On Tuesday, Apple announced a slew of incredible new products for its iPad line-up, including the iPad Pro M4, iPad Air M2, and a redesigned Apple Pencil Pro. 

A common question about the Apple Pencil is whether it's worth buying. A new feature for the Apple Pencil Pro could propel it beyond the world of artists and students into the mainstream. 

This exciting new feature is squeeze control, which unlocks a whole new level of functionality and makes the Pencil a surprising competitor for a conventional mouse. This upgrade could make the Apple Pencil Pro a must-have accessory.

I love my Apple Pencil and have been using it nearly every day for years now, so I was ecstatic to see the new tech Apple baked into this upgraded Pencil. 

Whether you're trying to decide which accessories to add to your iPad Pro M4 or you currently have an iPad and want to upgrade your Pencil, you don't want to miss out on the Apple Pencil Pro and its revolutionary squeeze controls. 

The Apple Pencil Pro introduces squeeze controls, haptics, rolling, and hover

Apple gave the Apple Pencil a makeover, decking it out with new features, including squeeze controls, haptic feedback, barrel roll sensitivity, double tap controls, and hovering. These upgrades make the Apple Pencil Pro vastly more capable than the second-generation Pencil or the USB-C Pencil. The Pro might look just like the second-gen Apple Pencil, but the new tech inside is cutting-edge. 

Most of the upgrades in the Apple Pencil Pro are in the lower end of the barrel, so you can now use a range of new controls with just your thumb and index finger. Barrel roll sensitivity is mainly for creative applications that feature tasks like changing brush sizes. It's effectively a more advanced version of the existing pressure-sensitive tip on the second-generation Apple Pencil. 

Hovering is a smaller, although useful, addition that allows you to use certain functions and controls while hovering the tip of the Apple Pencil Pro over your iPad's display. 

Apple mainly demoed this for hovering tasks, but there are all kinds of ways you could potentially use it. I could see developers using hover a bit like a mouse cursor for precision control without the Magic Keyboard. 

Apple also brought support for "Find My" to the Apple Pencil Pro. While this isn't as groundbreaking as the new control setup in the Pencil's barrel, it is very useful (speaking as someone who has misplaced their Apple Pencil more than once). 

Squeeze controls

Squeeze control is the most revolutionary upgrade to the Apple Pencil. The pressure-sensitive barrel significantly expands the control and navigation capabilities of the Pencil, and not just in art apps. Squeeze controls make in-app navigation seamless, convenient, and intuitive. There are countless ways developers can use this new feature to give iPad users precise control capabilities in the convenient form factor of the Pencil. 

For example, the iPad is great for 3D modeling and design, especially with the new M4 chip in the iPad Pro. A designer walking around an R&D lab or an architect touring a construction site could reference design files and take notes on their iPad while using the Apple Pencil Pro to not only write, but change tools, jump between apps, and navigate through menus using squeeze control. 

The ability to utilize virtually all of the features of an app through one tool makes the iPad far easier to use with one hand (while holding it with the other on the go). If you haven't used an iPad before, that might seem like a little thing. However, it's hard to understate what a big quality-of-life upgrade this is. It allows the iPad to be even better at one of its most distinct use cases: flexible, modular mobile computing. 

It's far easier to use a tablet while standing, walking, and moving around compared to a laptop (as anyone who has tried typing with one hand knows). However, we all write with one hand all the time. So, the Apple Pencil form factor makes it the perfect mouse replacement for mobile computing, unlocking precise controls for the iPad without the need for the Magic Keyboard. 

Squeeze control is useful for more than artists and graphic designers. In Tuesday's presentation, Apple made it clear that third-party app developers are welcome to create squeeze controls for their apps. 

That means we could see squeeze shortcuts and menus pop up in everything from educational apps to web browsers to productivity programs like Microsoft or Adobe apps. 

We'll have to wait and see how developers decide to use squeeze controls in their products, but the door is open for a whole new range of features. 

I would love to see Apple introduce local shortcuts for the Apple Pencil Pro, as well, allowing users to create their own custom squeeze controls for navigating around iPadOS with the Pencil. However, that type of feature is more likely to be unveiled in iPadOS 18 at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference next month. 

