Apple iPad Event 2024: Watch the unveiling of new iPads right here

Apple held an unexpected event on Tuesday, May 7, to introduce several new products to its iPad lineup, as well as a significant update to its silicon. Here’s a summary of the announcements:

iPad Pro

Apple unveiled the new iPad Pro, featuring the newly introduced M4 chip. This upgrade is particularly notable because it brings a substantial performance boost. The M4 chip promises up to 50% faster performance compared to the previous M2 chip. It includes dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing capabilities, enhancing both general computing and gaming experiences. The new iPad Pro also boasts an Ultra Retina XDR display with a Tandem OLED screen, supporting 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness and 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness.

iPad Air

The updated iPad Air now comes in two sizes: 11 inches and 13 inches. This expansion offers more flexibility for users seeking advanced features at a more affordable price point. The new iPad Air is powered by the M2 chip, supports Wi-Fi 6E, and has optional 5G models. It also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard, providing a more versatile and powerful user experience.

Apple Pencil Pro

A new Pro model of the Apple Pencil was introduced, featuring a squeeze function for swapping between brushes and a haptic sensor for tactile feedback. The Pencil Pro is compatible with both the new iPad Pro and iPad Air, leveraging the advanced capabilities of the M4 chip to offer features like adjusting bokeh effects on the fly. The Pencil Pro also includes Find My support, making it easier to locate the device if misplaced. It is priced at $129 and will start shipping next week.

Keyboard Case

Alongside the new tablets and Apple Pencil, Apple also introduced a new keyboard case designed to complement the latest iPad models. While specific details about the new keyboard case were not disclosed, it is expected to offer enhancements in connectivity and functionality, aligning with the overall upgrades to the iPad lineup.

M4 Chip

The new M4 chip, which was a surprise inclusion at this event, offers a significant leap in performance with its 10 CPU cores (four performance and six efficiency cores) and 10 GPU cores. The chip promises 50% faster CPU performance compared to the M2, with the GPU offering a 4x increase in rendering performance. This rapid introduction of the M4 follows the delayed launch of the M3 chips, attributed to supply chain issues. The M4 chip’s enhanced capabilities are expected to set a new standard for Apple’s silicon roadmap.

Key Takeaways

– **iPad Pro**: New M4 chip, Ultra Retina XDR display, dynamic caching, ray tracing.
– **iPad Air**: New sizes (11″ and 13″), M2 chip, Wi-Fi 6E, 5G support.
– **Apple Pencil Pro**: Squeeze function, haptic feedback, Find My support.
– **Keyboard Case**: Enhanced functionality (details pending).
– **M4 Chip**: 50% faster CPU, 4x GPU rendering performance, first device to feature it.

These announcements reinforce Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of tablet technology and improving user experience across its iPad lineup.