iPad Air, iPad Pro: rumors, specs, release date

iPads are expected at the next Apple event

Apple hasn't made a meaningful update to the iPad lineup since October 2022, with the exception of one Apple pencil update in November 2023. That's a very long time for an entire product category to go without updates, especially for the iPad range.

On April 23, Apple announced that it was… special event on May 7, which the company captioned as “Let Go.” It also gave an immediate hint as to what the event would be about, with a series of stylized Apple logos featuring a hand holding an Apple Pencil.

Apple is not known to be so direct in its graphical representation of event alerts. It usually offers much more subtle clues that give minimal hints about the topics of an event.

With Apple's lead in mind, here's what you could expect at the event, based on months of rumors.

The biggest change expected for the iPad Pro range is the move to OLED screens. The change offers a number of benefits, including the lack of backlighting which provides true blacks, more vibrant colors and energy savings compared to LCD equivalents.

A collection of iPad Pros

At the same time, there are expectations of a shift towards the M3 chip, following an advancement over previous models. The 3 nanometer chip ensures greater performance and efficiency M2 And M1.

There are also claims that Apple is a matte option for the display, providing the tablet line with an anti-reflective coating for the first time.

However, there have also been mumbles that the new models could see a price increase to match the upgrades, potentially seeing the lineup start around $1,500.

In November the iPad Air it was rumored that he would arrive two sizeswith a 10.9-inch model joined by a 12.9-inch version, mirroring the iPad Pro range.

iPad Air5

However, instead of getting the update to OLED like the iPad Pro, it was assumed that the displays would have the current LED backlighting instead.

A more recent rumor from April suggests there may still be one upgrade of display technology. One rumor said the 12.9-inch iPad Air could use the same display panels as the existing current-generation mini-LED backlight 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

However, a April 24 According to the rumor from Ross Young, known for his display supply chain reporting, the mini LED display on the 12.9-inch iPad Air is not on its way for the event. Instead, the improved display could arrive later in 2024.

The larger screen can also be quite expensive for consumers, as a change in size has always been accompanied by a price increase. It will be cheaper than the Pro equivalent, but probably not as much as people want.

If the iPad Air gets this screen, it will distance itself even further from the 10th generation iPad in the product range.

There are also claims that the new iPad Air could get a new one landscape FaceTime camera. One that is better used in landscape orientation than in portrait.

A next Apple Pencil is also expected, often referred to as the Apple Pencil 3, despite it possibly being the fourth release.

The USB-C Apple Pencil

The most important rumor is a new rumor squeeze gestureincluding detecting long and short squeezes and multiple squeezes to trigger different actions.

There is also the belief that Apple could integrate this interchangeable points in the Apple Pencil. In theory, this could change how the Apple Pencil feels when the user draws on the screen, or perhaps how the device interacts with drawing apps.

Suggestions have also been made to add this Find my functionality, although that seems less likely than the other rumors surrounding the device.

The Magic keyboard is already an impressive accessory for the iPad Pro, but it can be made even more useful.

Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro

Rumors of September, which have persisted over the months, anticipate a revision in the design of the accessory. The main rumors are that the top part around the keyboard could use aluminum, making it look more like a MacBook.

The change can also go beyond aesthetics, with adjustments making the accessory stronger and sturdier. There are also rumors that the trackpad could be made larger.

After not arriving in October, rumors in December claimed that Apple will release versions of its accessories, continuing the company's shift from Lightning to USB-C.

This list included the Apple Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Trackpad, with an expected Spring 2024 launch date for the collection.

The key here is that while they are mostly Mac peripherals, adding USB-C support makes it a little easier to connect them all to an iPad or iPad Pro. This could make the iPad Pro more of a desk workstation for users who prefer to work that way.

While not as impressive as the iPad Pro and Air updates, Apple regularly releases updates to the base model of the iPad, and sometimes to the iPad mini as well. However, such updates tend to be more subdued and usually contain smaller changes or specification bumps.

The rumor from October claimed that the ipad mini 7 would only get a minimal spec bump upgrade from the iPadMini6. This could consist of an update of the A15 Bionic chip to a newer variant, but with no real other changes.

This seems plausible if Apple updates the iPad mini, and a similar change could happen to the iPad as well. However, there are relatively few rumors about the models, meaning there's a chance they won't make it to the event.

The rumor mill also agrees, with suggestions that the iPad and iPad mini may just be updated later in 2024.

There have also been rumors about a possible foldable iPad, which has been in development for a long time but will not yet enter production. There have been claims of a foldable iPad launch, but given the claims of late 2024 or launch early 2025that makes it a bit questionable.