How to upgrade to the Apple Pencil Pro

Apple is keeping the price at $129 for the Apple Pencil Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro bakes a ton of new features into a familiar sleek white chassis—with a familiar price. It is replacing the second-generation Apple Pencils, so if you're upgrading from a second-generation Apple Pencil or the USB-C model, you can keep it as a spare.

Apple is keeping the price at $129, which makes the Apple Pencil Pro a steal. 

If you want to add it to your iPad setup, you can pre-order the Apple Pencil Pro today and it will ship out by May 15, when it officially becomes available. 

Unfortunately, Apple doesn't have a trade-in program for Pencils. So, if you're upgrading from a second-generation Apple Pencil or the USB-C model, you can keep it as a spare or you'll have to sell it on a third-party resale marketplace like eBay or Back Market. 

As someone holding out on upgrading my old iPad setup from 2020, the Apple Pencil Pro might finally get me to make the switch. I can't wait to see how app developers utilize the new squeeze controls. We're sure to hear more at WWDC 2024, which kicks off on June 10, so stay tuned for more details, info, and insights on the latest updates from Apple. 

More from Laptop Mag

• iPad Pro M4 vs. iPad Air 6: Which new iPad will be right for you?
• Where to preorder the new iPad Air M2
• Is the new iPad Pro M4 good enough to replace your laptop?

Welcome to Laptop Mag and our live blog coverage of today's Apple 'Let Loose' event!

Today's event might be over, but we'll be reporting to you throughout the day with expanded coverage on everything we know so far about the new iPad Air, iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil Pro.

So stick around, bookmark this page, and follow Laptop Mag on X, Facebook, and Flipboard for everything Apple and iPad today!

Apple 'Let Loose' event: Follow-up coverage

• iPad Pro M4 vs. iPad Air 6: Which new iPad will be right for you?
• Is the new iPad Pro M4 good enough to replace your laptop?
• iPad Air 6 vs. Air 5: Should you upgrade?
• The new Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro: Everything you need to know

Apple 'Let Loose' event: Everything announced

• The new iPad Air features an M2 chipset for much improved performance and efficiency. The Air now includes a new model measuring 13-inches in size, and retains the 11-inch option of old.
  
  The iPad Air M2 will be available from May 15 starting at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model. Check out where to pre-order the new iPad Air M2.
   
• Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models with up to 2TB of storage and featuring the latest M4 chipset and a new OLED display, the iPad Pro is the most powerful of Apple's tablets to date.
  
  The iPad Pro M4 will be available from May 15 starting at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model. Check out where to pre-order the new iPad Pro.
   
• The Apple Pencil Pro was unveiled in full, touting a new gyroscope-powered Barrel Roll feature for refined precision and control over the Hover feature found in M2 iPad Pro models. A new Squeeze feature offers a short cut hot bar to access tools rapidly, and a haptic motor delivers accurate feedback to actions performed.
  
  The Apple Pencil Pro is available to pre-order now from the Apple homepage and will be available from May 15 for $129.
   
• Apple's Magic Keyboard revamp was revealed, featuring an aluminum wrist rest, larger trackpad and a new function row for the back-lit keyboard giving quick access to screen dimming and media controls.
  
  The Apple Magic Keyboard is available to pre-order now from the Apple homepage and will be available from May 15 for $299 for the 11-inch model and $349 for the 13-inch model.

Welcome to Laptop Mag, and our live blog coverage of today's Apple 'Let Loose' event! We're just a few hours away from some major iPad reveals. We've already had some strong reports about what to expect when the tape rolls on today's event, so let's go over what we know so far while we wait for things to kick off!

Will Apple debut the M4 chip today?

It seems strange for Apple to debut its latest chip during an iPad-focused event, especially with the M3-touting 13-inch MacBook Air and 15-inch MacBook Air having just released earlier this year.

However, according to Bloomberg, the new iPad Pro models could skip the M3 chip entirely and go straight to Apple's next-gen M4 platform.

• Read about it here: iPad Pro might launch with AI-powered M4 — should you wait?

When will the M4 come to MacBook?

If today does mark the debut of the M4 chip, everyone will want to know when they can expect Apple's latest processor to feature in MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. Well, lucky you, that's something we may already know.

Early reports suggest that the first MacBooks to feature the M4 chip will launch between October and November later this year. The first of Apple's laptops to feature this chipset is said to be the 14-inch MacBook Pro, which will launch alongside a 24-inch iMac also featuring the same M4 chip.

