What to Expect From the May 7 Apple Event

[MacRumors]

Apple is set to hold its first event of the year next Tuesday, and the focus will be on the iPad. The iPad Pro and iPad Air models are set to be updated, and Apple also plans to refresh some of its iPad accessories. The video-based event will last for about 35 minutes.

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This guide features details on everything that we're expecting to see at the "Let Loose" event that will take place on May 7.

iPad Pro

The iPad Pro models will be the star of Apple's event, featuring the first larger form factor OLED displays. OLED display technology will bring deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency.

Apple is said to be using the "best OLED panels on the market" with higher brightness, extended battery life, 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates, and a long lifetime for the OLED technology. OLED displays have pixels that can be controlled individually, so high dynamic range content looks more realistic and true-to-life.

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 roughly the same size as the current models, with small changes to the length and width.

It's not entirely clear which M-series chip the iPad Pro models will use, and there is a possibility that these will be the first devices equipped with the AI-focused next-generation M4 chip. If that doesn't happen, Apple will use the M3 that's in the iMac and MacBook Air. Either way, it'll mark a massive improvement.

Along with slimmed down bezels, the iPad Pro's front-facing camera is expected to be relocated to the side of the device rather than the top, so the camera will be upright when the iPad is in a landscape orientation. That makes more sense for video calls and filming done when the iPad is used with a keyboard.

There have been rumors of possible MagSafe charging support and up to 4TB of storage, and we could also see prices go up. Multiple sources have said that the OLED technology will make the 2024 iPad Pro models more expensive, but just how much more expensive remains to be seen. Rumors have ranged from $160 more to $700 more.

For more on the rumors that we've heard so far about the iPad Pro, we have a dedicated 2024 iPad Pro guide.

iPad Air

The iPad Air will get a refresh alongside the iPad Pro, and for the first time, Apple is splitting the Air lineup and introducing two models. The first iPad Air will be a direct successor to the current version, measuring in at 10.9 inches. The second model will come in at 12.9 inches, similar to the iPad Pro.

Offering the iPad Air in two screen sizes will allow customers who want a large screen at a more affordable price than the iPad Pro to have that option. The 10.9 and 12.9-inch iPad Air models will not have the same OLED screen technology Apple is bringing to the iPad Pro, instead using LCD, and that will keep costs lower.

We are not expecting design changes to the iPad Air, except for the new, larger size. Both models will look like the iPad Air 4, featuring an edge-to-edge display with slim bezels and an aluminum chassis with flat, rounded edges. The iPad Air will be thicker than the iPad Pro, and it will have thicker bezels.

Leaked iPad Air images point to a rear camera with a protruding pill-shaped camera bump that's similar to the design we're expecting to see with the iPhone 16. The front camera could be repositioned so that it will be at the top of the iPad Air when it's in landscape mode, allowing it to be in the right orientation for video calls when it's used with a keyboard. The current version has the camera at the top when it is in portrait mode.

While we won't see notable design updates, Apple may introduce new color options. The existing model comes in a range of pastel shades, so Apple could tweak the color selection.

We have more on what's expected for 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 might call the Apple Pencil 3. It isn't yet clear if there will be design changes, but it is expected to be the first Apple Pencil that supports haptic feedback.

How that haptic feedback will be used remains to be seen, but code in iOS 17.5 suggested there will be a "squeeze" gesture that could do things like activate different tools and settings in apps.

There were rumors of interchangeable magnetic tips at one point, but we don't know if that's actually a feature that's coming 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 that we could see the Apple Pencil come in both black and white rather than just white.

There is a reference to an "Apple Pencil Pro" on Apple's homepage in Japan, and as it is related to the event... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: What to Expect From the May 7 Apple Event

 

[coachgq]

I hope we get Country specific Olympic wristbands for the Summer Olympics again.

 

[iSandrotto]

If they will announce the M4 generation at the event I wonder what that means for any potential hardware announcements at the WWDC.

I think that M4 Macbooks will only be announced towards the end of the year. That leaves us with the desktops. But that would turn around their usual strategy of releasing the current M generation to the desktops last. So if it is no Macbooks and no desktops does it mean that no hardware announcements will be made? Hard to believe, especially since the will push for AI big time....there needs to be capable hardware that gets released together with the AI focussed software updates.

I think there is a slight chance that they will release M4 Studio and M4 Mac Pro at WWDC. We'll see....

As for next week's event: I'm on the fence for an M4 iPad Pro.

 

[Isengardtom]

Definitely looking forward to this event. The iPad is my favourite apple device.

I never get excited about their laptops

 

[idktbh]

Oh boy, I can hardly contain my excitement as Apple prepares to unveil its latest line of overpriced gadgets that no one really needs. But hey, at least we'll get to see Tim Cook's signature awkward smile once again, right? And maybe, just maybe, he'll finally figure out how to make a product that people actually want to buy instead of just throwing more money at shiny things. Bring on the hype!

 

[Gator5000e]

I can only imaging how expensive the Pro series will be.

 

[Mazda 3s]

Until Apple can make a software/OS usage case to leverage the performance of these ultra fast chips they put in iPads, I’ll be sitting this one out.

