For Apple‘s legion of loyal iPad fans, the wait for refreshed tablets has felt interminable. As the months have ticked by without any new iPad releases, it’s become the longest drought in the product line’s history. However, all signs are now pointing to early May as the likely unveiling of Apple’s next generation of iPads, bringing an end to the long wait.
Well-known Apple observer Mark Gurman had initially predicted the new iPad models would arrive “around the end of March or in April.” When that window closed without any announcements, the timeline appeared to be shifting. In his latest Power On newsletter update, Gurman revised his guidance, advising readers to “circle early May in your calendar” for the anticipated iPad release.
Curiously, this new predicted timeframe aligns closely with projections that had been circulating for some time within the community of Apple analysts and enthusiasts. Mirroring our own forecast from several weeks ago, the latest intelligence from Gurman points to the likely release unfolding over the span of a few weeks in early-to-mid May.
According to Gurman’s insider information, the curtain is scheduled to rise on the new iPad models during the week of May 6th. “Apple retail stores are preparing to receive new product marketing materials later that week,” he revealed, “That’s typically a sign that a new product release is incoming.”
If this choreography holds true, it would set the stage for pre-orders to commence on Friday, May 10th. Product reviews would follow soon after, building anticipation for an expected mass retail release on Friday, May 17th.
So just what can we expect from this highly-anticipated iPad release? At the top of the bill, a new generation of the high-end iPad Pro lineup seems virtually guaranteed. Slated to arrive in the familiar 11-inch and 12.9-inch form factors (give or take), the marquee enhancement could be the introduction of cutting-edge OLED display technology to the iPad Pro for the first time.
Other anticipated updates include a redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory, potentially an upgraded Apple Pencil (following its recent partial leak), and quite likely, an increased price tag to account for the costlier OLED panels.
But the iPad Pro may not be the only star of Apple’s upcoming tablet showcase. Gurman’s inside sources have him convinced that a pair of new iPad Air models will share the spotlight. These would include both a new iteration of the current 10.9-inch model, as well as the intriguing addition of a larger-screened 12.9-inch variant.
If this insider intelligence proves accurate, Gurman rightly describes the approaching release as “shaping up to be one of the biggest updates to the Apple tablet in a single day.” Launching a full-fledged iPad Pro revamp alongside an expanded iPad Air roster would certainly qualify as an impactful Apple event.
While Gurman’s track record demands his claims be taken seriously, the notion of Apple launching new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in parallel does raise some eyebrows. Traditionally, Apple has focused the spotlight on its Pro tablets, allowing them to bask in the spotlight before circling back to updates for the more consumer-friendly Air line.
Releasing multiple tiers of iPads simultaneously could potentially dilute the buzz and attention garnered by the premium iPad Pro models. Then again, Apple has grown accustomed to releasing multiple new iPhone variants each fall, so perhaps a broader iPad lineup isn’t outside the realm of possibility.
Regardless of whether Apple’s May iPad event delivers two product lines or just one, the painful waiting game for iPad fans everywhere is mercifully nearing its conclusion. Within the next few weeks, all unanswered questions should finally be put to rest as Apple’s latest tablet vision is fully revealed.
And if the stars align based on the current intelligence, that highly-anticipated moment will arrive just in time for the summer buying season. For Apple’s patient iPad supporters, the upcoming releases could make the extra long delay worthwhile.
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