Apple ‘Let Loose’ event highlights: iPad Pro, iPad Air, Magic Keyboard, Pencil Pro launched

The new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models will be available in blue, purple, starlight, and space grey colors, with options for 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage configurations. The 11-inch model starts at Rs 59,900 for the Wi-Fi version and Rs 74,900 for the Wi-Fi Cellular version, while the 13-inch model starts at Rs 79,900 for Wi-Fi and Rs 94,900 for Wi-Fi Cellular. Additionally, the new Apple Pencil Pro, priced at Rs 11,900, is compatible with both models.

On the other hand, the iPad Pro 11-inch is priced at Rs 99,900 for the Wi-Fi model and Rs 1,19,900 for the Wi-Fi Cellular model. The 13-inch iPad Pro starts at Rs 1,29, 900 for the Wi-Fi model, and Rs 1,49,900 for the Wi-Fi Cellular model.

The Magic Keyboard, available in black and white, supports both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air and is priced at Rs 29,900 for the 11-inch version and Rs 33,900 for the 13-inch version.Educational pricing offers the Magic Keyboard for Rs 27,900 for the 11-inch version and Rs 31,900 for the 13-inch version, with layouts available in over 30 languages.

Although the event has wrapped, follow our exclusive coverage on our tech section. 

The latest iPad Pros are priced starting at $999 for the smaller version and $1,299 for the larger one. The Magic Keyboards are available for $299 and $329, and the Apple Pencil Pro is priced at $129. These products can be pre-ordered starting today, with shipping likely to begin next week.

The new Apple Pencil Pro includes a sensor in the barrel that allows users to squeeze it to access a tool palette. Additionally, it features force feedback to provide tactile responses during use and now supports Apple's "Find My" technology, making it easier to locate if lost.

With major hardware announcements done, Apple swiftly moved to team member Will Hui, who introduced the exciting updates for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. Among the most significant enhancements is the introduction of a new Final Cut Camera feature for iPads, enabling their use as live cameras during video shoots.

"We've been including a neural engine in our chips for years," says Apple's Tim Millet on M4.

The all-new M4 chip is a monumental upgrade over the M3 chip. It delivers up to 50 per cent faster CPU speed over the M2. It comes with a new 10-core GPU that supports raytracing making the iPad Pros the first device to support raytracing in games. Apple says the new chip is the backbone of the iPad Pro that enables it to support a range of AI services. 

Impossibly thin, has a stunning design and exceptional performance. The new iPad Pro comes in two sizes - 11 inches and 13 inches. The new iPad Pro is thinner than the iPod Nano, making it the thinnest Apple product. Comes in two colours silver and black. The new iPad Pro gets OLED technology enhancing the visual performance of the iPad Pros. The new technology is called Tandem OLED with XDR vision. The display is touted to be the world's most advanced technology.

The new iPad Air comes in two sizes 11 inches and 13 inches. The bigger size comes with the ability to help users do multiple tasks. Front front-facing camera with center stage is one of the major highlights. The new devices are 50 per cent faster and are powered by M2 chips. The device supports a ray of AI features. Apple iPad Air is available in four finishes, landscape stereo audio, Magic Keyboard, 5G connectivity, 12MP camera and up to 1TB storage. 

Tim Cook opens the event with a glimpse of Apple's cutting-edge Vision Pro. Cook discusses the innovation and the research that went into making the Apple Vision Pro.

A few minutes from now, Apple will host the 'Let Loose' event. Ahead of the event, CEO Tim Cook took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share his excitement. "Take note! I’m so excited for you to join us for today's #AppleEvent at 7am PT."

Shortly before the highly-anticipated 'Let Loose' event, Apple Store seems to have hit a downtime. Users flocking to the online portal reported that they saw the 'Be Right Back' message on the page. This is not the first time though, ahead of every high-stakes Apple event, the store witnesses a similar downtime. 

