Apple’s often-rumored, but yet to be officially announced, next-generation iPad Pro and iPad Air models are rumoured to be releasing in early May. The new iPad Pro tablets are expected to have OLED screens, as has been leaked numerous times, while the iPad Air will be offered in two sizes for the first time in history, expanding the series.
It has been about a year and a half since the previous iPad Pros were launched, marking the longest gap in Apple’s tablet history without a new release. The wait is anticipated to be well worth it as the OLED screens will result in incredibly thin devices.
Production was reportedly increased ahead of the launch, indicating Apple’s optimism about revitalising its tablet sales. Sales of iPads have decreased in each of Apple’s recent fiscal years, with an additional 25% decline year-over-year during the past holiday season, despite iPads being popular gifts in previous years.
The iPad Pros are expected to feature the M3 chip and will come with redesigned versions of the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, possibly with added support for the Vision Pro headset according to recent rumours. The iPad Air will also receive a new processor and an added 12.9-inch size option, offering a larger iPad alternative without the Pro-level expense.
Reportedly, Apple’s original plan was to release these new tablets by the end of March, but delays were encountered due to finalising software and the complexity of manufacturing OLED screens with new techniques.