- What new tasks the device is now suitable for and the extent to which it is a viable replacement for outgoing Windows devices.
- What iPad OS improvements will make the tablets more productive.
- The extent to which Apple’s vision for AI enables them to unleash new productivity features to employees or enables new consumer-facing business or communication opportunities.
- New case studies to demonstrate iPad use in business. What’s been the impact of Starbucks and its investment in thousands of iPads for store management, for example?
Services will extend, connect, and augment all the new hardware and Apple has already predicted services will remain strong in the current quarter — hinting that management have already figured out how to achieve this goal. This could mean focused service enhancements, or new additions such as the sometimes rumored App Store for AI. As Apple gets ready to make its ecosystem smarter, it’s noteworthy that its largest iPhone manufacturer, Foxconn, reported its best ever revenue in April, citing “strong AI server demand.” Might there be a connection? And could elements of the plan emerge alongside the iPad?
What to expect from new iPads
Apple continues to align both the iPad and Mac user experience. In doing so, its approach has been to retain the best of both platforms, while unifying the experience where it makes sense. Stage Manager, which provides a new way to work on apps within project windows, exemplifies this as a UI that can exist on both devices, or none.
What we think we know about the new iPad Pro
- It will have a faster processor. There’s been speculation this could be an M4, but this seems counter-intuitive given that Macs only just made it to M3.
- The 11-in. and 12.9-in. models get a 120Hz ProMotion OLED display. This is next-generation OLED tech said to promise higher brightness, deeper blacks, and higher contrast ratios. It might be described as the “best OLED display” you can get.
- Availability of the 11-in. model could be limited, according to display analyst Ross Young; both Pro devices should be thinner and with slimmer bezels than the current models.
What we think we know about the new iPad Air
Apple’s also preparing a new iteration of my personal favorite, the iPad Air. Also equipped with a faster chip, the device will also be available in a larger 12.9-in. variant for the first time. The idea is for it to be a more budget-friendly large tablet for users who don’t need the Pro; it also means you can expect LCD displays, rather than OLED. The device will use an M2 chip rather than the current M1.
