Apple has officially announced that it will hold a virtual launch next month. Based on the teaser image provided, which prominently features an Apple Pencil accessory, it appears that the event will focus on the company’s tablet products, namely the next-gen iterations of its iPad Air and iPad Pro – according to recent rumours, at least.
Existing versions of both devices have been in the market for quite some time now (over 18 months for the Pro, and two years for the Air), so a refresh is to be expected. Sources such as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman are suggesting that Apple will debut an M3-powered iPad Pros with new OLED displays, as well as M2-equipped iPad Air models with mini-LED technology. The latter is also rumoured to see a larger 12.9-inch variant to be introduced.
Pencil us in for May 7! ✏️ #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/1tvyB7h450
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 23, 2024
Apart from the two iPad refreshes, prior reports suggest a new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and a next-gen Apple Pencil are to be expected as well. The former is tipped to be made of aluminium and features a bigger trackpad, while retaining a single USB-C port for charging the tablet. Meanwhile, the latter is rumoured to come with interchangeable magnetic tips, Vision Pro support, and a new squeeze gesture.
Apple’s upcoming event, dubbed as “Let Loose”, will take place on 7 May 2024 at 10pm local time. It will be streamed live via Apple’s website, as well as on Apple TV app and the company’s official channel on YouTube.
(Source: Apple press release / Tim Cook, via X)
