Apple’s May event: New iPads and what else to expect

Apple’s holding a long-awaited special event where it’ll announce new iPads on May 7. An invitation to the “Let Loose” event was sent out to members of the press, complete with a subtle hint that the topic would include the Apple Pencil in the invite’s artwork.

The highlight of the event should be two new iPad Pro models. While they could be sized at 11 and 12.9 inches like their predecessors, rumors from sources like MacRumors suggest they may bump up to 11.1 and 13.1 inches, simultaneously adopting thinner bezels and cases. More importantly, Apple is expected to switch from LCD and mini-LED panels to OLED, enhancing colors, contrast, and power consumption.

Android tablets have actually used OLED for some time, but Apple is allegedly pursuing maximum quality while trying to reduce the risk of burn-in. The tech could potentially force the cost of iPad Pros higher, which may help explain changes to the iPad Air. We’ll talk about those in a moment.

The other major change is an upgrade to include Apple’s M3 processor, also seen in the M3 MacBook Air. It should mostly enhance overall performance over the M2, but Apple may also be laying the groundwork for generative AI slated to debut in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 this fall. If the company is indeed planning to host most of its AI features on-device, as reported by Bloomberg, that will take some serious horsepower — it’s not clear whether slower iPads will be compatible with the tech.

New iPad Airs expected

Apple has long treated the iPad Air as a “sweet spot,” offering attractive upgrades over the cheapest iPads without the cost of a Pro. The critical change this year is expected to be the addition of a 12.9-inch version, presumably alongside the existing 10.9-inch form factor. To date, people have had no choice but to buy a Pro to get that screen size — if the cost of Pros is indeed set to go up, though, Apple may be looking to target customers who would either choose a smaller iPad or look at another brand.

Internally, the new Airs should move from an M1 chip to the M2. That should put their performance on par with 2022 iPad Pros, which may not be a big deal to most customers — those models are still considered overpowered for most of the apps they support, excluding perhaps video tools like Final Cut Pro, or high-end 3D games like Resident Evil Village. The real question, as mentioned, is whether they’ll be able to handle Apple’s forthcoming generative AI.

A new Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard… and more?

Accessories have long been core to the iPad experience, particularly the Apple Pencil, which remains the go-to stylus for many shoppers. We’re not expecting anything revolutionary with a rumored 3rd-gen upgrade, but the new Pencil may support a squeeze gesture to trigger some actions. That could in theory replace the double-tap gesture on 2nd-gen Pencils, which is sometimes criticized for how easy it is to trigger accidentally.

Apple’s Magic Keyboards are expected to see redesigns, and not just to accommodate new iPad sizes. Improvements could include larger trackpad surfaces, and/or added aluminum to make the cases sturdier.