Apple is gearing up to unveil new iPad Air and iPad Pro models at a special event scheduled for May 7. While the company has remained tight-lipped about the specifics, rumors and speculations have been swirling for months, painting a vivid picture of what we can expect from the upcoming lineup.
The iPad Pro is widely anticipated to receive a significant overhaul, headlined by the adoption of OLED displays. This transformative technology promises a host of benefits, including true blacks, more vivid colors, and improved power efficiency compared to traditional LCD panels. Under the hood, the iPad Pro is rumored to be powered by the latest M3 chip, a 3-nanometer powerhouse that promises substantial performance and efficiency gains over its predecessors. To cater to users who prioritize glare reduction, Apple may introduce a new matte display option for the iPad Pro, a first for the tablet lineup. However, these upgrades may come at a price, with rumors suggesting a potential increase in the starting price to around $1,500.
The iPad Air, while not expected to receive as drastic an upgrade as the iPad Pro, is also rumored to get some notable enhancements. According to earlier reports, Apple may introduce two screen size options for the iPad Air: a 10.9-inch model and a larger 12.9-inch variant, mirroring the iPad Pro lineup. However, instead of adopting OLED displays, the iPad Air is believed to retain its current LED-based backlighting system. More recently, rumors have emerged suggesting that the iPad Air could still get a display technology upgrade, with the 12.9-inch model potentially utilizing the same mini-LED backlighting found in the current-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro. This larger screen size could come at a premium, as previous iPad Air models with larger screens have typically been priced higher.
Beyond the display, the iPad Air is rumored to receive a new landscape FaceTime camera, optimized for better usage in landscape orientation. To complement these hardware updates, Apple is also expected to unveil a new Apple Pencil, often referred to as the Apple Pencil 3 despite potentially being the fourth iteration. The main buzz surrounding the new Apple Pencil revolves around a new squeeze gesture feature, allowing users to trigger different actions by performing long and short squeezes or multiple squeezes. Additionally, Apple may incorporate interchangeable tips into the Apple Pencil, potentially altering the drawing experience or enhancing compatibility with different drawing apps. Rumors have also hinted at the inclusion of Find My functionality in the new Apple Pencil.
The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, already a formidable accessory, could become even more versatile with a rumored redesign. The top case area surrounding the keyboard is expected to be constructed from aluminum, giving it a more MacBook-like appearance. This change may not be purely aesthetic, as the new material could enhance the accessory’s durability and sturdiness. Rumors also suggest that the trackpad on the Magic Keyboard could be enlarged, providing users with a more comfortable and spacious input surface.
While not as groundbreaking as the iPad Pro and Air updates, Apple is known to periodically refresh its base-model iPad and sometimes the iPad mini. However, these updates tend to be more incremental, focusing on minor changes or specification bumps. Rumors from October indicated that the iPad mini 7 might receive a modest spec upgrade, possibly transitioning from the A15 Bionic chip to a newer variant, but without any significant design alterations. A similar update could be in store for the base-model iPad. However, the scarcity of rumors surrounding these models suggests that they may not make an appearance at the upcoming event.
The rumor mill has also churned out speculations about a potential folding iPad, a device that has been in development for an extended period but has yet to materialize. While some claims have hinted at a possible folding iPad launch, the consensus among industry insiders points towards a late 2024 or early 2025 release, making its inclusion in the upcoming event somewhat doubtful.
In addition to the new iPad models and accessories, Apple may also introduce new USB-C peripherals, including updated versions of the Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Trackpad. These peripherals are primarily designed for Mac computers, but the inclusion of USB-C connectivity makes them compatible with iPads and iPad Pros. This move could further enhance the iPad Pro’s functionality as a workstation for users who prefer a desktop-like setup.