I have an 11-inch iPad Pro with M1 and have had little reason to upgrade. It’s fast, the battery lasts forever, and it’s my go-to consumption device. I use it for:

Vegging out after work, i.e., YouTube, Safari, reading books.
When traveling. Instead of lugging my 14-inch MBP on the airplane, I take my iPad
Sketching out projects around the house and yard that I want to work on, etc.

None of what I do requires a new tablet. M1 is already overkill. The M2 iPad Pros are crazy fast too. All this power with training wheels still in the OS department.

 

[miiwtoo]

AVP glimpse

 

[Kay_Ess]

Ahh the iPad, always fun to see! It’s the most interesting and fun device by Apple I’ll never buy.

 

[ghanwani]

I expect to be disappointed and will be disappointed if my expectations are not met.

 

[lkrupp]

I expect to be disappointed and will be disappointed if my expectations are not met.

That explains almost every post in the MacRumors forums for years now.

 

[Fuzzball84]

This is very interesting for the Air… if no design changes, i presume that means it will use the current version of the Magic Keyboard folio… or there will be a different magic keyboard for Pro, Air and Standard.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

Bring. It. On.

9th gen iPad needs to go.

10th Gen iPad needs to be $349 (with frequent 3rd party reseller sales)

iPad Air needs to be $499 for smaller.

iPad Pro = I don't need it but can't wait to see it.

 

[nuff_said]

This is very interesting for the Air… if no design changes, i presume that means it will use the current version of the Magic Keyboard folio… or there will be a different magic keyboard for Pro, Air and Standard.

My guess is the older Magic Keyboard for the new larger iPad. That would make the updated versions of the Magic Keyboard an iPad Pro exclusive.

 

[FasterQuieter]

One thing I am determined to do this time is to have the willpower not to buy the full price iPad Pro on day one. Especially with the rumored higher price. The last few years I have convinced myself global supplies mean I need to pick things up right away or I'll be waiting forever. It turned out this was never true. The Vision Pro being the most stark example so far. I'm buying mine in the fall when the price drops significantly. You can fool me 7 times, but not 8.

 

[nuff_said]

I can only imaging how expensive the Pro series will be.

I agree. I think the rumours about them starting in the $1400-$1500 range could be factual though. I suspect the Pros base RAM could start at 16GB, and/or have higher base storage. You have one or both of those, plus new screens, plus camera now on the longer side, plus M4, plus exclusive new Apple Pencil use and that could, in the eyes of Apple, justify this price.

 

[lakerchick4life]

Im gonna trade in my 2018 11 inch iPad Pro to get the new one. Right now the value on apple's trade in site is 235.00 just wondering if I should trade it in before the event or wait til after in hopes that the value increases a little bit

 

[jimimac71]

Bring. It. On.

9th gen iPad needs to go.

10th Gen iPad needs to be $349 (with frequent 3rd party reseller sales)

iPad Air needs to be $499 for smaller.

iPad Pro = I don't need it but can't wait to see it.

I have an iPad 7 which looses support after iPad OS 17.
Got it refurbished for $209 in late 2021 and it has been a good investment.
Except for the 32 GB storage it works quite well, just like when I got it.
I would repeat with iPad 9 and it would still be a good thing.

 

[tomchr9]

What to expect?

Well, I can certainly do without the bland gallery of people uniformly wearing shirt, jeans and sneakers, devoid of any trace of a human personality, robotic body language and artificial hand gestures, delivering yet another presentation filled with Apple idiosyncrasies and platitudes. Welcome to the cult of Apple. Christ, this is getting so old.

The all new iPad Pro - now with a notch of its own, sigh. Why not a Dynamic Island, while you are at it? Ffs, Apple make up your damn mind, Notch or Dynamic Island. Stop meandering. Slimming the bezels of an iPad is a exercise in futility. Hard Pass

iPad Air, Apple Pencil and Apple Magic Keyboard, meh. By the way, drop the corny "Magic" designation, already!

 

[TechnoMonk]

I am seeing low stock of Mac Studio at retailers like microcenter. New Mac Studio with ultra/extreme up next?

 

[Chuckeee]

So with the release of new iPad Airs, This seems to signal the final end of M1 Apple Silicon.

Rest in Pease
It was a long, successful and eventful life

 

[dgdosen]

I can only imaging how expensive the Pro series will be.

Apple revenue is down... iPad revenue is down... multi-tasking on iPadOS is forever lacking... iPads gather dust on shelves... To me, that says Apple would be nuts to raise prices. But we'll see.

I could see a price increase if the new iPads are the most advanced, most amazing iPads Apple has ever introduced, but those aren't words that Tim Cook throws around lightly.

 

[Sippincider]

By the way, drop the corny "Magic" designation, already!

It's when Apple markets stuff as magical that they really jump the shark.

 

[Fuzzball84]

Looks like the iPad Pro will be very expensive indeed. The iPad Airs will be the new Pro for most people.

For a lot of people the value proposition will be go iPad Air or just get a Macbook, especially if pen input isn't necessary for your a work.

 

[livmatus]

personally I think M4 will debut during WWDC the earliest and I'd not expect iPad Pros to be unveiled now... would also make more sense regarding new features in iPadOS 18 that rely on M4

however I'd expect the whole line up except Pros to be refreshed