As part of its highly anticipated launch event scheduled for 7 AM PT, May 7, Apple has temporarily closed its online store. This move precedes the introduction of innovative upgrades to its product line, including the next-generation iPad Pro, iPad Air, and new accessories such as the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
Spotlight on the New iPad Pro
(Photo : Apple) Apple Store was temporarily down in preparation for the "Let Loose" event. The M4-equipped iPad Pro is expected to be the main star of the video presentation.
For those wondering why the Apple Store is currently down, this has been the tradition, according to 9to5Mac. It's the company's way to modify the page and add the new products that will be coming soon.
The highlight of today's event is expected to be the unveiling of the new iPad Pro. Rumored to feature a sleek OLED display and the powerful M4 chip enhanced with AI capabilities, the latest iPad Pro represents the most significant upgrade since the introduction of Face ID in 2018. This model is also expected to debut a slimmer, more refined industrial design.
Despite the excitement, there are whispers about a potential price increase for the new lineup. The current 11-inch model starts at $799 and the 12.9-inch at $1099.
With the upcoming generation, prices are speculated to rise by several hundred dollars, possibly starting with a 256 GB model as the base storage option, marking a departure from the previous 128 GB base model.
While the iPad Pro is set to steal the spotlight, updates to the iPad Air are anticipated to be more modest, focusing mainly on performance enhancements without major design changes.
No significant updates are expected for other models, such as the standard iPad and iPad mini, which are likely to see new versions later in the year.
New Apple Accessories Will Debut As Well
Alongside the new tablets, Apple is also poised to reveal a redesigned Magic Keyboard. This new version is rumored to be constructed predominantly from aluminum and will include a laptop-like function key row along with a larger trackpad, offering enhanced usability.
Additionally, the upcoming Apple Pencil is rumored to introduce a new 'squeeze' gesture. This feature is designed to provide users with quick access to various contextual actions, enhancing the functionality and interactivity of the device.
Tech Times reported yesterday that the interactive eraser is a clear hint that the Apple Pencil was indeed coming in the next update. The new logo on the now-down online store was the giveaway for the buzz.
To support this report, @ribu_ap712 on X discovered that the Apple Pencil Pro was coded in the Japanese website of Apple.
The 2024 "Let Loose" event will run for nearly 35 minutes only. It's rather shorter compared to previous events. Mashable reports that you can also watch the livestream on YouTube.
