Summary
- Apple may bypass M3 chipsets for 2024 iPads, opting instead for the M4 to enhance on-device AI functionalities.
- The introduction of M4 processors could mark Apple’s iPads as the inaugural “truly AI-powered devices.”
- A redesigned Apple Pencil featuring a taptic engine for nuanced feedback might also be launched during the event.
Apple is set to unveil new iPad Pro models and accessories at its upcoming “Let Loose” event next week, according to industry insiders. Reliable sources, including journalist Mark Gurman, suggest that Apple is gearing up for a significant upgrade in its tablet lineup.
In his recent Power On newsletter, Gurman indicated that the technology giant might forego the M3 chipsets for the 2024 iPads, instead focusing on the next-gen M4 processors. This shift points to a strong likelihood that these new iPads will incorporate the M4 chips, which have yet to be introduced in any current device.
While a drastic overhaul may not be imminent, the M4 series processors are anticipated to feature an advanced neural engine that substantially enhances on-device AI capabilities. As Apple seeks to regain its position in the burgeoning AI landscape, the new iPads could debut alongside advanced AI functionalities for the iPhone, coinciding with the expected launch of iOS 18 at the upcoming WWDC.
Gurman posits that the new iPads could be branded as the first “truly AI-powered devices” from Apple. This refresh would be particularly notable as it occurs just six months post the M3 launch with the 2023 MacBook Pro models. Additionally, Gurman has hinted that Apple plans to refresh its entire Mac lineup with M4 chips later this year.
Aside from the chipset update, the new iPad Pro models are expected to showcase a sleek design, an optimized FaceTime camera arrangement, and the first-ever OLED displays in the iPad series. A report by DSC further corroborates this, highlighting that Apple will implement high-quality OLED technology in its new iPad models, promising improved brightness and battery longevity.
The Apple Pencil May Receive Notable Enhancements
Furthermore, a new Apple Pencil is anticipated to be unveiled alongside the M4-powered iPads, incorporating a compact taptic engine for feedback when users change brushes or perform specific tasks. This innovation aligns with rumored plans for a new “squeeze” gesture feature on the Apple Pencil.
Gurman has also confirmed the expectation of a new 12.9-inch iPad Air and an updated Magic Keyboard at the forthcoming event. As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what Apple has in store.
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Chief Editor of Quincy City Beat — Quincy, MA's independent investigative newspaper covering Greater Boston and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts with fearless public accountability and free access for all readers.
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