Here’s what to expect from the Let Loose event.

Apple is planning its next product showcase for May 7, a few weeks before the Worldwide Developers Conference begins. While the company is, as usual, a bit tight-lipped about what’s on deck, all the signs are there. Apple has been rumored for months to refresh its iPad lineup in May. Of course, the image in the announcement for this “Let Loose” event includes an illustration of a hand holding an Apple Pencil.

Various reports in recent months have offered some insight into what Apple has up its sleeves. So, with that in mind, here’s what to expect from the upcoming iPad event:

M3 iPad Pro

It’s been about 18 months since Apple updated any of its iPads, so the tablet lineup is due for a refresh. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Apple’s M3 chips in the latest iPad Pro models, as the latest versions run on M2 chipsets.

Otherwise, the biggest update is expected to come in the form of OLED displays, according to BloombergThis is Mark German. This should bring richer colors and deeper blacks to the iPad Pro.

Since OLED panels are thinner than LCD panels, this should allow Apple to reduce the thickness of the iPad Pro. According to 9to5 Mac, the 11-inch iPad Pro will be 0.8mm thinner at 5.1mm, while the 12.9-inch model will be noticeably thinner as the thickness is expected to drop by 1.5mm to 5 mm. There is an expiring one suggested that frames can be up to 15 percent thinner than previous models as well.

There have been rumors for some time that Apple might offer a glass-backed iPad Pro this year enable MagSafe charging. Meanwhile, there were hints that Apple will solve one of our biggest problems with the iPad and move the front camera to the landscape edge of the Pro, as it did with the entry-level iPad in late 2022. This means that the camera will be more optimally placed for those who use Magic Keyboard or people who just prefer landscape orientation.

M2 iPad Air

As for the iPad Air, which Apple has left dormant for more than two years, it is expected to get an upgrade to M2 chips from the M1 that the tablets currently use. Apple is said to use the older chip in the iPad Air to differentiate it from the Pro models and ensure that the latter devices will clearly remain the top-of-the-range tablets. Reports suggest that the iPad Air’s front-facing camera is also blessedly moving to the landscape edge.

There’s one more big change we’re expecting for the iPad Air, and I mean that in the most literal sense. Apple is rumored to be preparing the first 12.9-inch iPad Air. It will likely be the cheapest option for a large-screen iPad, although it will somewhat contradict the “Air” part of the name.

Display analyst Ross Young previously speculated that the iPad Air’s 12.9-inch screen would feature a mini-LED display, but that no longer appears to be happening — at least for now. However, says Young that Apple may launch an iPad Air with such a display later this year. Meanwhile, the new iPad Air models there may be more unevenness of the cameramaybe so Apple can add flash.

New Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil

Gourmet reported last year that Apple is working on a revamped Magic Keyboard, but only for the iPad Pro, not the composition of Air. The updated keyboard is said to make the iPad Pro look more like a laptop with a larger trackpad. It’s said to be made of aluminum to be stronger than previous models, though “the outer shell of the Magic Keyboard will retain the current model’s cover material,” Gurman says.

Additionally, Apple is expected to introduce a new Apple Pencil to replace the second-generation model. Data specialists suggest that an updated periphery could include a squeeze gesture to perform certain actions and you have Find My support. Some reports have indicated the next Apple Pencil can also work with Vision Pro drawing apps.

What not to expect: A new iPad or iPad mini

While the iPad mini in particular has been around for a long time — the latest model arrived in September 2021 — you probably shouldn’t expect a new model to appear at the Let Loose event. Aren’t we expecting to see a new base iPad? Reports I guess An 11th-generation iPad and an updated iPad mini may arrive later this year, but maybe don’t hold your breath for them.