The current iPad lineup has become a maze of options, leaving consumers perplexed with its variety. With two sizes of iPad Pro, a single iPad Air, two generations of the regular iPad, and the resilient iPad Mini, it’s no wonder users find it challenging to navigate. Complicating matters further, the compatibility of Apple Pencil with each iPad model varies, and only one iPad sports a side-mounted camera for landscape FaceTime calls.
Apple’s iPad offerings have also grown stale, as the company didn’t introduce any new models last year, marking the first calendar year without a fresh iPad release since the tablet’s inception in 2010. However, if recent rumors hold true, the wait for new iPads may soon come to an end. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, new iPad Pro and Air models are slated for an early May debut.
Apple recognizes the need to revitalize its iPad lineup to maintain consumer interest in a product positioned between the iPhone and MacBook. With the emergence of competitors like the Vision Pro, which occupies a similar middle ground, albeit at a premium price, Apple must innovate to retain its market share in the third-screen segment.
Here’s a glimpse of the anticipated updates for each iPad line:
OLED Arrival for iPad Pro
The upcoming iPad Pro models are rumored to ditch mini-LED screens in favor of OLED displays, promising richer colors, true black levels, and enhanced contrast. These models, available in 11- and 13-inch variants, are expected to feature Apple’s next-gen M3 chip, USB-C, MagSafe wireless charging, and an updated Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad.
iPad Air Expansion
The iPad Air lineup is poised to expand with the introduction of a larger 12.9-inch model alongside the existing 10.9-inch variant. Both models will be powered by the M2 chip and retain LED-based liquid retina panels. Notable upgrades include an improved rear camera setup with a flash and compatibility with the current Magic Keyboard.
Future Updates
While details are scarce, speculations suggest processor upgrades for the entry-level iPad and iPad Mini later this year. The 11th-gen iPad is expected to adopt the A15 chip, while the seventh-gen iPad Mini may receive the A16 chip. Apple may retain the 10th-gen iPad as its budget offering while phasing out the ninth-gen model. Additionally, rumors persist about the long-awaited foldable iPad, which could materialize by year’s end.
