Apple is now preparing for its upcoming “Let Loose” spring event, set to take place on May 7, with sources claiming it will be all about the new iPads.
However, Apple appears to have a major change prepared prior to the event. The latest rumor from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims that the next iPad Pro will not have an M3 chip; instead, it will have the next-generation M4 chip: Apple’s new M4 chip is expected to launch on Macs later this year.
The All New iPad Pro M4 Chip
Gurman reports that “there’s a solid chance that the iPad will have the M4 chip in it as well, and there will be a new neural engine in that chip, making the device the “first genuinely AI-powered device” from Apple. Once again, if that’s true, it would suggest a massive leap in the AI strategy from Apple, with the iPad getting an upgrade and Apple aligning its entire product line with AI.
It’s unclear what specific AI capabilities will be announced at the May 7 event. Most of Apple’s AI capabilities are probably introduced at WWDC with the release of iOS 18. Apple completely redesigned the iPad in 2020, which was two and a half years ago, in October 2022. This would be a good time to expect a new big iPad release.
The other rumored detail about the new model, apart from the M4 processor redesign as pointed out by the given resource, is a new OLED screen that moves the FaceTime front camera. Another source claims that Apple Pencil will be rebooted next time.
As Gurman notes, for the first time, the enhanced Pencil will have haptic feedback, which it has always lacked previously. Apart from this, a redesigned Magic Keyboard will come out. With the Spring event of Apple just some days away, it is wise to wait for more information and find out what other surprises the company has prepared.
FAQs
Why is the M4 chip important for the iPad Pro?
The M4 chip is anticipated to introduce advanced AI capabilities to the iPad Pro, potentially making it Apple’s “first truly AI-powered device.”
What other upgrades are rumored for the iPad Pro and accessories?
In addition to the M4 chip, rumors suggest enhancements like a new OLED display, a redesigned Apple Pencil with haptic feedback, and an updated Magic Keyboard.
