Highlights
- Launch of new iPad Pro with OLED screens and landscape Face ID camera.
- Introduction of powerful M3 chips in the iPad Pro.
- Two new iPad Air models featuring a specification boost.
- Potential shipment of 6 to 8 million units for OLED iPad Pro models.
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is going to take place as usual in June and speculation of the possible announcements has already started to gather steam.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a specialist in breaking Apple news early, brings exciting updates about the company’s upcoming product launches that might be revealed before June.
According to Gurman’s insights, Apple fans can expect a significant update to the iPad and MacBook Air lines as early as March.
OLED iPad Pro in Production
One of the most anticipated products is the new iPad Pro.
Expected to redefine the user experience, this latest model is rumored to feature groundbreaking enhancements, including a landscape Face ID camera.
Apple is reportedly in the final stages of mass production of this new iPad, with a launch date set for the end of March.
This shift addresses the ergonomic challenges faced by users when unlocking the device or engaging in video calls while using the iPad Pro in landscape mode.
The move to reposition the camera follows Apple’s previous design update in 2022 for the 10th-generation basic iPad.
Additionally, the iPad Pro is slated to feature OLED screens.
This technology promises not only better color contrast but also increased power efficiency, a significant leap from the traditional mini-LED displays.
The new iPad Pro is expected to be powered by the recently launched M3 chips, ensuring top-tier performance.
Expanding the iPad Air Range
Joining the iPad Pro, Gurman predicts the release of two new iPad Air models.
These tablets are expected to receive a specification boost, with one model featuring an expansive 12.9-inch screen.
Alongside these tablets, new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories are also being anticipated, further enhancing the Apple ecosystem experience.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International projects that the OLED iPad Pro models could achieve shipments of 6 to 8 million units this year.
However, he also cautions that the high pricing of the 2024 models and competition with the new 12.9-inch iPad Air might impact the new iPad Pro models’ market performance.
FAQs
What are the new features in the upcoming iPad Pro?
The upcoming iPad Pro is expected to include an OLED screen for enhanced color contrast and efficiency, and a landscape-oriented Face ID camera, addressing ergonomic challenges for users in landscape mode.
How will the new iPad Pro differ from previous models?
In addition to the OLED screen and repositioned Face ID camera, the new iPad Pro will be powered by the M3 chip, offering advanced performance capabilities compared to its predecessors.
What updates are expected for the iPad Air range?
Apple is anticipated to release two new iPad Air models, with one featuring a larger 12.9-inch screen, marking a significant update to the iPad Air lineup.
What is the expected market performance of the new iPad Pro models?
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts shipments of the OLED iPad Pro models to be between 6 to 8 million units, though the high pricing may impact their competitiveness with the new iPad Air models.
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: Leaked Renders Showcase Apple’s New 12.9-Inch iPad Air Design
Also Read: Apple’s 2024 Lineup to Feature A Bigger iPad Air, OLED iPad Pro Models, and M3 MacBook Air