Apple's first event of 2024 is this month, and the tech giant's first hardware event of the year, with speculation and rumors pointing to this being an iPad-centric showcase.
We'll provide everything you need to know to watch Apple's Let Loose event, including the time it starts and our predictions on what we can expect from the showcase.
When is Apple's Let Loose event, and where can I watch it?
Apple's Let Loose event will be held on Tuesday, May 6, at 7am PT / 10am ET. Much like its final event of 2023, taglined "Scary Fast," this will be a digital-only event.
Those interested in watching can stream the event on Apple's official website or its YouTube channel.
What to expect at Apple's Let Loose event
Traditionally, Apple does not officially share which of its hardware categories will appear ahead of its event; however, we have a good idea of what might appear.
Anticipate iPads being the center focus for a few reasons. One is that the iPad Air and Pro models are due for an upgrade. Both products were last updated in March and October 2022, respectively. More importantly, if you look at the Let Loose logo for the event, you will notice an artistic Apple logo featuring a hand holding an Apple Pencil, the stylus compatible with iPads.
Aside from the obvious spec bumps, rumors suggest the sixth-generation iPad Air will be the first in its lineup to introduce two sizes similar to the iPad Pro. In contrast, Apple's flagship tablet, the iPad Pro, is rumored to include an OLED display.
Both devices will undoubtedly get Apple silicon, but it remains a toss-up as to which. The iPad Air will likely get the M2 chip as its current model received the M1 chip, while the iPad Pro could follow the order of its previous two generations and receive the M3 processor.
Some speculate that Apple may also announce the M4 chip. If that is the case, it will mark the first time an M-series chip has debuted on an iPad before a Mac computer. However, if the M4 chip is revealed, Apple will likely make it exclusive for the iPad Pro until it announces new Macs (possibly something the company will announce at WWDC next month).
Bloomberg's Mark Gruman further reported that the iPad Air will get M2 chips, while the iPad Pro models will get the M4 chips. The latter, in particular, is rumored to "feel more like computers," according to Gurman. This feels like a direction the company has been taking with at least the flagship tablet for the last several years, from the release of accessories like the Magic Keyboard to adding the M-series to the products.
The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil may also get updates
Regarding accessories, the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil will likely get an update. In a separate report published last year, Gurman wrote that the Magic Keyboard would get a serious revamp, noting the accessory would "make the iPad Pro look even more like a laptop than the current setup" along with a larger trackpad.
As for the Apple Pencil, previous rumors have suggested that the event will unveil a third-generation Apple Pencil. Apple updated the accessory last November, adding USB-C support. However, it serves more as a low-end model due to its $79 price tag, lack of support for features like pressure sensitivity, and no wireless pairing or charging support.
There is a possibility that Apple may release a "Pro" variant of the stylus as MacRumors reported on May 6 that Apple's website in Japan mentioned the "Apple Pencil Pro" when describing the GIF for the Let Loose event. Regardless of what the new Apple Pencil is officially named, the new stylus is rumored to include interchangeable magnetic tips and a squeeze gesture.
Whatever the case, keep an eye on IGN for a complete rundown of everything announced at Apple's Let Loose Event.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
