Here’s what to expect from the ‘Let Loose’ event

Apple has scheduled its next product presentation for May 7, a few weeks before the Worldwide Developers Conference begins. Even if the company is, as usual, a little coy about what’s happening on deck, the signs are all there. It has been rumored for months that Apple would update its iPad lineup in May. Sure enough, the image on the announcement for this “Let Loose” event includes an illustration of a hand holding an Apple Pencil.

Various reports published in recent months have provided insight into what Apple has planned. So, with that in mind, here’s what to expect from the next iPad event:

iPad Pro M3

It’s been about 18 months since Apple last updated one of its iPads, so its tablet lineup needs a refresh. It won’t really be surprising to see Apple integrate M3 chips into the latest iPad Pro models, since the most recent versions run on M2 chipsets.

Otherwise, the biggest update is expected to come in the form of OLED displays, according to BloombergIt’s Mark Gurman. This should bring richer colors and deeper blacks to the iPad Pro.

OLED panels being thinner than LCD panels, this should allow Apple to reduce the thickness of the iPad Pro. According to Mac 9 to 5, the 11-inch iPad Pro will be 0.8mm thinner at 5.1mm, while the 12.9-inch model will be noticeably thinner, as the thickness is expected to decrease from 1.5mm to 5mm. One leaker suggested that the bezels could also be up to 15% thinner than previous models.

Rumors have been circulating for some time that Apple could offer a glass-backed iPad Pro this year to enable MagSafe charging. Meanwhile, there have been hints that Apple would fix one of our biggest problems with the iPad and move the front-facing camera to the Pro’s landscape edge, as it did with the iPad. entry-level late 2022. This means the camera will be better placed for those using a Magic Keyboard or for those who simply prefer a landscape orientation.

iPad Air M2

As for the iPad Air, which Apple left stagnant for more than two years, it should benefit from an upgrade to M2 chips compared to the M1 that the tablets currently use. Apple is rumored to be using the iPad Air’s older chip to differentiate it from the Pro models and ensure the latter devices clearly remain its premium tablets. Reports suggest that the iPad Air’s front camera also thankfully moves to the edge of the landscape.

There’s another big change we’re expecting for the iPad Air, and I mean that in the most literal sense. Apple is rumored to be preparing the first 12.9-inch iPad Air. This is probably the cheapest option for a large-screen iPad, although that would somewhat contradict the “Air” part of the name.

Display analyst Ross Young previously suggested that the 12.9-inch iPad Air’s display would have a mini-LED display, but that no longer appears to be happening – at least for now. However, Young says Apple could release an iPad Air with such a screen later this year. Meanwhile, new iPad Air models could have a larger camera bump, perhaps so Apple can add a flash.

New Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil

Gurman reported last year that Apple was working on a revamped Magic Keyboard, but only for the iPad Pro, not the Air line. The updated keyboard would make the iPad Pro look like a laptop, with a larger trackpad. It’s said to be made from aluminum to make it sturdier than previous models, although “the outer shell of the Magic Keyboard will retain the cover material of the current model,” says Gurman.

Additionally, Apple is expected to unveil a new Apple Pencil to replace the second-generation model. Dataminers have suggested that an updated device could include a tap gesture to perform certain actions and benefit from Find My support. Some reports have indicated that the upcoming Apple Pencil could also work with Vision Pro drawing apps.

What not to expect: a new iPad or iPad mini

Even though the iPad mini in particular is getting very long in the tooth – the most recent model arrived in September 2021 – you probably shouldn’t expect a new model to appear at the Let Loose event. We don’t expect to see a new basic iPad. Reports suggest an 11th generation iPad and an updated iPad mini could arrive later this year, but maybe don’t hold your breath.