Apple is set to unveil its latest iPad Pro models at the upcoming Let Loose event on May 7th, promising significant upgrades but also some surprising omissions. Here's what we know so far:
Major Upgrades
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OLED Displays: Both the 11.1-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models will feature OLED screens, a first for Apple's tablet line. This technology offers superior contrast and power efficiency compared to the current Liquid Retina XDR displays.
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M4 Chip: Rumors suggest Apple may skip the M3 and introduce a new M4 chip with enhanced AI capabilities. This could signal a major push towards on-device AI processing for tasks like image generation and advanced chatbots.
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Larger iPad Air: A new 12.9-inch iPad Air is expected, likely inheriting the mini-LED display technology from the previous generation iPad Pro.
Notable Absences
Despite these advancements, two cutting-edge wireless technologies are conspicuously missing:
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No Wi-Fi 7: The new iPad Pro will stick with Wi-Fi 6E, bypassing the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard already adopted by some Android flagships.
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No mmWave 5G: Unlike previous models, the new iPad Pro won't support ultra-fast mmWave 5G technology.
Why the Omissions?
Industry analysts offer some insights:
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Wi-Fi 7: Apple typically waits for new wireless standards to mature before adoption. The slow rollout of Wi-Fi 7 routers may have influenced this decision.
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mmWave 5G: Limited carrier support and deployment challenges in urban environments likely contributed to Apple dropping this feature.
New Accessories
- Expect an upgraded Magic Keyboard with a sturdier aluminum base.
- A potential Apple Pencil 3 with improved pressure sensitivity and Find My integration.
The Bottom Line
Apple's new iPad Pro lineup aims to reinvigorate tablet sales with cutting-edge display technology and powerful new chips. While the lack of Wi-Fi 7 and mmWave 5G might disappoint some tech enthusiasts, the overall package looks to be a significant step forward for Apple's high-end tablets.
Stay tuned for official announcements and pricing details at the May 7th event.
Update: Sunday June 16 14:30
The new iPad Pro models boast an incredibly thin design, with the 11-inch model measuring 5.3mm thick and the 13-inch model at just 5.1mm, making them Apple's thinnest devices ever. Despite this slim profile, they maintain a 10-hour battery life. The M4 chip offers a 50% faster CPU compared to its predecessor and introduces a new Secure Indicator Light (SIL) mechanism for improved hardware-level security of microphone and camera usage. Pricing starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model, with base storage increased to 256GB and options up to 2TB. Pre-orders are now open, with devices shipping from May 15th. This ultra-thin design philosophy may influence future Apple products across various lines.