Apple’s upcoming “Let Loose” event promises major upgrades to the iPad Pro line and a renewed focus on artificial intelligence (AI). According to Mark Gorman, the new iPad Pro to be launched next week will feature an OLED display and Apple’s next-generation M4 chip instead of the M3.

While previous speculation pointed to an M3 chip, Gorman reports that Apple is already choosing its next major silicon update. The M4 is said to position the iPad Pro as Apple’s first “truly AI device.” Gorman believes that any new Apple product in the future will have advanced AI capabilities built around the upcoming chips.

I hear there is a strong possibility that the chip in the new iPad Pro will be the M4, not the M3. Furthermore, I believe that Apple will position the tablet as the first truly AI-enabled device – and that it will introduce every new product from here on out as an AI device. All this, of course, in response to the artificial intelligence craze that swept the technology industry in the last two years.

This is in line with rumors that Apple is exploring AI partnerships and new software features like personalized recommendations and translations coming in iOS 18. By showing off the M4-powered iPad Pro first, Apple can outline its vision for implementing AI in hardware and software to developers in – WWDC 2024.

In addition to the M4 chip and OLED screens, the new iPad Pro could enable machine learning tools for content creators, designers and more. The upgraded tablets are also expected to support the latest generation of Apple Pencil, which may introduce haptic feedback for the first time to simulate the feeling of writing on paper.

Expectations for the new iPads have been at their highest since there was no event in October 2023. There are expected to be four iPad models announced at this event, which will be two new iPad Pro devices and two new iPad Air devices.

source: Bloomberg