So far that is The biggest surprise about the May 7 “Let Loose” event is that it’s happening at all. There’s still just over a month until Apple’s annual global developer conference, and yet the company concluded that there was enough news to warrant a standalone event. iPads (including iPad Pro and iPad Air) will take center stage, while the long-neglected Apple Pencil finally gets some love. After all, it was the focus of the invitation to the event.
There are also rumors about a possible M4 announcement. If true, it would represent a significant change in Apple’s silicon release rhythm, even if it hasn’t exactly been consistent throughout the year. The most likely reason for the change is Microsoft’s expected release of first-party ARM-based chips at its Build conference later this month. There is speculation that Microsoft’s AI-focused silicon will overshadow Apple’s M3 chips.
It’s only been about seven months since Apple announced a trio of M3 chips. That’s a quick turnaround time for a replacement chip, but keep in mind that the company was probably working toward a more staggered release schedule last year, but those plans were scuppered by some ongoing supply chain issues. Perhaps this schedule readjustment could lead to more M4 SKUs being announced in a month during WWDC.
In the meantime, it’s possible that the latest chip will appear for the first time on an iPad – specifically the iPad Pro. At the very least, the high-end iPad needs a refresh. The latest model equipped with the M2 chip was released towards the end of 2022. Apple has spent the last few years blurring the line between iPad and Mac, so why not get your hands on the tablet first for a change? ?
The other big change to the Pro is said to be the long-awaited upgrade to an OLED display. Bloomberg points out that this can’t come soon enough, as the tablet category is “currently in deep crisis.” Certainly the days of the iPad, one of Apple’s superstar devices, appear to be mostly over.
Photo credit: Matthew Panzarino
The company continues to dominate the category, but the tablet had a difficult 2023, giving Apple a big slice of an ever-shrinking pie. According to Canalys, the overall market fell 10% last year. Given the Vision Pro’s slow launch, Apple could really use a chance now – although a redesigned iPad isn’t really out of the question.
A pair of new iPad Airs are set to arrive in 11- and 12.9-inch versions. The current rumor is still that the cheaper models will get an M2 chip – although when the M4 arrives next week, they may also get an additional boost.
Although it remains a relatively niche device, the Apple Pencil is apparently ready for the close-up. The stylus is set to receive a new crush detection update (which was previously hinted at in an iPad). Haptic feedback and replaceable magnetic tips could also be on the agenda. The “Find My” feature could also arrive – a welcome addition to a forever-lost peripheral. Speaking of blurring the lines between iPad and Mac, Apple’s latest Magic Keyboard makes the tablet look even more like a laptop than before.
Photo credit: Apple
As for the Macs themselves, with the introduction of the M4, I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if the company rolled out a computer refresh or two. It seems equally – or even more likely – that Apple is saving major additions to the Mac line for WWDC in June.
The event is an early one for you West Coasters. It begins at 7:00 a.m. PT/10:00 a.m. ET. You can watch it live here and stay tuned to TechCrunch for news as soon as it’s released.