To complement the hardware, Apple refreshed its key peripherals:
The Apple Event on May 7, 2024, titled "Let Loose," marked a significant pivot for the iPad lineup, focusing on high-end hardware performance and creative versatility. Clocking in at just under 40 minutes, the pre-recorded presentation was a dense succession of hardware reveals that sought to redefine the tablet's role in the professional and consumer markets. The Powerhouse: iPad Pro with M4 The Event 1x1
The iPad Air moved to the , but the bigger story was the introduction of a 13-inch model alongside the traditional 11-inch version. This mirrored the MacBook Air strategy, offering users a larger canvas without the "Pro" price tag. Like the Pro, the Air also received the landscape-oriented front camera. Next-Gen Accessories: Apple Pencil Pro & Magic Keyboard To complement the hardware, Apple refreshed its key
The device also saw a radical physical redesign, becoming the thinnest Apple product ever made (5.1mm for the 13-inch model). By moving the front-facing camera to the landscape edge, Apple finally addressed a long-standing user complaint, optimizing the device for video calls and keyboard use. Expanding Choice: iPad Air This mirrored the MacBook Air strategy, offering users
The undisputed centerpiece was the new iPad Pro. Skipping the M3 generation entirely, Apple introduced the , built on second-generation 3-nanometer technology. This jump was primarily driven by the "Tandem OLED" display—two OLED panels layered to achieve 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness. Apple branded this the Ultra Retina XDR display.
Redesigned for the Pro models with a function row, an aluminum palm rest, and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback, making the iPad feel more like a laptop than ever before. Software and Pricing