Apple on Tuesday (May 7) is expected to launch the upcoming iPad Pro lineup at the 'Let Loose' event. According to several reports, the iPhone maker is likely to go all in on the 2024 lineup in order to attract a new section of users and to convince the existing ones to upgrade to the latest device. There are a lot of rumours that the upcoming iPad Pro is likely to get some major hardware upgrades including a new OLED screen, a new chip, and lots of AI features.
Just one day is left for its launch, let us go over everything that we know about the 2024 edition of the iPad Pro.
iPad Pro (2024): Pricing, Launch Date (Expected)
It is highly anticipated that Apple will unveil the iPad Pro (2024) series alongside the iPad Air (2024) series and additional accessories such as the Magic Keyboard and third-generation Apple Pencil on May 7, with sales expected to commence in the latter half of May. The iPad Pro (2024) series may see a price increase attributed to its hardware enhancements.
iPad Pro (2024): Specifications (Expected)
As per a Bloomberg report, the forthcoming iPad models are set to be the first in the lineup to feature OLED screens, renowned for their superior colour accuracy, contrast levels, and brightness compared to the current mini LED displays.
As per the report, sources suggest that Apple is in talks with display suppliers such as Samsung and LG to procure OLED panels for the 2024 iPad Pro series. The adoption of OLED technology is expected to result in a thinner and potentially lighter design for the new iPad Pro models, thanks to internal structural refinements. A report from 9to5Mac further hints at a potential 20 per cent reduction in thickness compared to the previous models.
Previously, reports indicated that the 2024 iPad Pro lineup would be powered by the M3 chip, akin to the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. However, a recent update from Bloomberg suggests the possibility of Apple opting for the M4 chip, likely to rival upcoming Qualcomm-powered Windows laptops.
Even with the M3 chip, Apple has positioned the new MacBooks as capable gaming devices.
Bloomberg's insights suggest that the M4-powered iPad Pro is envisioned as an AI-capable tablet. However, the full realisation of these AI capabilities may require the iPadOS 18 update, slated for WWDC 2024. Similar to current models, the upcoming iPads are expected to offer various storage options ranging from 128 GB to 2 TB, along with choices for both Wi-Fi and cellular models supporting 5G and Wi-Fi 6E networks.
iPad Pro (2024): Coming In Two Sizes (Expected)
Apple has maintained a tradition of offering the iPad Pro series in dual sizes since its inception, a pattern expected to persist with the upcoming release. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo foresees the inclusion of both an 11-inch model and a larger 12.9-inch variant in the iPad Pro lineup.
Moreover, rumours are circulating about the potential introduction of a larger 14-inch model, which could potentially replace the traditional 12.9-inch size. This change could serve to differentiate between the iPad Pro and iPad Air series. While this modification may not materialise this year, it remains a plausible scenario for the subsequent year.
iPad Pro (2024): Will Launch Alongside New Apple Pencil, New Magic Keyboard (Expected)
Apple has recently launched a new Pencil with USB-C compatibility, targeting entry-level models. However, there are reports indicating that the company is gearing up to introduce a third-generation Pencil specifically designed for use with the iPad Pro, set to be unveiled during the upcoming 'Let Loose' event.
Apart from the new Pencil, Apple is rumoured to unveil an upgraded Magic Keyboard that, when paired with the iPad Pro, seeks to emulate a laptop-like experience. This improved Magic Keyboard is anticipated to come with a larger trackpad, enhanced keys, and a metallic finish, all aimed at offering users a more laptop-oriented functionality.