On May 7 at 7:00 am PT or 7:30 pm Indian time, Apple’s “Let Loose” event is scheduled to take place. It is anticipated that the tech giant will reveal a number of significant updates during the event, such as the introduction of new OLED iPad Pro models and the first-ever 12.9-inch iPad Air model.
The newest M4 chipset, however, may power the upcoming iPad Pro lineup, according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurnman, just one week before the event. This is in contrast to plans to release the newest chipset along with the iMacs, MacBook Pros, and Mac minis later this year. Notably, the M2 chipset powers the iPad Pro variants of the current generation. The introduction of the M4 chipset to the new Pro lineup iterations implies that Apple is doing away with the M3 chipset entirely for Pro variants.
In addition, a new neural engine in the M4 chipset is expected to unlock new AI capabilities, and the tablet could be positioned as the first truly AI-powered device. The news comes just days after another Gurnman report revealed that Apple was once again in talks with OpenAI to bring generative AI capabilities to the iPhone.
Apple’s iPad Pro Plans:
In addition to the newest M4 chipset, Apple is anticipated to introduce an OLED panel into the iPad Pro lineup for the first time. It is anticipated that the Cupertino, California-based company will release the iPad Pro in two sizes: 13.1-inch and 11-inch.
According to earlier reports, bezels on iPad Pro models from the previous generation could be reduced by 10% to 15% as a result of the switch from LCD to OLED panels. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the next iPad Pro models will be thinner by 0.9 and 1.5 mm, respectively.
The Schedule for Apple’s WWDC:
According to Gurnman, at the Let Loose event on May 7, Apple is probably going to introduce the new iPad Pro, iPad Air, Magic keyboard, and Apple Pencil. Though Apple is planning small hands-on events for select media members in the US, UK, and Asia, the upcoming event isn’t expected to be a big in-person affair like the WWDC or iPhone launch event. Instead, it is expected to be an online program.