The next Apple event is taking place on May 7, where we’re expecting to see a new suite of iPads get revealed, with pre-orders sure to follow.
As TechRadar reports, titled “Let Loose” Apple will be livestreaming the launch, which suggests it’ll be a significant one, with the Cupertino crew having plenty to show off; we’re not expecting much beyond new tablets, so be ready for new software demonstrations, though surprises definitely aren’t out of the question.
Here’s what is likely to be on tap next week, according to iMore:
iPad Pro M3
The headline hero product of the May 7 iPad event is likely to be Apple’s brand-new iPad Pro M3. Not only is Apple’s best iPad getting the exciting M3 chip from the M3 MacBook Air and M3 MacBook Pro, but it’s also widely expected to get a stunning new OLED display. OLED will give the iPad an even richer and more vibrant visual experience, while possibly saving some weight and space internally, and beefing up the battery life. Other rumored upgrades include a new landscape-oriented front-facing camera for FaceTime and videoconferencing
iPad Air 6
Apple’s iPad Air 5 is one of the company’s most popular tablets thanks to its exciting colors, lightweight design, and powerful M1 chip. Apple is expected to double down on that formula with an M2 update that will make the iPad Air 6 even snappier and more powerful. The major news for iPad Air is the advent of an all-new 12.9-inch model that will match the iPad Pro for size without the more expensive OLED and the M3 chip. Until very recently, fans were told to expect a mini-LED upgrade to this tablet too, although that leak has since been withdrawn by the source.
Apple Pencil
The main image for the event features a hand twirling an Apple Pencil amid a colorful Apple logo, so we expect there to be a focus on using iPads for creativity, likely with a new and enhanced Pencil. Apple is clearly going all-in on Apple Pencil, its event invite includes a hand holding one, and Tim Cook tweeted “Pencil us in for May 7.” Prospective features include Find My functionality and all-new squeeze gestures that can make interacting with your Pencil even more intuitive. And rumors suggest that the Apple Vision Pro will get Pencil support; if so, expect Apple to tout the creation of digital art with in a virtual and mixed reality environment.
Magic Keyboard
Apple is also expected to debut a brand-new Magic Keyboard, most likely as a companion accessory to the iPad Pro. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is readying a new keyboard with “a sturdier frame with aluminum” that will make the pairing look more like a laptop.
How to Watch
Apple’s May event will take place in the form of a livestream. It kicks off on May 7 at 7am PT / 10am ET / 3pm BST, and on May 8 at 12am AEST.
The easiest way to watch the livestream will be on YouTube, where Apple currently has a holding page where you can set a reminder to get notified of when the steam starts. But you can also watch the May Apple event on the company’s website and on the Apple TV app.
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