The rumor mill is kicking into high gear as Apple‘s “Let Loose” iPad event draws nearer, and the latest whispers suggest we could be in for a surprise when it comes to the company’s highly anticipated OLED iPad Pro. According to the well-informed Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the new tablet may not arrive packing the widely expected M3 chip after all – but the even more powerful M4 processor instead.

In his weekly Power On newsletter published this Sunday, Gurman dropped a tantalizing tidbit, stating that he’s “hearing there is a strong possibility” the next-gen iPad Pro will come equipped with Apple’s forthcoming M4 silicon. But that’s not all: Gurman believes this move could signal Apple’s official foray into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) on a grand scale.

“I believe Apple will position the tablet as its first truly AI-powered device – and that it will tout each new product from then on as an AI device,” Gurman wrote, painting a picture of a future where AI takes center stage in Apple’s product strategy.

Should this prediction hold true, the May 7th “Let Loose” event could serve as a curtain-raiser for Apple’s AI ambitions, setting the stage for a more comprehensive unveiling at the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 10th. This move aligns with Gurman’s previous reports that Apple has been engaging in discussions with AI heavyweights like OpenAI and Google, potentially exploring ways to integrate their cutting-edge AI technologies into new features for iOS 18.

But the OLED iPad Pro isn’t the only product rumored to make an appearance at the “Let Loose” showcase. Gurman also expects updates to the iPad Air lineup (larger version), as well as refreshes for popular iPad accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. Speaking of the latter, Gurman hints that the upcoming iteration of Apple’s signature stylus may introduce haptic feedback capabilities, adding an extra layer of tactile sensation to the digital inking experience.