The long-awaited iPad refresh is now expected to take place in the second week of May, with one reliable leaker predicting the launch will “probably” take place the week of May 6.
In the April 7 edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman reiterates his earlier prediction that we could be “circling in early May” for the highly anticipated unveiling of the new iPad models. (Toward the end of March, Gurman cited “people with knowledge of the subject” to predict that the devices would ship during that part of the year.) But he also goes further than in previous articles, in naming the specific week the launch will take place. likely” to happen, based on both information from sources and preparations in Apple stores.
“Apple stores are preparing to receive new product marketing materials later this week,” says Gurman. “This is usually a sign that a new product release is coming.”
Cynical readers may point out that they have heard all this before. The iPad line received no updates throughout the 2023 calendar year and was heavily tipped to receive new models in March of this year; instead we got the MacBook Air M3 (via a press release, rather than an actual media event) and nothing else. Gurman’s explanation is that the iPads were planned for a March release, but were delayed by manufacturing complications related to the “complex new iPad screens” we’ll soon see.
And Gurman isn’t the only source indicating an imminent launch. Late last week, we covered the separate discovery of two batches of new iPads on the Bureau of India Standards’ registration website – a total of four new models – which likely means a pair of Airs and a pair of Pros will be with us soon.
Indeed, in the new report, Gurman says that the Pro and Air will both be updated, and that we can also expect new versions of the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. For all the latest launch news, keep an eye on our regularly updated iPad Air and iPad Pro rumors.
