iPads expected at the next Apple event
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Apple is holding a special event on May 7, which will most likely be dedicated to new iPad Air and iPad Pro models. Here's what to expect from the Let Loose event.
Apple hasn't made any significant updates to the iPad lineup since October 2022, with the exception of the Apple Pencil update in November 2023. This is a very long time for an entire product category to go without updates, especially for the iPad line. .
On April 23, Apple announced that it would hold a special event on May 7, which the company called “Let It Go.” He also directly hinted at what it would be about with a series of stylized Apple logos that showed a hand using an Apple Pencil.
Apple is not so straightforward in its event notification schedule. It usually offers much more subtle clues that provide minimal insight into the event's themes.
Given Apple's clue, this is what you might expect to see during the event, based on months of rumors.
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New iPad Pro
The biggest change expected in the iPad Pro line is the transition to OLED displays. This change brings many benefits, including no backlight providing true blacks, more vibrant colors and energy savings compared to LCD counterparts.
iPad Pro Collection
At the same time, there are expectations of a transition to the M3 chip after progress compared to previous models. The 3nm chip will provide greater performance and efficiency compared to the M2 and M1.
There have also been claims that Apple may offer a matte display option, bringing anti-glare coating to its tablet line for the first time.
However, there have been rumors that the new models could receive a price increase in line with the updates, potentially pushing the line into the $1,500 range.
New iPad Air
The iPad Air is rumored to arrive in two sizes in November: 10 .9-inch model and 12.9-inch version, reflecting the iPad Pro line.
iPad Air 5
However, instead of updating the OLED like the iPad Pro, the displays were expected to use the current LED instead. -main lighting.
Recent rumors from April suggest that there may still be an update to the display technology. One rumor suggests that the 12.9-inch iPad Air could use the same display panels as the existing Mini-LED backlighting on the current-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
However, on April 24, Ross Young, known for his display supply chain reporting, reported that the mini-LED display on the 12.9-inch iPad Air would not appear at the event. The improved display could arrive later in 2024 instead.
A larger screen size can also be quite expensive for consumers, as changes in size have always been accompanied by higher prices. It will be cheaper than the Pro equivalent, but probably not as much as people want.
If the iPad Air gets such a display, it will further distance it from the 10th generation iPad in the product line.
There have also been claims that the new iPad Air may feature a new horizontal FaceTime camera. One that is better used in landscape than portrait.
New Apple Pencil
New Apple Pencil, which is often called Apple Pencil 3 is also expected to be released , despite potentially being the fourth installment.
Apple Pencil USB-C
The main rumor is a new squeeze gesture that includes detection of long and short squeezes, as well as multiple squeezes to trigger different actions.
It is also believed that Apple may include replaceable tips in the Apple Pencil. In theory, this could change the way the Apple Pencil feels when a user draws on the display, or perhaps how the device interacts with drawing apps.
There have also been suggestions of adding a Find Me feature, although this seems less likely than other rumors surrounding the device.
New Magic Keyboard for iPad
Magic Keyboard The Keyboard is already an impressive accessory for the iPad Pro, but it can be made even more useful.
Apple Magic keyboard for iPad Pro
Rumors that appeared back in September and continued for several months suggest a major overhaul of the accessory's design. Chief among the rumors is that the top of the case around the keyboard could be made of aluminum, making it more like a MacBook.
Changes can go beyond aesthetics: changes make the accessory more durable and durable. There have also been rumors that the trackpad could be made larger.
Possible: USB-C peripherals
After they didn't go on sale in October, rumors surfaced in December that Apple would release versions of its accessories that would continue the company's transition from Lightning to USB-C.
This list includes Apple Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard and Trackpad, the launch date of the collection is expected in the spring of 2024.
The key point here is that while these are mostly Mac peripherals, the addition of USB-C support makes it a little easier to connect each of 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 works: iPad, iPad Mini , folding iPad
Although not as impressive as Apple's updates to the iPad Pro and Air, Apple regularly releases updates for the base model iPad and sometimes the iPad mini. However, such updates tend to be more subdued and typically involve minor changes or improvements to the specifications.
In October, there were rumors that the iPad mini 7 would receive only a minimal specs upgrade over the iPad mini 6. This could consist of an upgrade to the A15 Bionic chip to a newer variant, but no other real changes.
It seems plausible that Apple will update the iPad mini, and similar changes could happen to the iPad. However, there are relatively few rumors about the models, meaning there is a chance they won't make it to the event.
The rumor mill also agrees with suggestions that the iPad and iPad mini may not be updated until 2024 at the earliest.
There have also been rumors about a potential foldable iPad, which has been in development for a long time but has yet to reach production. There have been claims of a foldable iPad, but given claims of a late 2024 or early 2025 release, that makes it a bit doubtful.
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