Apple just wrapped up its “Let Loose” event, where it showed off its first new iPads in nearly two years. But the event had more than just iPads — we also got a first look at some refreshed accessories and updated software.
If you want a quick rundown of everything Apple announced, check out our roundup below.
The iPad Air adds more screen real estate
Apple has added a new 13-inch iPad Air to its lineup, offering a cheaper and lighter alternative to the iPad Pro. In addition to the larger size, Apple added its M2 chip to the device — an upgrade from the M1 chip it included with its 2022 model.
The new iPad Air comes in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray. It costs $599 for the 11-inch version and $799 for the 13-inch model. Both models feature 128GB of base storage and come with options for 512GB and 1TB.
The iPad Pro gets an OLED display and a lightweight redesign
For the first time, the iPad Pro comes with a crisper, more vibrant OLED display. The iPad Pro also sports a thinner profile, measuring just 5.3mm for the 11-inch version and 5.1mm for the 13-inch model.
Apple didn’t just give the iPad Pro a physical makeover — it even added its next-generation M4 processor. The new iPad Pro comes in silver and space black, along with 256GB of base storage. The 11-inch model starts at $999, while the 13-inch version starts at $1,299.
A faster, AI-ready M4 chip
Speaking of the M4, Apple took the wraps off its new processor during its event. It comes with a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU and is built using the more efficient 3nm process. Apple says the chip’s CPU is 50 percent faster than the M2, making it “an outrageously powerful chip for AI.”
A new Apple Pencil Pro with haptic feedback
After taking the wraps off of a cheaper Apple Pencil with USB-C last year, Apple is back with another update. The new Apple Pencil Pro now supports haptic feedback, along with a new squeezing gesture you can use to open up a menu. It also lets you roll the Pencil to change brush shapes and supports Find My.
The Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the iPad Pro and costs $129.
A Magic Keyboard that “feels just like using a MacBook”
The Apple Pencil isn’t the only iPad accessory getting an upgrade. Apple also showed off a redesigned Magic Keyboard with an aluminum palm rest, a larger trackpad with haptic feedback, and a function row. It also comes in silver and space black to match the iPad Pro.
The Magic Keyboard costs $299 for the 11-inch version and $349 for the 13-inch version.
A cheaper iPad starting price
With the launch of the new iPad Air and iPad Pro, Apple announced that it’s lowering the price of its entry-level 10th-generation iPad to $349. That’s $100 less than its previous $449 starting price.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/24148044/apple-ipad-let-loose-event-biggest-announcements-may-2024
