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Everything Apple will announce at its iPad event on May 7: iPad Pro, Air, Pencil, and more
For months now, we've heard rumors that Apple is planning to release a new OLED iPad Pro and new iPad Airs this spring, with no official word from the company as confirmation. Just a few weeks ago, Apple invited everyone to a virtual event on May 7 at 7 am PT, where we expect the company to announce the newest tablets and more.
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Last week, Apple reported $90.8 billion in revenue for its fiscal Q2 2024. "During the quarter, we were thrilled to launch Apple Vision Pro and to show the world the potential that spatial computing unlocks," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement. "We're also looking forward to an exciting product announcement next week and an incredible Worldwide Developers Conference next month."
What is Apple's Let Loose event and when is it?
Apple's Let Loose is a virtual product launch event happening on May 7 at 7 am PT/10 am ET. It's expected to last about 35 minutes and will be livestreamed on Apple.com and via the Apple TV app. During Let Loose, Apple is expected to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Air tablets, as well as a new Apple Pencil and a revamped Magic Keyboard.
1. iPad Pro with OLED
An 11-inch iPad Pro.
The iPad launch event will include a new line of iPad Pros. Although initially rumored to include Apple's M3 chip, reports hint that the new iPad Pro may boast an M4 processor, if Apple gets ambitious.
The iPad Pro's display is expected to use an OLED panel for the first time, resulting in visual and efficiency improvements. Like previous generations, Apple is expected to make the latest iPad Pro available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes.
Aside from a sturdier aluminum Magic Keyboard, the OLED iPad Pro is said to offer a more user-friendly navigation and multitasking experience. An intuitive multitasking experience is one of many features the iPad Pro has been lacking since its 2015 launch. Although Stage Manager lets users have multiple screens open at once, the feature is lackluster and unintuitive, especially for users not accustomed to Apple's UIs.
Also: Apple giving the iPad Pro an OLED display has an unexpected 'smart' benefit
There is no word on how much the new OLED iPad Pro will cost, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has speculated that it will likely come with a big price increase. The current MSRPs are $799 and $1,099 for the 11- and 12.9-inch models, respectively.
2. iPad Air with a new size option
Apple is expected to announce a new iPad Air with an M2 chip. For the first time, the iPad Air could include two sizes, featuring an 11-inch or a 12.9-inch display, like the iPad Pro. Both iPad Airs are rumored to be the largest, thinnest iPad models yet.
Also: New iPad Pro may use an AI-enabled M4 chip, and the Apple Pencil 3 may have haptic feedback
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the event will let Apple start cleaning up the iPad lineup. There are currently five different iPad models available. Apple is likely to phase out the ninth-generation iPad next year, leaving the iPad mini, a 10.9-inch iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro.
3. A more functional Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil 2 with an Apple Pencil Adapter, alongside an Apple iPad 10th Gen.
The event's graphic features an Apple Pencil, all but confirming a rumor about a third-generation model set for a May launch. Apple debuted the first Apple Pencil in 2015, the Apple Pencil 2 in 2018, and the USB-C Apple Pencil in November 2023.
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With iPadOS 17.5 hinting at a new gesture that would let users perform quick tasks by squeezing the Apple Pencil, the expectations for a third-generation stylus have only grown. The Apple Pencil 2 has a double-tap gesture that lets users switch tools, but no "squeeze" gesture support.
The Apple Pencil 3 is rumored to be priced at $130, support Apple's Find My service, and feature interchangeable magnetic tips. We'll know exactly what the device can do when Apple hosts its first virtual event in 2024 on Tuesday.
4. Magic Keyboard
An iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
The iPad event is also expected to include an updated version of the Magic Keyboard, which is said to be more durable and feature a larger trackpad. Thanks to a new look and upgraded aluminum construction, the new Magic Keyboard is designed to make the iPad look more like a laptop than a tablet with a keyboard case.
Why would Apple host an event before WWDC?
Although Apple is hosting its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10, that event is reserved for new iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS announcements, plus Apple's new AI strategy. The May 7 event will focus on the latest hardware offerings, with the OLED iPad Pro being the main star.
Will the new event cover iPadOS 17.5 or iPadOS 18?
While Apple typically reserves iOS and iPadOS announcements for WWDC, we might see some iPad-specific software features revealed during the Let Loose event. That being said, these features will likely be part of iPadOS 17.5 or an upcoming version. We expect Apple to cover iOS 18 features, particularly those that lean heavily on AI, in June during WWDC.
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iOS 17.5 doesn't have many exciting new features outside of the European Union, where iPhone users can now download apps directly from websites. Apple might still have a small surprise or two reserved to give the May iPad event some momentum, especially as these devices are expected to ship with iPadOS 17.5.
How do I watch Apple's Let Loose event?
The Apple Let Loose event will be a pre-recorded video available for streaming on YouTube, Apple.com, or the Apple TV app.