Apple is shaking things up with its “Let Loose” event on May 7th, marking the first official Apple event of 2024. While details are still under wraps, leaks and insider reports point towards a focus on iPads and their accessories. Here’s what we can expect:
iPad Pro Takes Center Stage
The show’s star is likely the new iPad Pro, rumored to be the first iPad with a stunning OLED display, leading to sharper visuals and a potentially thinner design.
Two sizes are expected – an 11-inch and a 12.9-inch model. Rumors suggest these might even be the first Apple devices to sport the next-gen M4 chip—a hint toward Apple’s growing focus on AI.
iPad Air Gets a Refresh
The mid-tier iPad Air is also in line for an update. While details are still limited, it seems Apple will offer the familiar 10.9-inch model alongside a brand-new 12.9-inch version. Expect the Air to be powered by the reliable M2 chip, previously introduced with the M2 MacBook Air in 2022.
New Apple Pencil with a Twist
Given the event’s heavy emphasis on pencils in its marketing materials, a new Apple Pencil seems like a sure bet. This update is rumored to be for the higher-end model, featuring haptic feedback for a more immersive drawing experience and pressure sensitivity for unique control options.
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg also suggests the ability to control actions by applying pressure to the pencil. In his words;
The revamped Pencil will include haptic feedback, a feature that lets users feel a small vibration-like effect when triggering actions with the stylus. Users will probably also be able to squeeze the Pencil to conduct certain tasks.
Mark Gurman
Magic Keyboard Gets an Upgrade
New iPad models often come with new Magic Keyboards, and this event is no different. Expect a more durable aluminum design that feels more like a traditional laptop, while still offering the familiar case, keyboard, and trackpad functionality.
A Smaller Event, But More to Come
While this seems like a less extensive event compared to usual Apple unveilings, it’s not unusual for them to hold device-specific showcases.
Don’t expect new MacBooks or a base iPad model refresh here. There’s also a chance Apple might tease upcoming AI features, especially if the iPad Pro does indeed pack the M4 chip.
We’ll likely have to wait for the big WWDC event in June for the full AI announcement. So, mark your calendars for May 7th and get ready to see what Apple has in store for the iPad fans!
