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Reports indicate that the highly anticipated new 2024 iPads are still expected to make their debut in late March or April.
According to insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, revamped versions of the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, alongside a new 12.9-inch variant of the iPad Air, are on track to smash the market in the upcoming weeks.
Apple enthusiasts might have been surprised by the absence of new iPad Pro models during the recent launch of the M3 MacBook Airs. However, Gurman’s latest update assures that Apple’s plan to refresh its Mac and iPad Pro lineup in early 2024 remains intact.
In his recent Power On newsletter, Gurman reiterated his earlier forecast that new Macs would precede the release of new iPads. Specifically, he anticipates the unveiling of revamped 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, along with a new 12.9-inch iPad Air, towards the end of March or in April. Additionally, Gurman hinted at the launch of a new Magic Keyboard and an upgraded Apple Pencil to complement the new iPad lineup.
Gurman’s timeline aligns with the anticipated release of iPadOS 17.4, which he suggests will accompany the new iPads. While Apple recently released iPadOS 17.4, Gurman points out that a revised version tailored for the new hardware typically accompanies such releases.
The impending refresh of the iPad Pro lineup is long overdue, with Apple last updating the series in October 2022. The previous iteration introduced features such as the M2 chip, enhanced Apple Pencil capabilities, ProRes video capture, Wi-Fi 6E support, and an upgraded four-speaker audio system.
What can users expect from the 2024 iPads? Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted that the new iPads would be powered by Apple’s cutting-edge M3 processor, similar to the latest MacBook Air models. Additionally, Kuo suggested that the displays of the 11-inch and 12.9-inch Pro models would transition from LED and mini-LED to OLED technology. This upgrade is anticipated to deliver more accurate colors, improved contrast, sharper visuals, higher refresh rates, and reduced power consumption.
Kuo also hinted at improvements in the form factor of the new tablets, although specifics regarding these changes remain undisclosed.
Originally scheduled for a Q1 2024 release, production challenges with OLED panel modules reportedly delayed the launch of the 2024 iPad Pro models. Kuo’s projections indicate that the rollout might extend to late Q1 2024 or possibly spill over into Q2 2024, aligning closely with Gurman’s predictions.