Apple is stepping up to the plate this week with its first major event, ‘Let Loose’ which will be shown online on May 7.
While Apple’s product release details remain a closely guarded secret, there is some informed speculation that is doing the rounds courtesy of Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman who often has his finger on the pulse when it comes to upcoming plans from Apple.
Tomorrow’s event is likely to be centred around the iPad – the only major product line from the Cupertino company not to have received a hardware update in 2023.
A highlight will likely be the new 12.9-inch and 11-inch models of the iPad Pro and both are expected to receive the OLED display technology. Currently, the 12.-9-inch version of the existing Pro has a mini-LED screen, while the 11-inch has an LCD one.
Both iPad Pros will also likely be thinner, with the larger model shrinking about 20 per cent in thickness and the smaller model about 15 per cent. The thinner form would require a slimmer battery, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the product will have a weaker battery life as OLEDs are more energy efficient.
The new Pro models will definitely have an updated chip – although whether Apple will skip the M3 and instead go straight for the AI-capable M4 chip is a matter still up for debate.
What isn’t up for debate is that we will be seeing a new version of the Apple Pencil – the invite for the event featured an Apple Pencil. The new Pencil will likely include features such as haptic feedback that will allow users to feel a small vibration-like effect when undertaking specific actions with the stylus. Also, users will likely be able to squeeze the Pencil to conduct certain tasks.
Back to the iPads, and beyond the Pro, Apple will also likely introduce for the first time a 12.9-inch version of the Air. iPad Air users will have two models to choose from themselves. These new Air models will however in all probability use the same LCD technology found in previous Air models for its screens.
One more product that we’re likely to see unveiled at the event is an updated Magic Keyboard. The new version is expected to use aluminium and be more durable and will also have a larger trackpad.
The pre-recorded event will likely be a 30-minute presentation that kicks off 7am Pacific Time on Tuesday morning and can be viewed on the Apple website or even on YouTube.
