In a surprising move, Apple hosted a standalone event to unveil its latest additions to the iPad lineup. The company’s “Let Loose” event, held on May 7, 2024, focused on iPads, including the iPad Pro, iPad Air, Apple Pencil, and a keyboard case. Let’s dive into the details of what Apple has in store for iPad enthusiasts.
The New iPad Pro: M4 Chip and OLED Display
The new iPad Pro maintains its sleek design but packs significant upgrades under the hood. Skipping the M3 Apple Silicon generation, Apple introduces the M4 chip. The standout feature is the OLED display, which Apple calls the Ultra Retina XDR display. With the front-facing camera now positioned at the landscape edge, Face ID support is more convenient than ever. Remarkably thin, the 11-inch Pro measures just 5.3mm, while the 13-inch version is a mere 5.1mm thick. Weighing less than a pound for the 11-inch and 1.28 pounds for the 13-inch, the iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil Pro and the new Magic Keyboard. Pricing starts at $999 for the 11-inch and $1,299 for the 13-inch. The cellular version supports eSIM but lacks mmWave 5G service support. Preorders are open, with deliveries expected by May 15.
The Revamped iPad Air: Larger Size and Touch ID
While the iPad Air doesn’t receive the M4 treatment, it does get a new 13-inch version. The front-facing camera now aligns with the landscape edge, and the top button features Touch ID for authentication. Available in new blue and purple finishes, along with starlight and space gray, the 11-inch version starts at $599, while the 13-inch model is priced at $799. Both versions support eSIM for cellular connectivity. Preorders are underway, with deliveries scheduled for May 15.
The Enhanced Apple Pencil Pro: Squeeze and Gyroscope Features
The $129 Apple Pencil Pro brings exciting enhancements to Apple’s stylus. Compatible with the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air running iPadOS 17.5 or later, it introduces a “Squeeze” feature. By squeezing the Pencil, users can access a new palette. Additionally, a new gyroscope enables a “Barrel roll” function, allowing precise rotation for pen and brush tools. Squeezing and double-tapping produce haptic feedback. Preorders are open, and deliveries are expected by May 15.