Apple iPad Launch Event Highlights: New iPad Air, iPad Pro Announced
Apple iPad Launch Event LIVE Updates: Stealing the limelight at the event is the much-anticipated unveiling of the next-gen iPad Pro, promising exciting hardware upgrades.
In addition to the much-awaited OLED iPad Pro and M2-powered iPad Air, Apple has introduced a refreshed Magic Keyboard. This updated version features an aluminium top deck, a larger trackpad, and, notably, a function row.
During its "Let Loose" event on Tuesday, Apple unveiled plans to introduce its M4 chip in the next generation of devices, beginning with the iPad Pro.
The iPad Pro models get a nano-texture coating this time.
The new iPad Pro comes equipped with Apple's M4 chip.
As promised by multiple leaks and rumours, Apple has used OLED displays in the 2024 lineup of iPad Pro.
The new iPad Pro also gets two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. It Is thinner than iPod Nano, Apple said.
The 2024 iPad Air gets a new 13-inch option and Apple has updated the the 11-inch iPad Air.
The new iPad Air comes in four colour options. It is powere by the M2 chip.
For the first time, Apple iPad Air comes in two sizes.
Apple begins the live stream for the "Let Loose" event. The event starts with CEO Tim Cook's address.
Apple's iPad-focused 'Let Loose' event kicks off at 7:30 pm IST/7 am PT.
With the current base prices of iPad Pro models likely to rise by at least $100 and that coupled with the additional purchase of a new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, acquiring the complete iPad Pro package could prove to be quite costly this generation.
In a less exciting update, it is likely that both iPad Pro models will see price hikes in this cycle. Multiple reports indicate at a price increase, but vary on extent of these increases. It is likely that the current base prices will rise by at least $100, or more.
It is important to acknowledge that a thinner body could potentially reduce space for the battery. However, any impact on battery is likely to be mitigated by likely optimisations made by the OLED display.
Both iPad Pros are likely to become slimmer, with the larger model expected to reduce in thickness by approximately 20 per cent and the smaller model by about 15 per cent, multiple rumours say. These physical changes will mainly stem from the smaller components necessitated by the adoption of OLED displays.
The Apple website might have provided some additional hints about what's to come. Within the source code of the Japanese Apple.com, the homepage banner for the launch event describes the logo's header image as featuring a creator holding an "Apple Pencil Pro." This development was first noticed by ribu_ap712 on X, formerly Twitter.
There's key rumour around the adoption of OLED displays in the new iPad Pro. It is likely that both 11-inch and 12.9-inch models of the iPad Pro models may transition to OLED displays, especially for professional users seeking optimal visual performance.
Apple is speculated to launch new iPad Pro models tonight for the first time since 2022. Now, the rumour mill suggests that the new iPad Pro models will feature OLED screens and will be powered by M4 chips.
Further speculations suggest that the new top-end iPads will offer variable refresh rates, with the ability to go down as much as just 10 Hz.
As per the rumour mill, the 11-inch iPad Air variant is likely to maintain its previous price point, retailing at Rs 59,900.
However, speculations suggest that the new 12.9-inch version could potentially be priced at Rs 10,000 more in the Indian market.
Apple's 'Let Loose' event is set to kick off in less than five hours. The highly awaited iPad launch event will kick off at 7 am PT, or 7:30 pm for Indian viewers.
In case you were unaware, the pre-recorded mini event will see the launch of new iPad Air and iPad Pro models, with a new Apple Pencil as well as a Magic Keyboard to boot.
Stay tuned to ABP Live for all the latest updates!
Apple is expected to introduce two new iPad Air models at the 'Let Loose' event tonight. As per the rumour mill, it is largely expected that the new iPad offerings will be powered by the M2 chip, which also powers the 2022 iPad Pro models.
While the M2 silicon is not less powerful by any standards, it remains to be seen how Apple enthusiasts regard the news.
Of course, the latest M4 chips will be reserved for the top-end iPad Pro models.
Apple's new top-end iPad Pro models are expected to be offered in two sizes - 11 inches and a sizeable 12.9 inches.
As per noted Apple leaker Mark Gurman, the Cupertino giant is also expected to power the new Pro models with its powerful in-house silicon, the M4.
Wondering how to watch Apple's 'Let Loose' event live? Well, fret not.
Here's the live stream link for you:
As per the latest Canalys data, released a day before the 'Let Loose' event, Apple remained the biggest tablet player in the world in Q1 2024, shipping 12 million iPad models for 36 per cent of the total market share.
Samsung followed in second, with 6.8 million units shipped. Huawei, Lenovo, and Amazon rounded up the top five spots.
It remains to be seen if the new iPad Pro and iPad Air will further Apple's command over the market.
Apple's latest iteration of the Magic Keyboard is rumoured to be launched today alongside the new iPad Pro. Set to debut at 7:30 pm IST tonight, industry experts and leakers are buzzing with expectations of significant enhancements in both functionality and design.
Expected to be compatible with the new iPad Pro, the latest iteration of Magic Keyboard is tipped to carry a laptop-like aesthetic, get a larger trackpad, and bring improved durability.
