It’s been a long time since Apple introduced new iPads. In fact, you would have to go back to October 2022 to find the last time the company launched a new tablet. However, that is about to change. On Tuesday, May 7, at his event «Let Loose«Apple is expected to announce at least four new tablets, as well as iPad accessories.
Here’s a look at what we’re expecting, and what we’re not, at this May event.
iPad Pro 2024
The current iPad Pro models are distinguished by the fact that only the 12.9-inch model offers Mini LED display technology, while the 11-inch model uses LCD. That screen difference should end this time with the iPad Pro 2024.
The two upcoming iPad Pro models are expected to feature a stunning OLED display for the first time, giving users a more vibrant and sharper viewing experience. The tablets are also rumored to feature a thinner glass body, making the overall device thinner and lighter. As for the chipset, the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro models of 2024 could catch everyone off guard and be the first Apple devices to ship with an M4 chipset.
Beyond this, Apple could offer a matte iPad Pro option with an anti-reflective coating for the first time. However, this is perhaps the weakest iPad Pro rumor.
The more expensive OLED technology is likely to translate into price increases for both 2024 iPad Pro models. At least one rumor suggests the larger of the two could begin at $1,500, compared to the $1,100 Apple charges for the least expensive 2022 12.9-inch iPad Pro model. This walk seems excessive. However, with the price of everything else going up, perhaps it’s wishful thinking on our part.
Current iPad Pro models start with 128GB of storage and go up to 2TB. Hopefully the entry point will rise to at least 256GB, with the largest model available jumping to 4TB of storage.
The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC, for its acronym in English) will begin on Monday, June 10. At that point, Apple will almost certainly announce iPadOS 18 and software updates for its other products, such as iOS 18 for iPhone. With this in mind, I don’t expect any significant software updates to be announced for the new iPad Pro models, although anything is possible. Apple will most likely wait until June to announce any substantial changes made to the software front, and even then, the changes won’t be available to the general public until the fall, when the first version of iPadOS 18 is released.
iPad Air 2024
Over the years, the iPad Air has established itself as a device that strikes a perfect balance between the more expensive iPad Pro models and the more affordable iPad.
Until now, only one iPad Air model has been available at a time. However, things are about to change, as Apple is expected to introduce two new iPad Air models in 2024. The two models will come in 10.9-inch and 12.9-inch sizes.
While the new iPad Pro may get Apple’s latest M4 chip, the upcoming iPad Air is expected to feature the M3 chipset. Neither model will have an OLED display to make the iPad Air more affordable. Instead, both sizes of the Air are likely to feature an LCD panel, although the larger one could offer a Mini LED display.
The current iPad Air offers a storage capacity of 64 GB or 256 GB. Hopefully we’ll see Apple increase these numbers, perhaps to 128GB and 512GB, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Like previous models, the new iPad Air will be available in various colors. This feature distinguishes the iPad Air from the iPad Pro, which is generally only available in more neutral colors, such as black and silver. However, the exact colors of the new models are still unknown.
New Magic Keyboard
Along with the new iPads, Apple is expected to introduce a new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil for these models.
A redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad has been rumored for some time. However, without new tablets to use it on, the new keyboard was apparently delayed. However, the wait could be worth it.
The Magic Keyboard 2024 could be made of aluminum to be stronger than previous models. It could also have a larger trackpad area. The changes should make the iPad’s keyboard look very similar to the one found on the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Like the tablets themselves, the keyboard should feature a USB-C port.
New Apple Pencil
Last year, Apple surprised many people by launching the Apple Pencil (USB-C). However, unlike the more expensive Apple Pencil (2nd generation), the newer input device has fewer features.
Apple is rumored to be launching a more advanced Apple Pencil, possibly alongside a new Magic Keyboard. This latest version is expected to replace the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) in the product line, promising improved features and performance.
What about the iPad and iPad mini?
Starting May 7, those who normally buy iPad Pro and iPad Air models will be happy. However, those who typically buy the more affordable iPad models and smaller iPad minis may have to wait longer for new versions to be announced. While there have been rumors of updates for both devices, it is unclear when they will be released. Apple will most likely announce them when the series is revealed iPhone 16.
For context, the most recent base iPad, the 10th generation iPad, was released in October 2022. Meanwhile, the 6th generation iPad mini was released in September 2021. Both will receive updates soon, but we’ll almost certainly have to wait a little longer for both.
When is the iPad event?
Apple’s May 7 event will be streamed live globally, starting at 7 a.m. PT via the company’s dedicated events page and YouTube channel. This is earlier than most Apple events, which usually start at 10 a.m. PT. Anyway, you can watch a recording of the iPad event online at the same outlets.
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