Apple's Spring Loaded Event: Anticipated iPad Updates and Enhancements

 

Apple's Spring Loaded Event Announcement

At its forthcoming Spring Loaded event on May 7 at 7 a.m. PDT (7:30 p.m. IST), Apple is preparing to reveal big updates to its iPad portfolio. CEO Tim Cook is anticipated to make announcements about the iPad Pencil and Magic Keyboard, as well as improvements to the iPad Air and Pro models, at the web event.

Different Focus from WWDC

With its focus on new iPad releases, the Spring Loaded event is expected to be very different from the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next month. On the other hand, WWDC may reveal new software updates for Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more.

Expected Announcements at the Event

What we know about the possible announcements at the Spring Loaded event is as follows:

iPad Air and Pro Upgrades

There have been long-standing rumors that Apple will eventually release a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air, giving customers access to a larger display that was previously only available on the Pro lineup. According to reports, Apple may offer the new iPad Air line in 12.9- and 10.9-inch sizes.

Display Technology and Processing Power

It is thought that Apple would keep the iPad Air lineup's LCD panel the same as prior incarnations, although larger. In the meantime, no major modifications to display technology are anticipated. By contrast, the last iPad Pro series featured a mini-LED display, and this year, an OLED panel might be added.

There's a chance that the current generation iPad Air will get a processor power boost, presumably using Apple's M2 chipset. During the Spring Loaded event, Apple also intends to unveil a new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (third generation). It is unclear, though, if these accessories will work with the iPad Air series or if they are only compatible with the Pro devices.

OLED Display Upgrade for iPad Pro

Recent claims from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg suggest that OLED display technology, a crucial component of iPhones since 2017, may be included to the Apple iPad Pro series. It is anticipated that the incorporation of OLED panels will enhance image quality and make the tablet thinner overall due to reduced bezels. The 12.9-inch variant of the iPad Pro could potentially become about 20% thinner compared to its predecessor, while the 11-inch variant could be 15% thinner.

Introduction of M4 Chipset

Furthermore, according to Gurman's most recent leak, Apple plans to debut the M4 chipset with the iPad Pro series. The tablet's performance in certain demanding computational activities may be improved by the M4 chipset, which will probably be discussed in greater detail at the WWDC event in June.

Possible Price Increase for iPad Pro Range

 

Less fortunately for consumers, rumors have it that Apple plans to raise the cost of its iPad Pro lineup. According to a 9to5Mac story, Apple may increase the cost of its high-end tablets by as much as $100.

New Versions of Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard

At the Spring Loaded event on Tuesday, Apple may introduce updated versions of its Magic Keyboard and third-generation Apple Pencil.

It's a little surprise, given that Apple has already incorporated a pencil into its logo for the event, that Gurman claims the new Apple Pencil will be among the highlights of the Spring Loaded event. It is reported that the next version Apple Pencil will include Find My, haptic feedback, and potentially a new'squeeze' motion for some function control.

The iPad will appear more laptop-like with the next Magic Keyboard, which is anticipated to have a more metal base. It may also include a larger trackpad.