It would appear that the iPad Pro models will get a major revamp in 2024, with new screens and new chipsets – a likely overdue revamp for these premium tablets, which have received rather minor updates since 2018.
According to the usually reliable Mark Gurman in his Turn on the newsletter to Bloomberg, Apple hopes the updates introduced could “shake up” a stagnant tablet market and spark new interest in more expensive iPads.
There will be two new models in the first half of next year, Gurman says, both with OLED displays, a change that’s been rumored for some time. Currently the 11-inch iPad Pro uses standard LEDs while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro uses mini-LEDs.
The 11-inch screen size will remain, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will become a 13-inch model. The iPad Pro’s screens are already very good, but the introduction of OLED should mean they’ll get sharper and brighter, and even better at reproducing colors.
New chips and accessories
Inside, these tablets are expected to use Apple’s as-yet-unannounced M3 chips. This makes sense, considering current models use the M2 chip, so expect even faster performance and an even wider range of features.
Gurman also says a new Magic Keyboard is in the works, an accessory that hasn’t been updated since its 2020 debut. The 2024 edition will apparently have a larger trackpad and make the iPad Pro feel “even more like a laptop.” .
Like most manufacturers, according to Gurman, Apple is experiencing a decline in tablet sales, a decline that hasn’t been helped by minor iPad updates, a general confusing lineup (see iPad Air 5 vs iPad Pro 2022), and disappointing iPadOS updates.
We’ll have to wait and see if these new OLED iPad Pros can make a difference when they appear next year. Meanwhile all eyes are on the highly anticipated Apple event in September, when we should see the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch 9.
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