When Apple CEO Tim Cook and top honchos take the virtual stage to introduce new iPads, they are going to spend a lot of time establishing one thing: the new iPads will be the best tablets on the market, especially the Pro models. One can already predict the script Cook and his team will be handed to make the pitch around newer iPads, including OLED screens and slimmer bodies, with the new Airs getting a bigger screen size, and updates to the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. Click here to read more

More than the rumours about M4, there seems to be a considerable buzz around the potential upgrade to an OLED display for the 12.9-inch model. Several reports suggest that this new display is likely to be 'crisper and brighter' with more accurate colour reproduction compared to the present mini-LED Liquid Retina display. The 11-inch model may continue to use the existing LCD technology. According to another report, display expert Ross Young stressed that the upcoming OLED panel would feature LTPO technology. Reportedly, this panel is designed to offer a 120Hz refresh rate, enhanced brightness, reduced weight, and long battery life. For the uninitiated, OLED technology is much beyond mini-LED as it offers superior quality, pitch-perfect blacks, and incredible contrasts. This could possibly elevate the iPad Pro's user experience. 

The upcoming 'Let Loose' iPad event is strategically timed to revive Apple's tablet line, as it coincides with the 17% year-over-year decline in iPad revenues as reported in its Q2 2024 earnings. This shows the need for a substantial overhaul and not just a mere refresh. By hosting a standalone event—its first in many years focused on iPads—Apple is likely addressing the need to renew its tablet offerings and better position them against rising competitors like Microsoft, which is also upgrading its Surface devices. Click here to read more

When it comes to AI features, the current iPad Pro powered by M2 supports advanced AI tasks such as image generation, video editing, and AI vision tasks. If the new line of iPad Pro is backed by M4 chip, then it could further expand the AI capabilities. If Apple decides to integrate its MLX framework it will significantly enhance the app functionalities. Based on reports, there is a potential introduction of ChatGPT to iOS, hinting at wider access to large language models on the iPad. Reportedly, Apple also has plans to launch an AI App Store and develop new APIs and developer kits to maximise the utility of the M4 chip for third-party developers. If true, these developments will likely signify a move towards more powerful and versatile on-device AI operations.

Apple will soon unveil the iPad Pro. The latest device from the Cupertino-based tech giant is also rumoured to feature Apple's M4 chip according to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. The device will also feature a 12.9-inch OLED display, a much-awaited upgrade. With the rumoured Magic Keyboard and updated Pencil, the iPad Pro may well work similarly to a MacBook. Although there have been many claiming the iPad Pro to be a potential replacement for laptops, we need to wait until Apple makes the big reveal. If not replace laptops, the iPad Pro could bridge the gap with its host enhancements making it comparable to top-tier laptops.

In this article, we write about our wishlist of features for the next iPad Pro. Here we discuss wanting a customisable button, longer battery life, more storage space, an OLED display, and a better Magic Keyboard. These features would make the iPad Pro a more powerful and user-friendly device. Click here to read more

Even as we wait for the highly-anticipated Apple 'Let Loose' event, here's a look at all the iPad models currently available in India. Although the latest event is expected to unveil upgraded iPad Air and iPad Pro models, the older models continue to be favorites among consumers. If you are planning to invest in a new iPad and cannot wait until the new models are released, read more to explore your options.Apple currently sells various models in India—from the entry-level 9th Gen iPad to the M2-powered 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the most capable and expensive iPad to date.

WaterField, a San Francisco-based company best known for backpacks, has launched a new slim messenger bag. The interesting part is that this messenger bag is marketed for those who are planning to buy the new iPads debuting later in the evening. The brand specifically states that the Shinjuku (that’s the bag's name) fits "Apple's new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pros with M4 chips.” Available in lightweight, highly durable, water-resistant X-Pac Canvas or traditional waxed canvas, the Shinjuku comes in two sizes and three colors. They are available for $229 and $239, respectively. WaterField makes all of its bags in San Francisco, and they are built to last for years.

At the upcoming event, Apple is expected to showcase a new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro along with the third version of the Apple Pencil which is likely to be named Pencil Pro. With the new set of accessories, Apple is expected to enhance the functionality of the iPad, making it versatile and radically different from conventional laptops. The new Magic Keyboard Pro will likely come with aluminium build and a bigger trackpad. Moreover, the new Pencil will likely feature swappable tips and haptic feedback, in a first. 

We've heard about the name Apple Pencil 3 for months, but it appears that Cupertino may launch a pro version of the stylus instead. A code on Apple’s website in Japan mentions the “Apple Pencil Pro,” hinting that it might debut during the company’s iPad event on Tuesday. It makes sense if the Apple Pencil Pro works only with the high-end iPad Pro. Rumors suggest that a refreshed Apple Pencil could come with interchangeable magnetic tips, a squeeze gesture, and haptic feedback.