Apple will hold its first event of the year next Tuesday, focusing on the iPad. The iPad Pro and iPad Air models will be updated, and Apple also plans to refresh some of its iPad accessories.
This guide details everything we expect to see at the ‘Let Loose’ event taking place on May 7.
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro models will be the star of Apple’s event, with the first OLED displays with a larger form factor. OLED display technology delivers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors and better energy efficiency.
Apple is said to use the “best OLED panels on the market” with higher brightness, longer battery life, 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates and long-lasting OLED technology. OLED displays have pixels that can be controlled individually, so high dynamic range content looks more realistic and lifelike.
The iPad Pro models will be available in 11.1-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, and both models will be thinner with slimmed-down 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 approximately the same size as 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 possible that these will be the first devices to feature the next-generation AI-focused M4 chip. If that doesn’t happen, Apple will use the M3 found in the iMac and MacBook Air. Either way, it will be a huge improvement.
Along with the slimmed down bezels, the iPad Pro’s front camera is expected to be moved to the side of the device instead of the top, so that the camera is upright when the iPad is in landscape orientation. That makes more sense for video calls and movie recording where 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 going up. Multiple sources have said that the OLED technology will make the 2024 iPad Pro models more expensive, but how much more expensive 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’ve got a dedicated 2024 iPad Pro guide.
iPad Air
The iPad Air is getting 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 and measures 10.9 inches. The second model will be 12.9 inches, comparable to the iPad Pro.
By offering the iPad Air in two screen sizes, customers who want a large screen can get that option at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro. The 10.9- and 12.9-inch iPad Air models won’t have the same OLED screen technology that Apple is bringing to the iPad Pro, but will use LCD, and that will keep costs lower.
We don’t expect any design changes to the iPad Air, other than the new, larger size. Both models look like the iPad Air 4, with an edge-to-edge screen with thin bezels and an aluminum chassis with flat, rounded edges. The iPad Air will be thicker than the iPad Pro and will have thicker bezels.
Leaked iPad Air images indicate a rear camera with a protruding pill-shaped camera bump that’s similar to the design we expect to see on the iPhone 16. The front camera can be moved to be at the top of the iPad. Air when in landscape mode, allowing it to face the right 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 significant design updates, Apple may introduce new color options. The existing model is available in a range of pastel shades, so Apple could tweak the color selection.
Learn more about what’s expected 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 could call the Apple Pencil 3. It’s not yet clear if there will be any design changes, but it’s expected that this will be the first Apple Pencil. that supports haptic feedback.
How that haptic feedback will be used remains to be seen, but the code in iOS 17.5 suggested that there will be a ‘pinch’ gesture that could do things like activate various tools and settings in apps.
There were rumors at one point about interchangeable magnetic tips, but we don’t know if that’s actually a coming feature or an inaccurate rumor. Deeper integration with the Vision Pro is a possibility, and it could perhaps work with drawing apps that support visionOS. There’s also a chance we could see the Apple Pencil in both black and white instead of just white.
Magic keyboard
Apple plans to revise the Magic Keyboard and introduce a sturdier aluminum frame instead of the polyurethane material used for the current version. Although the frame and area around the keyboard will be aluminum, the exterior will still be made of silicone.
With the aluminum construction, a combination iPad and Magic Keyboard will look more like a MacBook in both appearance and functionality. There will be a larger trackpad similar to the trackpad on a MacBook, so the keyboard will provide a MacBook-like typing and navigation experience.
Apple uses more high-quality materials for the new Magic Keyboard, so it may be more expensive. The current model is priced from $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 refreshes its range of Apple Watch bands, iPhone cases and iPad cases and introduces 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 extension
There are rumors that Apple will expand the Vision Pro headset to other countries before WWDC, and we’re running out of time. We could see Apple bring the Vision Pro to countries like Britain, Canada, China and more as part of the May 7 event.
How to watch
The “Let Loose” event will take place on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 AM Pacific Time or 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Apple will stream the event live on its website and on YouTube, and there is an option to watch it on the Apple TV.
Those who can’t watch or those who want to follow MacRumors can visit MacRumors.com for the live blog or follow us on Twitter at MacRumorsLive for live tweet coverage.