new Magic Keyboard will likely work with both the upcoming iPad Air and iPad Pro models, as they are similar in size (11.1 and 12.9 inches for the iPad Pro and 10.9 and 12.9 inches for the iPad Air).
Other accessories
Apple is updating its range of Apple Watch straps, cases for iPhone and iPad case regularly, introducing new color options. We may see new summer colors for many accessories, and Apple will have to update its iPad covers to accommodate new designs.
Vision Pro Expansion
Rumors suggest Apple will expand the Vision Pro headset to additional countries ahead of WWDC, and we're running out of time. We could see Apple unveiling the Vision Pro in countries like the UK, Canada, China and more at an event on May 7.
How to Watch
The Let Loose event will take place on Tuesday, May 7th at 7:00 a.m. PT/10:00 a.m. ET. Apple will be livestreaming the event on its website and YouTube, plus there's the option to watch it on Apple TV. The event will last approximately 35 minutes.
For those who can't watch or want to follow MacRumors, you can visit MacRumors.com to watch the live blog or follow us on Twitter at MacRumorsLive to follow the live broadcast.
Tag: Apple Event233, May 2024 Comments