The spotlight tonight is expected to shine brightly on the Apple Pencil, as indicated by its prominent placement in the event's promotional material (see below).
The rumour mill suggests that the third-generation Apple Pencil will feature several enhancements, including support for haptic feedback, integration with Find My, and a new 'squeeze' gesture for streamlined user interaction.
As per the rumour mill, Apple is steering clear of major tweaks to the display technology on its new iPads, with iPad Air slated to retain the familiar LCD screen found in its predecessors. However, one notable alteration is on the horizon: an increase in size, with a new 12.9-inch model.
Apple's iPad Pro series, on the other hand, has been at the forefront of display innovation, having previously introduced the cutting-edge mini-LED display. Rumours hint at further advancements this year, with talks of a possible upgrade to an OLED panel.
Apple broke its annual routine and chose not to launch a new iPad in 2023. This is largely speculated to be due to production delays and scheduling challenges. Some sources and noted leakers also claimed that the Cupertino giant was looking to cut the clutter on their iPad lineup and that they simply didn't find the time to develop a new, worthwhile iPad offering.
While iPhone launches are an annual affair for the Cupertino giant, Apple took a year's hiatus from its iPad launches.
Its current-gen iPad models - iPad (10th generation) and iPad Pro (6th generation) - were launched back in October 2022.
Apple's 'Let Loose' event won't be an in-person affair. You can watch the pre-recorded launch event starting at 7:30 pm IST on Apple's official website, Apple TV+, as well as its official YouTube channel.
Here's the live stream link below:
Apple's 'Let Loose' event will be a pre-recorded one, and as per noted leaker Mark Gurman, the entire event is expected to be wrapped up in just 35 minutes.
This will fall in line with Apple's Halloween event last year, which saw the launch of new MacBooks. It appears that Apple is only reserving its mega in-person events for its iPhone launches, and the annual World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) which sees the launch of new iOS, iPadOS, and other software from the Cupertino giant.
ALSO READ: WWDC 2024: Apple iPadOS 18 & WatchOS 11 Likely To Debut. Here's What We Know So Far
Apple is expected to launch two new iPad models - its first tablet offerings in two years - at the virtual 'Let Loose' event tonight. The event is slated to kick off at 7 am Pacific Time, or 7:30 pm for Indian viewers.
iPad Air (6th gen) model's release is expected to come after a two-year hiatus since Apple's last iPad launch, building anticipation for what's to come.
The sixth generation iPad Air is rumoured to introduce a host of new features, aiming to narrow the gap between the iPad Air and Pro series. As enthusiasts await the official reveal, speculation runs rampant regarding the enhancements and upgrades that will be showcased.
Apple is poised to introduce its latest iPad Pro lineup. Speculation suggests that the tech giant is gearing up to make significant enhancements to the 2024 models in a bid to entice a fresh wave of users and encourage current ones to consider upgrading.
Among the expected upgrades are a revamped OLED display and a new chipset, promising a boost in performance and visual quality. Additionally, there are murmurs of the inclusion of advanced AI features, potentially elevating the user experience to new heights.
Background
Apple iPad Launch Event LIVE Updates: Apple is set to kick off its 'Let Loose' event later today, scheduled for May 7. At 7:30 pm IST, the Cupertino giant will pull the curtains off its latest tablet offerings, promising an exciting array of innovations for iPad aficionados. The event will be broadcast live on Apple's official website, ensuring a global audience can join in the unveiling spectacle.
The spotlight of the event is expected to shine on two new iPad models, elevating the tablet experience to new heights. Speculations are rife about the introduction of the next-generation iPad Air, rumoured to debut in a sleek 12.9-inch display variant alongside the standard 10.9-inch model.
However, stealing the limelight is the much-anticipated unveiling of the next-gen iPad Pro, promising exciting hardware upgrades. Among the headline features is the incorporation of an OLED display, marking a departure from conventional models. This technological leap is poised to introduce variable refresh rates, possibly plummeting as low as 10Hz, ensuring seamless user experience.
Beyond the tablet realm, Apple enthusiasts can anticipate the launch of new accessories, enriching the iPad ecosystem. Reports suggest updates to the pencil range and a revamped Magic Keyboard tailored for the iPad Pro 2024. The redesigned Magic Keyboard is rumoured to boast enhanced durability and a larger trackpad, promising a fusion of functionality and aesthetics reminiscent of a laptop experience.
Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, hinted at the company's forward trajectory during a recent earnings call, emphasising investments in generative AI. With the impending launch of the M4 chip, Apple is poised to integrate new AI features into its latest iPad models. Cook tantalisingly teased "exciting things" to be unveiled at both the 'Let Loose' event and the forthcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), underscoring Apple's unwavering commitment to AI innovation.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the event, it's worth noting that the 'Let Loose' affair is slated to be a concise affair, speculated to wrap up in a brisk 35 minutes. This brevity suggests a focused unveiling, hinting that the event might not boast an extensive array of new launches. Nonetheless, Apple enthusiasts remain poised for the tech giant's latest offerings, eagerly awaiting the innovation that awaits.
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