Apple unveils new iPads: Slimmest ever

Just weeks before its annual developers' conference (WWDC), Apple couldn't hold back, unveiling its newest iPad models. At the event's kickoff, CEO Tim Cook announced the MacBook Air M3, the best-selling 13-inch laptop globally. However, stealing the spotlight is undoubtedly the new iPad Pro, the thinnest device ever by Apple, measuring just 5.1mm thick—thinner than the iPod Nano. Here's a summary of the event.

iPad Air

Apple first revealed two models of the iPad Air: an 11-inch and a completely new 13-inch model. Both will feature Apple's M2 processor, promising three times better performance than the previous generation. Additionally, they will come in four different pastel colors: blue, purple, silver, and space gray.

Another significant improvement is the doubling of the base storage capacity in the new model—128GB compared to 64GB in the 2022 model. The new iPad Air continues to utilize Touch ID in the power button and includes stereo speakers at the top and bottom. It also features a single rear 12-megapixel camera and a 12-megapixel front camera, similar to the previous model, but this time the front camera is centered on the long side. Additionally, it supports the new Apple Pencil Hover feature, previously available only on the iPad Pro.

Unlike previous models, the new iPad Air is compatible with Apple's existing Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro. Prices start at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model.

iPad Pro

The new iPad Pro models are the most advanced and laptop-like Apple has ever created. They are the first to be powered by their new M4 processor, promising significant improvements in artificial intelligence capabilities. Another significant upgrade, beyond the iPhone and Apple Watch series, is that both the new 11-inch and the larger 13-inch models of the iPad Pro will feature OLED screens. This is a significant upgrade from the LCD and Mini-LED screens in previous models and is expected to deliver displays with bolder colors, deeper blacks, and much higher contrast.

These are not typical OLED screens: Apple claims that the new iPad Pro models feature "Tandem" OLED screens that provide a peak brightness of 1,500 nits. Interestingly, Apple completely skipped the M3 chip and went directly to the M4 in the new iPad Pro—a move that underscores the company's significant emphasis on the new tablets. The M4 chip includes a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. Apple claims that the M4's CPU is up to 50% faster than the M2, and its GPU is four times faster.

As mentioned, it's not just the picture quality that makes the difference. The new iPad Pro, especially the 13-inch model, boasts the title of Apple's thinnest product ever, at just 5.1 millimeters thick (the 11-inch model is slightly thicker at 5.3 millimeters).

The price of the new iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model ($1,199 with cellular support) and $1,299 for the 13-inch model ($1,499 with cellular support).

New Stylus and Compatible Keyboard

Apple also unveiled a new Magic Keyboard, with a more elegant aluminum design reminiscent of MacBooks. The new keyboard includes a Trackpad surface, allowing for a laptop-like experience with a mouse. The keyboard will come in two sizes—for the 11-inch iPad Pro and the larger 12.9-inch model—and in two colors: black and white. It will be priced at $299 and $349 respectively. Similar to the new iPads, they can be pre-ordered now and will be available in stores next week.

Another addition is the third generation of the Apple Pencil, the Apple Pencil Pro. The update includes "Find My" support—Apple's device tracking network—alongside new customization capabilities for various types of creative work. In fact, this is the first significant update to the Apple Pencil series since the second generation announced in 2018. Last year, Apple released the cheaper Apple Pencil with USB-C connectivity, catering to a wider range of iPad models, but sacrificing advanced features like pressure sensitivity and tool switching with double-tap.

The Apple Pencil Pro retains all the advanced features present in the previous generation and adds Find My support, haptic feedback corresponding to pencil usage, and gestures similar to the "squeeze" of AirPods Pro 2. The Apple Pencil Pro is available for pre-order today at a price of $129 and offers features more akin to pens designed for professional graphic tablets.