Here's what to expect at Apple's 'Let Loose' iPad event

Apple's first event of 2024 is just around the corner, scheduled for May 7, and it's all about the iPad.

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Tim Cook will introduce significant updates to both the iPad Pro and iPad Air, along with updated versions of their accessories. Here's what you can expect at the event and what might be coming later:

New iPads

The highlight is a new iPad Pro with a refreshed design and sharper screen. This iPad will be the first to have an OLED screen.

It is rumored to come in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes and could debut with Apple's first M4 processors, boosting AI capabilities. These chips are expected to be further detailed in June.

Both iPad Pros are expected to slim down, with the larger model becoming 20% ​​thinner and the smaller 15% thinner. The shift to OLED displays will likely drive these changes.

A thinner design may mean less room for the battery, but any impact is expected to be balanced by the efficiency gains of the OLED display.

The iPad Air will also see updates, including a new 12.9-inch option, which matches the size of the iPad Pro. Both the new and existing 10.9-inch models are likely to be powered by the M2 chip.

Accessory updates

Magic Pencil: The revised Pencil can include haptic feedback, allowing users to feel subtle vibrations during interactions. You can also introduce squeeze gestures for additional functionality, along with Find My integration.

Magic Keyboard: Expect an improved Magic Keyboard, possibly made of aluminum for durability. The design could make the iPad look more like a laptop, and a larger trackpad is also rumored.

Future releases expected

According to him:

• A cheaper version of the 10th-generation iPad is in the works, aiming to bring its price closer to the $329 ninth-generation model. However, this is not expected until the end of the year.
• An updated iPad mini with a faster processor is also in development, but likely won't be unveiled at this event.
• The new AI features for the iPad Pro may be teased, but the full reveal is expected at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
• The refreshed low-end AirPods are on the way, but won't launch until the fall, alongside the new iPhones.
• No Mac updates are expected at this event, although the iPad Pro may include the M4 chip also destined for Macs later in 2024.

Mark Gurman also highlighted a decline in iPad sales after the pandemic sales spike, particularly evident in the last quarter with a 17% drop. Apple bets on these new models to rejuvenate the interest of consumers.

Apple's “Let Loose” iPad event

The event is scheduled for May 7, 2024, starting at 7:00 AM PT (7:30 PM IST), with an expected duration of about 35 minutes.

Source