Apple has sent out invitations for a special event on May 7, 2024, teasing what appears to be a major update to its iPad lineup. While the company remained tight-lipped about the specifics, the presence of an Apple Pencil in the graphic suggests that the rumor mill’s whispers of new iPads may finally bear fruit.

OLED iPad Pros

At the forefront of speculation are the long-awaited OLED iPad Pros, which have been the subject of intense rumors for months. According to well-connected sources, these updated tablets are poised to receive the most significant redesign in years, although the extent of the changes remains shrouded in mystery.

The new iPad Pros are expected to be graced with vibrant OLED displays, a feature that has been sorely missed, especially on the 11-inch model. This upgrade promises to elevate the visual experience, offering deeper blacks and more vivid colors that will undoubtedly delight creative professionals and media enthusiasts alike.

But the changes may not stop there. Rumors also hint at the relocation of the front-facing camera to the long edge of the device, mirroring the design decision made with the 10th-generation iPad refresh in 2022. This move would not only align with Apple’s penchant for innovation but also cater to the growing demand for better video-conferencing capabilities, a necessity in today’s remote-work landscape.

Under the hood, the new iPad Pros are expected to be powered by Apple’s latest M3 chip, the same silicon that powers the company’s latest computers. This upgrade promises to deliver even greater performance and efficiency, further solidifying the iPad Pro’s position as a true powerhouse in the tablet market.

While the iPad Pro has undoubtedly been a success story for Apple, some critics have questioned its identity – is it a tablet masquerading as a laptop, or vice versa? The upcoming redesign may provide some clarity on this front, or it may simply double down on the iPad Pro’s unique proposition as a hybrid device that defies traditional categorization.

Larger iPad Air

Beyond the iPad Pro, Apple is also rumored to be expanding the iPad Air lineup with the introduction of both 11-inch and 12.9-inch models. This move would not only mirror the current iPad Pro sizing but also offer consumers a more affordable entry point into the world of larger iPad displays. Coupled with the rumored inclusion of the M2 processor and the potential for a relocated front-facing camera, the new iPad Air models could prove to be a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability.

Accessories updates

But hardware isn’t the only area where Apple may be innovating. Whispers from the rumor mill suggest that the company is working on a new, hardier Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, potentially constructed from aluminum and featuring a larger trackpad. While this accessory may not set the world alight, it could address some of the durability concerns raised by users of the current Magic Keyboard.

Last but not least, the Apple Pencil itself may be due for an upgrade. After remaining largely unchanged since its debut in 2018 (save for the USB-C variant), the iconic stylus is rumored to be gaining interchangeable magnetic tips for various purposes and even support for a new “squeeze” gesture, further enhancing its versatility and functionality.