Next week, Apple will not only unveil new iPads at the event, according to rumors we may see even more new devices. We already know this!
First Apple event of 2024
Next week is the day, because Apple will announce the new iPads at the first event of 2024. We will see new tablets from Apple for the first time since 2022. The iPad Air and Pro 2024 will be released next Tuesday, and the regular iPad and iPad mini will also receive an update in the fall. That’s not all, because Apple is also unveiling the third generation Apple Pencil and a new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro.
Also read: iPad event 2024: this is what the invitation (and Tim Cook) reveals
Big announcements, but according to rumors that may not be everything. Apple hosting a special event means big announcements are coming. That is why there is a chance that we will see more new Apple devices at the event in addition to the iPads. We list the options for you.
1. New AirPods
Apple did not release any really new AirPods in 2023. We did see an updated version of the second generation AirPods Pro, with the charging case having a USB-C port. This indicates that we should not expect new AirPods Pro for the time being, but this does not apply to the regular AirPods. Apple may announce this in addition to the iPads during the event next Tuesday.
Apple is expected to release two regular models of AirPods this year. The AirPods 4 get noise cancellation for the first time, a feature that was previously only available on the AirPods Pro. In addition, an entry-level model will be released with fewer functions, but a cheaper price. Apple often announces new AirPods in the spring, so we may see the AirPods 4 and AirPods Lite at Apple’s iPad event on May 7.
2. AirPods Max
The AirPods that may need to be replaced the most are the AirPods Max. Apple’s first headphones appeared in 2020 and have never been updated since. The headphones are now very outdated and overtaken by the competition, especially when we look at the price of the device. The iPad event may be the opportunity for Apple to release a new generation of the AirPods Max.
Still, expectations are low, because Apple reportedly plans to release the AirPods Max 2 in the fall at the earliest. As a result, it seems unlikely that we will see the headphones at the iPad event next Tuesday, but Apple has surprised us before. Of course, we won’t know for sure until Tuesday whether the AirPods Max 2 will arrive, but it would be a good time for Apple to give the now forgotten headphones a well-deserved update.
3. iPad and iPad mini 2024
Apple released the last ‘normal’ iPad in 2022, for the iPad mini we even have to go back to 2021. High time for a new generation, which Apple may announce at next week’s iPad event. Unfortunately, that chance seems small, because Apple almost never renews a complete line-up of an Apple device at once. For example, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are also released at different times.
The chance therefore seems small that we will see no fewer than four new generations of the iPad at the Apple event. Instead, Apple will announce the iPad and iPad mini 2024 in the fall. The release of the tablets is spread throughout the year, with two iPads in the spring and two models in the fall. Although it is of course not completely ruled out, especially since we have had to wait so long for new iPads.
4. AI features for iPadOS
According to the latest rumors, Apple does not provide the iPad Pro 2024 with the M3 chip, but the tablet runs on the completely new M4 chip. Apple is announcing the first device that runs on that processor at the iPad event. It is not without reason that Apple has made that choice, because the company is focusing on new AI functions in both iPadOS and iOS this year. The iPhone 16 will therefore also have a more powerful chip.
It is quite possible that Apple will reveal the first AI functions for the iPads at next Tuesday’s event. The iPad Pro will reportedly be Apple’s first AI device. There is therefore a good chance that on Tuesday we will see the first AI functions that Apple has been working on over the past year. It is not yet clear whether those functions are immediately available or will only come to the iPad with iPadOS 18.
Apple event: this is when the iPads appear
In any case, we can without a doubt expect the Apple Pencil 3 next Tuesday. The pen is clearly visible in the press release that Apple shared. Curious about the new features of the next Apple Pencil? Then read all about the Apple Pencil 3 here. In addition, two new iPads will almost certainly be released. View the predictions about the iPad Air and iPad Pro 2024 here.
The Apple event starts next Tuesday May 7 at 4:00 PM (Dutch time). It is not yet clear how long the event will start, Apple events often last about an hour. Would you like to stay informed of all the news surrounding the first event of the year? Loves iPhoned Keep a close eye on the coming days so you don’t miss anything!
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