On May 7, Apple held an online product launch event, unveiling a new series of iPads that includes the latest iPad Pro models equipped with M4 chips, two sizes of the new iPad Air, an Apple Pencil, and a new Magic Keyboard. The highlight is the new iPad Pro, which Apple touts as its most powerful and thinnest iPad yet.
The new iPad Pro is available in two sizes, 11 inches and 12.9 inches, and features an OLED display for the first time, supporting LTPO technology and a 120Hz ProMotion display. Apple claims these are the thinnest models to date, measuring just 5.1 millimeters in thickness.
Apple noted that this tablet is brighter and offers richer colors than previous models. It introduced a new screen technology called "tandem OLED," branded as Ultra Retina XDR, which promises a longer lifespan and better battery performance. Industry supply chain experts have described it as the best OLED panel ever produced.
Furthermore, the new iPad Pro will be powered by Apple's M4 chip, making it the most powerful iPad in terms of performance. Apple described the M4 chip as "an incredibly powerful chip for AI," featuring the company's Neural Engine which is adept at swiftly isolating subjects from the background in videos. John Ternus, Apple's hardware chief, stated at the event, "This stunning design and groundbreaking display enable us to move toward the next generation of Apple chips."
Regarding the iPad Air line, Apple introduced two new models: a regular 10.9-inch upgrade and a brand new 12.9-inch version, both equipped with the M2 chip. Similar to the iPad Pro, Apple has relocated the front camera of the iPad Air to the longer side of the device to enhance video conferencing in landscape mode. The smaller iPad offers 128GB of storage starting at $599, while the larger version starts at $799.
This marks Apple's first new iPad models since October 2022 and the longest interval between updates since the product line was launched in 2011. The iPad Air, a mid-range model, was last updated in March 2022 and is available in multiple colors including blue, purple, and gold. The new iPad Air will go on sale next week.
Lastly, Apple also introduced a new Magic Keyboard and an Apple Pencil, specifically designed for the iPad Pro during the event.
Apple CEO Tim Cook stated, "This is the biggest day for iPad since its introduction."
Ahead of the launch event, Apple's stock price rose over 1% but narrowed during the event, closing up 0.42% at $182.48.
