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Apple could skip M3 chipsets for iPads in 2024 in favor of M4, bringing powerful AI capabilities to the device.
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M4 series processors could position upcoming iPad models as Apple’s first “truly AI-powered devices.”
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In addition to the M4 chip, a new Apple Pencil with a taptic engine for subtle feedback could be unveiled at the event.
Apple is gearing up for its big one “Let Loose” event next week. The Cupertino giant is expected to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Pro models at the event, along with a plethora of accessories including the next-generation Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. Ahead of the big reveal, reliable reporter Mark Gurman has revealed that Apple could be planning an interesting (and important) upgrade for its upcoming iPad models.
In his last To turn on newsletterGurman has stated that Apple could skip M3 chipsets for the 2024 iPad models in favor of next-generation M4 chipsets. Gurman suggests a “strong possibility” that these iPads will feature the M4 instead of the recently introduced M3 series chipsets. Apple introduced the M3 series with the late 2023 MacBook Pro models, but it looks like they could skip this iteration in favor of the M4 for the upcoming iPad models.
While a major upgrade is not planned, Apple’s M4 processor series is expected to offer a new and powerful neural engine for better AI capabilities on the device. Apple has been left behind on the AI hype train, but the company could be catching up by introducing new AI features for iPhones with the debut of iOS 18 bee WWDC while at the same time preparing to launch M4-powered iPads as early as next week.
Gurman has even speculated that Apple could position the upcoming iPad models as the Cupertino giant’s first “truly AI-powered devices.” But what’s interesting here is that Apple is looking to refresh its chipset lineup only about six months after the launch of the previous generation. However, Gurman also revealed that Apple plans to update its entire Mac lineup with the M4 chip later this year.
In addition to the new chipset, the new iPad Pro models are expected to bring a new design with a slim profile, a repositioned FaceTime camera and OLED screens for the first time. A new report from DSC suggests that Apple will use top-of-the-line OLED displays for these new iPad Pro models with high brightness, longer battery life and long durability.
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The Apple Pencil may also receive an interesting upgrade
In addition to the upcoming iPads with the Apple M4 chip, Gurman revealed that Apple plans to unveil a new Apple Pencil. According to the report, this new Apple Pencil will integrate a small taptic engine, which will provide subtle feedback when users switch brushes or perform specific actions. This feature could be related to the rumored addition of a new ‘pinch’ gesture to the upcoming Apple Pencil.
Gurman also reiterated that Apple plans to unveil a new 12.9-inch iPad Air and a new Magic Keyboard at the upcoming event. Luckily we don’t have to wait much longer as the event is only a week away. What do you hope to see during the event on May 7? Let us know in the comments below!
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The 9th generation iPad features redesigned internals and an improved front-facing camera, making it the perfect tablet for the kids or seniors in your family who just need a device to stay in touch or do schoolwork with just enough power to to game.
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iPad 10th generation
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The 10th generation iPad features a completely new design, a larger 10.9-inch screen, a faster 14 Bionic chipset, USB-C connectivity, 5G and more.
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iPad Air (5th generation)
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5th generation iPad Air features the highly rated M1 processor, 5G connectivity (for cellular models), Center Stage capabilities, and all-new colors. It starts at $599 for the 64GB WiFi-only model, with an upgrade to 256GB of internal storage available.
