Apple will hold its first event of the year next Tuesday, and the focus will be on the iPad. The iPad Pro and iPad Air models will be updated, and Apple also plans to refresh some of its iPad accessories. The video-based event will last approximately 35 minutes.
This guide details everything we can expect to see at the Let Loose event on May 7th.
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro models will be the star of Apple’s event, featuring the first OLED displays with a larger form factor. OLED display technology will bring deeper blacks, better contrast, more vivid colors and better energy efficiency.
Apple is said to be using “the best OLED panels on the market” with higher brightness, extended battery life, 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and long OLED technology life. OLED displays have pixels that can be individually controlled, so high dynamic range content looks more lifelike and realistic.
The iPad Pro models will come in 11.1-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, and both models will be slimmer with thinner bezels. The 11.1-inch iPad Pro is expected to be 5.1mm thick, down from 5.9mm, while the 12.9-inch model will be 5mm thick, down from 6.4mm. The tablets will be roughly the same size as the current models, with minor changes in length and width.
It’s not entirely clear which M-series chip the iPad Pro models will use, and it’s likely that these will be the first devices equipped with the next-generation AI-focused M4 chip. If that doesn’t happen, Apple will use the M3, which is in the iMac and MacBook Air. Either way, it will mark a huge improvement.
Along with slimmed down bezels, the front-facing camera on the iPad Pro is expected to be moved to the side of the device rather than the top, so the camera will be upright when the iPad is in landscape orientation. This makes more sense for video calling and recording when the iPad is used with a keyboard.
There are rumors of possible MagSafe charging support and up to 4TB of storage, and we could also see prices go up. Many sources have said that OLED technology will make the 2024 iPad Pro models more expensive, but how much more remains to be seen. Rumors range from $160 more to $700 more.
For more on the rumors we’ve heard so far about the iPad Pro, we have a dedicated guide to the 2024 iPad Pro.
iPad Air
The iPad Air will get a refresh alongside the iPad Pro and for the first time Apple is splitting the Air range and introducing two models. The first iPad Air will be a direct successor to the current version, measuring 10.9 inches. The second model will be available at 12.9 inches, similar to the iPad Pro.
Offering the iPad Air in two screen sizes will allow customers who want a large screen at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro to have that option. The 10.9-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Air models won’t have the same OLED screen technology that Apple introduced in the iPad Pro, instead using LCD, and that will keep costs down.
We don’t expect any design changes to the iPad Air, except for the new, larger size. Both models will look like the iPad Air 4, featuring an edge-to-edge display with thin bezels and an aluminum chassis with flat, rounded edges. The iPad Air will be thicker than the iPad Pro and have thicker bezels.
Leaked images of the iPad Air point to a rear camera with a protruding pill-shaped camera bump, which is similar to the design we expect to see on the iPhone 16. The front-facing camera could be repositioned to be at the top of the iPad Air , when in landscape mode, allowing it to be in the correct orientation for video calls when used with a keyboard. The current version has the camera on top when in portrait mode.
While we won’t see any notable design updates, Apple may introduce new color options. The existing model comes in a range of pastel shades, so Apple could change the color choice.
We’ve got more on what to expect from the iPad Air in our iPad Air guide.
Apple Pencil
The iPad Pro and iPad Air will be accompanied by an updated version of the Apple Pencil, which Apple may call the Apple Pencil 3. It is not yet clear if there will be any design changes, but it is expected to be the first Apple Pencil to support haptic feedback .
How this haptic feedback will be used remains to be seen, but the code in iOS 17.5 suggests that there will be a “squeeze” gesture that can do things like activate various tools and settings in apps.
There were rumors of interchangeable magnetic tips at one point, but we don’t know if that’s actually a feature coming or if it’s an inaccurate rumor. Deeper integration with Vision Pro is a possibility, and perhaps it could work with drawing apps that support visionOS. Also, there’s a chance we’ll see the Apple Pencil available in both black and white, not just white.
There is a reference to “Apple Pencil Pro” on Apple’s homepage in Japan, and since it is related to the event, it suggests that Apple may be planning to give the new Apple Pencil a Pro moniker.
Apple’s home page further hints at some sort of wipe feature, with the site’s logo being able to be erased to reveal a new logo.
Magic keyboard
Apple plans to redesign the Magic Keyboard by introducing a stronger frame made of aluminum instead of the polyurethane material used for the current version. While the frame and the area around the keyboard will be made of aluminum, the outer shell will still be made of silicone.
With the aluminum construction, the iPad and Magic Keyboard combination will look more like a MacBook, both in terms of looks and functionality. It will have a larger trackpad that is similar to the MacBook trackpad, so the keyboard will offer a MacBook-like typing and navigation experience.
Apple is using more premium materials for the new Magic Keyboard, so it could be more expensive. The current model is priced at $299 for the 11-inch version. The new Magic Keyboard will likely work with both the upcoming iPad Air and iPad Pro models, as they are similar in size (11.1 and 12.9 inches for the iPad Pro and 10.9 and 12.9 inches for the iPad Air) .
Other accessories
Apple regularly updates its selection of Apple Watch bands, iPhone cases and iPad cases by introducing new color options. We could see new summer colors for many accessories, and Apple will have to update its iPad cases to accommodate the new designs.
Vision Pro Expansion
Rumors suggest that Apple will expand the Vision Pro headset to additional countries before WWDC, and we’re running out of time. We could see Apple bring the Vision Pro to countries like the UK, Canada, China and more as part of the May 7 event.
How to watch
The “Let Loose” event is set to take place on Tuesday, May 7th at 7:00 AM PT or 10:00 AM ET. Apple will stream the event live on its website and on YouTube, plus there’s an option to watch it on Apple TV. The event will last about 35 minutes.
Those who can’t watch or those who want to follow along with MacRumors can visit MacRumors.com for the live blog or follow us on Twitter on MacRumorsLive for live tweet coverage.
