In a surprising move, Apple will hold a special event on May 7, 2024, at 7 AM P.T. (10 PM Philippine Time). The timing surprises me, as we’re just a month away from the company’s developer-focused WWDC. With a lot to look forward to, here’s what to expect from the Apple Let Loose event:
New iPad Pro models
2023 saw a year when Apple did not release any new iPad models. While rumors circulated for months that we’d be getting them this year, we kept getting rumors that there were delays. With the main teaser showing off an Apple Pencil, it’s safe to assume this event will show off new iPad models.
Expect both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models to get the following upgrades:
- New OLED displays
- While the 12.9-inch model got a mini-LED display, the 11-inch model stuck with LCD. Having OLED displays will bring display parity to both iPad Pro models since 2021. Benefits of OLED include improved brightness and contrast.
- A front-facing camera when in landscape
- After the 10th-generation iPad moved its front-facing camera to work better in landscape mode, expect these new iPad Pro models to have the same.
- Are we getting the M4 chip?
- We recently got rumors that Apple might surprise people and debut the M4 chip on these new iPad Pros. While I’m not sure if that will be the case, my issue with Apple bringing this power to the iPad is iPadOS. Whether it’s the M3 or M4 chip, I’m hoping Apple justifies putting this power with a big update to its tablet software.
New Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
Apple will also launch new accessories to complement the new iPad Pros. If the main teaser for the event shown above is any indication, we may be getting a new Apple Pencil. New features could include magnetically swappable tips, Find My integration, and a “squeeze” gesture. Expect Apple to have a new Magic Keyboard with more pro-focused improvements.
New iPad Air models (yes, models)
For the first time, the iPad Air will come in two sizes: the 10.9-inch model we’re used to, and a new 12.9-inch model. While there were rumors that would bring mini-LED to the 12.9-inch iPad Air, the expectation now is that both models will use LCD.
It’s unclear whether the new accessories for the iPad Pro will work on the new iPad Air models.
iOS & iPadOS 17.5 Release
New software updates are probably the most predictable things to expect at this event. While iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5 might be released around this time, Apple might end up sharing this information in a footnote of a press release.
Regardless of what is announced at the Apple Let Loose event, I look forward to the company’s attempt to make the iPad relevant again. What do you think Apple should do for people to consider buying iPads? Sound off in the comments.