It’s been one and a half years since Apple refreshed its iPad line. After an unusually long pause, the company is expected to unveil its latest and more powerful tablet models on May 7th.
An invitation sent out to the media states that the event, which will most likely be pre-recorded, will start at 7 a.m. PT (2 p.m. GMT). According to multiple reports, the company will announce new models for its iPad Pro and iPad Air series.
One of the most significant changes to the iPad Pro is a new display. While other manufacturers have been using OLED displays for many years now, Apple has relied on older LED technology.
On May 7th, Apple is expected to announce an iPad Pro with an OLED display, as previously reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gunman. The new screen will offer deeper blacks, better viewing angles and contrast, and will be more energy efficient compared to its predecessor.
The refreshed iPad Pro line is also expected to feature the fastest Apple chip, the M3, and come in four different models. There also were rumors stating that the new iPad Pros feature a MagSafe Wireless charging port.
As for the iPad Air, the biggest update is believed to be a bigger 12.9-inch version of the tablet, alongside the current one of 10.9 inches. There’s no doubt that the iPad Air will be equipped with a newer chip since the current version of the iPad operates with the M1. The next-generation iPad Air will probably feature the M2, while the latest processor will be left for the iPad Pro.
Although there were recent reports from display analyst Ross Young that the new iPad Air will feature a new mini-LED display, Young later reported that Apple most likely will stick to the current LCD display. However, it’s possible that we will see the new iPads launched at the end of the year.
iPad accessories are also expected to receive an update. According to Gunman, Apple is planning to redesign its Magic Keyboard significantly, which would make using a tablet feel like a personal computer. The new Magic Keyboard is rumored to be made from aluminum and features a larger surface area trackpad.
The Apple Pencil, after five years, is also set to get an update. A clear hint of this came with a drawing of a pencil on Apple’s media invitation. According to reports, the new Apple Pencil should feature “Find My” app integration and let users find the pencil with the app.
Apple is planning to launch the new iPads in a bid to boost sales. During the first quarter, its tablet sales dropped 25% to $7.02 billion.
This week, it was reported that Apple shipments in China declined by 19 percent, according to data published by research firm Counterpoint. An Apple analyst also stated that the company is planning to significantly slash its shipments of the headset Vision Pro and possibly postpone the new version.
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