Apple’s ‘Let Loose’ special event set for May 7: New iPads, Pencil expected

Apple's "Let Loose" event on May 7 promises a major iPad refresh with the powerful M3 chip, and an all-new OLED display for the iPad Pro.

It's been more than an year since Apple introduced any new ipad (Image credit: Apple)

Apple is hosting its next launch event dubbed “Let Loose” on May 7 at the Apple Park in Cupertino, California, United States. The next-generation iPad Pro and iPad Air models, and a new Apple Pencil, are likely to be introduced.

According to the invite, the upcoming iPad Air might come in new colour options, similar to the iMac, along with a new and improved Apple Pencil.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, in an X post, wrote, “Pencil us in for May 7!” hinting at a new Apple Pencil, also featured on the invite graphic.

Pencil us in for May 7! ✏️ #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/1tvyB7h450

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 23, 2024

According to an earlier report by Bloomberg, the new iPad Pro lineup will include a bigger 12.9-inch model featuring an OLED panel for the first time on an iPad. The iPad Pro series is expected to be powered by the powerful M3 processor, making it one of the most capable iPads. Some reports also suggest that Apple will ship these iPads with a first-party calculator app, a first in 14 years.

Also read | Apple iPad Pro 2024: Here’s everything we know so far

The iPad Air lineup is said to be based on the previous generation M2 chip. According to analyst Ross Young, like the iPad Pro series, the upcoming iPad Air is also being expected in two sizes—12.9-inch and 11-inch—models, both featuring a mini LED screen.

The new Apple Pencil is likely to be compatible with both the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. Compared to the Apple Pencil 2, the new version is likely to offer more precision with lower latency and higher pressure sensitivity. Apple also introduced a budget Apple Pencil featuring a USB-C port, which is compatible with previous-generation iPad models.

Some first-party accessories are also expected from Apple, like a new Magic Keyboard with a sturdier build, better keyboard, and a larger trackpad. This will help the company push bigger iPad models as MacBook alternatives. With the expected hardware upgrade, the upcoming iPad Pro and iPad Air models are likely to cost a bit more than their predecessors, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro model could easily end up being the most expensive iPad that the company has ever launched.

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Indians can catch the online-only launch event on Apple’s YouTube channel and the official website from 7.30 PM on May 7.