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New iPads on 7 May: an overview of the rumours

23.4.2024

Translation: machine translated

Apple will be presenting new tablets in a fortnight' time under the motto "Let loose". The biggest redesign is expected for the iPad Pro.

On Tuesday, 7 May at 4 p.m. Swiss time, Apple will be presenting new products. The motto of the event is "Let loose" - in German: "Lass dich frei". The logo makes it clear that it's all about new iPads.

The invitation to the event is colourful. The Pencil dispels any doubts: The new iPads are coming on 7 May.
Source: Apple

After Apple didn't unveil any new tablets last year, a major redesign is likely to be on the cards this year. Rumours have been swirling for months. Apparently, the release was originally planned earlier. However, it had to be postponed due to delivery problems. Here are the latest leaks:

iPad Pro with OLED display

An update to the iPad Pro is overdue. The current model dates back to 2022 and the design hasn't even changed since 2018. This year, it is set to receive the following features:

OLED display: The current models rely on mini LEDs. Such displays are bright, but relatively susceptible to blooming effects. The new iPad Pro should finally put an end to this. It is almost certain that it will have an OLED display. This means better black levels and more accurate colours.
New design: The OLED display should make the iPad lighter. There are also rumours of thinner display edges and a casing with a glass back. This would also enable wireless charging.
M3 chip: The new chip in the iPad Pro will also come as no surprise. Above all, the M3 has more graphics power than the M2. This is a welcome upgrade for professional applications such as Photoshop.

Background information
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Selfie camera in landscape format: If you hold your iPad horizontally, you have always had problems unlocking it with FaceID. This could soon be a thing of the past. The new iPad Pro is said to have the camera installed on the long side.
New Magic Keyboard: Apparently, Apple is also launching a new cover with keyboard and trackpad along with the new iPads. It is said to be made of more elegant materials than the previous Magic Keyboard - such as aluminium.
Higher price: As is so often the case, technological progress is not for nothing. A few weeks ago, there were wild rumours of a price increase of up to 50 per cent. However, the latest indications suggest "only" a price increase of 100 to 200 US dollars.

The M2 iPad Pro was introduced in October 2022. In a fortnight, it will be renewed.
Source: Apple

Large iPad Air

It's not just the iPad Pro that's getting a successor, but also the Air. The mid-range tablet will probably not be able to enjoy an OLED display, but at least it will have a few other things:

12.9-inch version: If you want a large tablet, you no longer necessarily have to go for the Pro model. According to rumours, Apple is planning an iPad Air with a 12.9-inch screen in addition to the 11-inch version.
Mini LED display: The current iPad Air has a normal LCD display without local dimming. It could be that the new version inherits the mini-LED technology of the old iPad Pro. With a bit of luck even with 120 Hertz. Either would be a welcome improvement.
Selfie camera in landscape mode: Just like the more expensive model, the front camera on the iPad Air should also be set to landscape mode. This makes more sense in everyday life, for example for video calls.
M2 chip: "Always one less than the Pro" is the motto of the iPad Air. This usually also applies to the chip. The 2024 model will probably move up from the M1 to the M2.

New Apple Pencil

Our editorial artist Michelle will be delighted: In addition to new tablets, a new Apple Pencil is also expected. This is indicated by six logos that Apple is showing as promotion for the event.

Six Apple logos in very different styles. The different thickness of the brush strokes is also striking - it could indicate different tips for the new Apple Pencil.
Source: Apple

There is still relatively little information about the new pen:

New gesture: Apparently, the new Pencil will have a "squeeze" gesture to activate functions.
Interchangeable tips: Although the tip of the current Apple Pencil can be exchanged, it is always the same. In the future, there could be different versions, as is the case with pens for dedicated graphics tablets. Depending on the tip, the pen feels different and the software reacts differently.
Find My function: According to rumours, anyone who misplaces the pen will be able to search for it via the Find My app. However, a speaker in the pen seems unlikely.
Charging contact points in other places: The new stylus could be necessary, among other things, because a front camera in landscape format would get in the way of the old Pencil's magnetic holder. Apple would have to place the contacts in a different location so that the concept with inductive charging function continues to work.

The event on 7 May will take place exclusively online. You can follow it live from 4 pm on Apple's website.

Header image: Screenshot Apple keynote 2022

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Samuel Buchmann

Senior Editor

Samuel.Buchmann@digitecgalaxus.ch

My fingerprint often changes so drastically that my MacBook doesn't recognise it anymore. The reason? If I'm not clinging to a monitor or camera, I'm probably clinging to a rockface by the tips of my fingers.

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