Highlights
- Introduction of 11-inch and 12.9-inch models in the iPad Air series.
- Launch of new iPad Pro models with OLED displays and M3 chip.
- Redesigned Magic Keyboard and third-generation Apple Pencil on the horizon.
- Apple retains dominant 37% market share in tablet sector despite recent sales dip.
Apple enthusiasts are in for a treat it seems as Bloomberg’s new report has shed some light on Apple’s plans for its iPad and Mac lineup in 2024.
It’s not exactly news that the tech giant is gearing up to introduce new models of the iPad Air and iPad Pro early next year.
What is interesting is the reported features they are set to pack.
The iPad Air Revolution: New Size
The iPad Air, for the very first time, will be available in two sizes: an 11-inch version and a larger 12.9-inch model.
This expansion appears clearly as a strategic move by Apple to diversify its iPad Air offerings, the most popular iPad and consequently the most popular tablet in the consumer electronics world.
People have been clamouring for a cost-effective big-screen iPad and it seems Apple is ready to finally oblige.
M3 Coming to MacBook Air
Apart from all the iPad new, the MacBook Air is also getting a refresh.
The report indicates that there will be two screen sizes for the laptop, again a first.
13-inch and 15-inch while under the hood Apple has its latest M3 chip powering the entire thing.
macOS 14.3 is also reported to come around the same time so we’ll see how that goes.
OLED Displays and M3 Chip: The iPad Pro Evolution
The spotlight is also on the new iPad Pro models, codenamed J717, J718, J720, and J721, which are slated for launch around the end of March.
As so many reports over the year have been hinting at, the iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 13-inch screen sizes, will feature OLED displays for enhanced visual experience.
Earlier only the 13-inch model had a different display tech harboured underneath in the form of MiniLEDs.
However, it is not as clear and visually appealing as OLEDs.
Apple’s inclusion of this new screen for both sizes is a welcome step but be prepared to shell out a lot more money.
Under the hood, the iPad Pro models are likely to be powered by the robust M3 chip just recently unveiled by Apple.
The performance on the iPad Pro will likely be slightly curtailed given the device’s dimensions.
New Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil
Accompanying the iPad Pro will be the latest iterations of the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
The new Magic Keyboard’s main objective will be to make the iPad Pro into a more laptop-like device, boasting a sturdier frame and an aluminum construction.
The original Magic keyboard folio case is adept at doing that as it is.
It will be interesting to see what kind of changes Apple will bring to it.
As for the Apple Pencil, this release represents the third generation of the popular accessory, although specific details about its features remain under wraps.
Design Language and Software Support
Apple’s design philosophy has been evolving, with the new iPads expected to inherit some design elements from the recently released iPhone 15 series.
Rounder edges and possibly thinner bezels are the top contenders as of now but not much can be said beyond that.
These hardware advancements will be complemented by the release of iPadOS 17.4.
Apple’s Lead in the Tablet Market
Despite facing a sales downturn, Apple continues to dominate the tablet market, maintaining a significant lead with a 37% share in last quarter’s shipments.
In contrast to the broader market trend where most competitors are experiencing steeper declines, Apple’s position remains relatively strong.
Notably, Xiaomi emerged as an exception, witnessing a 42% increase in shipments, yet only reaching 1 million units, starkly lower than Apple’s impressive nearly 11 million units.
The recent quarter, however, did see a dip in Apple’s sales and unit shipments, falling to their lowest since early 2020, with a notable 17% decrease in units shipped as reported by IDC.
FAQs
What are the expected features in the upcoming 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro?
Apple is set to release the iPad Air in two new sizes – 11-inch and 12.9-inch – and the iPad Pro in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, equipped with OLED displays and powered by the M3 chip.
How will the new Magic Keyboard transform the iPad Pro’s user experience?
The upcoming Magic Keyboard, designed for the iPad Pro, aims to provide a more laptop-like experience with its sturdier frame and aluminum construction.
Are there any updates coming to the Apple Pencil?
The release of the third-generation Apple Pencil is anticipated, though specific details about its new features remain undisclosed.
How does Apple stand in the tablet market compared to its competitors?
Despite a downturn in recent sales and shipments, Apple maintains a strong hold in the tablet market with a 37% share in the last quarter. This dominance is in contrast to most competitors, who are seeing sharper declines in sales, except for Xiaomi, which recorded a significant shipment increase but still lags behind Apple’s volume.
What are the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chipsets?
Apple’s newly announced M3 chipsets include the base M3 as well as the more powerful M3 Pro and M3 Max. These chips are fabricated using a 3-nanometer process and offer significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance.
What’s new in the 14-inch MacBook Pro?
The 14-inch MacBook Pro replaces the older 13-inch model and comes with the base M3 chip. It offers improved performance in areas like rendering, code compilation, and spreadsheets. It is priced starting at $1,600.
Are there any changes to the 16-inch MacBook Pro?
Yes, the 16-inch MacBook Pro has been updated and now exclusively features either the M3 Pro or M3 Max chipsets. The pricing starts at $2,500 and it includes an improved Liquid Retina XDR display.
What upgrades does the 24-inch iMac see?
The new 24-inch iMac now incorporates the M3 chip, doubling its performance compared to its predecessor. It also adds updated connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
M3-equipped Macs Coming Soon?
Gurman via his Power On Newsletter has revealed that Apple is gearing up to expand its Mac portfolio with M3 Apple silicon as early as October. The first products to gain the M3 chipset will be the 13-inch MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and the next iMac.
Although Gurman has not hinted at an exact debut date, we can expect Apple to make the announcement at the September iPhone 15 launch event with the official unveiling somewhere in October.
However, it seems like Apple will keep M3-based high-end MacBook Pros (14-inch and 16-inch models) and the Mac Studio for 2024. Gurman states that “October is too early for new high-end MacBook Pros or desktops, so the first beneficiaries of the new chip should be the next iMac, 13-inch MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro.“
If you can recall, back in May, Gurman reported that Apple is testing a high-end M3 chipset with 12 CPU cores and 18 GPU cores.
The rumored chip is expected to be the M3 Pro chipset and is said to be engineered on TSMC’s 3nm fabrication process. This means that by the time October arrives, the M3 chipsets will be sufficiently tested and made compatible for a conclusive launch.
Further, the M3-based iPad Pro is also expected to make its entry next year and Gurman suggests that there might not be any major upgrades, except for the presence of an OLED display. This was also hinted at in a previous leak.
Although we can rely on Gurman’s notability, we will urge you to take this information with a grain of salt. Until and unless we gain some official insight and input, it will be best to stay skeptical with a hint of optimism.
M3 Silicon-based MacBooks To Arrive Sooner Than You Think.Details?
WWDC 2023 saw the unveiling of the much-awaited 15-inch MacBook Air, the new Mac Studio, and M2 Pro and Ultra chipsets. However, we are yet to be treated with M3-based Macs.
And with the year close to its end, we are expecting this to happen sooner than later. Earlier, a rumor suggested that M3-based Macs and MacBooks are set to arrive by the end of this year or by the first half of next year. Thanks to Gurman, we have received a much more conclusive launch window.
Also Read: Apple Introduces New Budget-Friendly Apple Pencil with USB-C Charging
Also Read: 14-Inch Base M3 MacBook Pro: How Does it Compare With Its More Expensive Siblings
Also Read: Apple Reportedly Set To Expand iPad Pro Lineup with A Gigantic 14-Inch Model and OLED Displays