Apple has announced its first hardware event of 2024. No, it’s not for the iPhone 16. That should ideally arrive in September. On May 7, a month before WWDC 2024, Apple will “most probably” launch new iPads, and after a near one and a half year long hiatus might we add. All signs point to new iPad Pro and iPad Air models being “let loose” during the virtual event which will be streamed from Apple Park in Cupertino, California much in the same way as the “Scary Fast” Mac event back in October, 2023.
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Tim Cook leaves little to imagination
New iPads have been a long time coming. The last big updates had come in 2022. For the most part, the sixth-generation iPad Pro and fifth-generation iPad Air, brought mere chip upgrades with the pro getting the M2 while the air getting a taste at pro-like power with the M1. The rest of the package was mostly a do-over. All this is about to change with their follow-ups, or at least that is what all the rumour mills suggest. Alongside the core hardware revamp, we can also expect Apple to release a new Apple Pencil, possibly with Find My tracking and interchangeable tips, as well as a redesigned Magic keyboard accessory to align with the purported iPad redesign.
Apple seems to be a bit more lenient with its upcoming launch in that it isn’t keeping its cards too close to the chest unlike in the past, where “guessing” what’s coming was part and parcel of its product launches. The May 7 “Let Loose” event will be iPad-focused surely. The Apple Pencil-themed invite itself makes it abundantly clear even as CEO Tim Cook calls for attention to “Pencil us in for May 7!”
iPad to get its biggest revamp in almost two years
The iPad Pro in particular is set to get its biggest overhaul in quite sometime, come May 7. The biggest draw, as per reports, will be the switch to an LTPO OLED panel from mini-LED seen on the current generation 12.9-inch model. Whether or not the Liquid Retina based 11-inch iPad Pro will get a similar treatment remains to be seen. The design itself may see a change this year.
The iPad Air meanwhile is set to get a size upgrade, reports say, with Apple tipped to be bringing a new 12.9-inch option alongside the existing 10.9-inch version. Powering the Air 2024 will most likely be the M2 chip.
In India, Apple’s Let Loose special event will be available to watch online on May 7 starting 7:30 PM. Watch this space for more updates.