Apple announces May 7th event for new iPads

After kicking off 2024 with the launch of the Vision Pro, the next act in Apple’s 2024 script is a May product launch event. Apple has started inviting members of the media to a “special Apple Event” on May 7th at 7AM PT / 10AM ET. The invite’s image includes the Apple Pencil, making it abundantly clear that iPads will be the focus of this virtual event.

Rumors suggest the iPad Pro will get some of its most significant improvements since the 2021 M1 overhaul, including an OLED display (with a slight size bump to 13 inches for the bigger model), an updated M3 chipset, and the long overdue horizontal repositioning of its front-facing camera. There might also be a new Apple Pencil and a redesigned Magic Keyboard with an aluminum build and a larger trackpad. 

The event will bring an end to what’s been the longest wait for new iPad models since Apple first entered the product category.

We’re also likely to see refreshed iPad Airs including a larger 12.9-inch size. Inventory of the current iPad Air has been dwindling at Apple’s retail stores, according to a recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. That’s a good indicator that an upgraded model is right around the corner.

We’ll be covering Apple’s big event right here at The Verge, so keep checking back for news, updates, and our thoughts from the show.