It's said that 16-inch MacBook Pro models will follow with M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations, with an M4/M4 Pro Mac mini in tow.

• Read about it here: M4 MacBooks: A timeline of when to expect Apple's next-gen laptops

What else do we know about the M4 chip?

Each new generation of Apple's M-series chips brings sweeping improvements to performance and efficiency. But can we bank on the M4 chipset to do the same?

Much of what we know so far about the M4 is rumor and speculation. However, should these prove accurate, the M4 will be the first of Apple's chips to be developed using a 2-nanometer process.

This indicates the transistor density inside the chip, with the lower the number the better. Apple's current-gen M3 chip are based on a 3-nanometer process, meaning the leap to M4 could see considerable gains across the board for MacBooks — and the latest iPad Pro if word is to be believed.

• Read about it here: Apple M4 chip rumors: Everything you need to know

M4 iPad Pro: Is it likely?

Speculation is all well and good, and often quite fun, but how likely are we to see an iPad Pro featuring an M4 chip be announced today?

That's a tough one! We'd typically expect Apple to debut its chips on MacBook first, giving them the best chance to shine when it comes to uncapped performance. However, this generation of iPad could be Apple's biggest push to date to present the iPad Pro as a viable laptop replacement.

That being said, it was only last month that we caught wind that the M4 chip was "nearing production," making its appearance in the iPad Pro seem unlikely — unless Apple plan to reveal its tablet today, but launch it later in the year to coincide with the M4 MacBook Pro.

• Read about it here: Apple’s M4 chip reportedly ‘nearing production’

What to expect from a new iPad Pro

If Apple's iPad Pro doesn't feature the M4 chip, there's still plenty to look forward to. The new iPad Pro should at the very least feature Apple's current-gen M3 chip, meaning there'll still be considerable upgrades to expect when it comes to overall performance and efficiency, resulting in a longer-lasting and more powerful tablet.

iPad Pro 2024: What's changing?

There's nothing wrong with the iPad Pro's current display, it's literally called liquid retina because it's so good it melts eyeballs. However, that doesn't mean we will say no to the rumored OLED panel heading our way with today's announcement.

A new OLED panel for the iPad Pro would mean better color accuracy and a more vibrant, crisper image. It also makes way for thinner display panels allowing for the potential of trimmer chassis, slimmer bezels, or more internal room to include improved layouts for thermal management or higher storage capacities.

Speaking of, today's iPad Pro announcement could see a configuration available with up to 2TB of storage. A whopping amount of space to make use of and another clear indication of Apple's intent to push the iPad Pro as a more worthy MacBook alternative.

• Read about it here: 2024 iPad line-up rumors

What about the iPad Air 6?

While the iPad Pro has incredible potential, let's not forget about the prospect of a new iPad Air now featuring the mighty M2 chipset.

The sixth-generation iPad Air is expected to arrive in two sizes: the typical 10.9-inch model, and a new iPad Pro-like sizing of 12.9 inches. This expanded panel will be a treat for those envious of the Pro model's larger display, though unable to meet its premium pricing.

The M2 chip has been a solid performer for the iPad Pro previously, and we'd expect a similar level of performance to now feature for the iPad Air. This could also mean that Apple Pencil features like Hover make their way to the smaller tablet, too!

This round of iPad refreshes could do wonders for both Air and Pro lines, but could make choosing between them slightly more interesting.

• Read about it here: iPad Pro M4 vs. iPad Air 6: Which new iPad will be right for you?

The real magic is the accessories we'll gain along the way

One of the major things preventing many iPad users from adopting it as a laptop replacement is its primarily touch interface. Even though the iPad has the Magic Keyboard to fall back on, and the option to use wireless keyboards over Bluetooth, there's been a decided lack of a laptop-like feel to things.

However, that could be set to change with Apple's new Magic Keyboard revamp.

The new Magic Keyboard, or potentially the Magic Keyboard Pro, hopes to breathe new life into the iPad as a laptop debate by bringing with it a deck more closely aligned to the MacBook experience. 

This new deck features a much larger trackpad and a more sturdy and durable aluminum design that will go above and beyond to address the complaints of the current Magic Keyboard's flimsier offerings.

• Read about it here: The new Apple Magic Keyboard: Everything you need to know

Pencil us in

If you'd have told me that I'd be getting excited about a pencil in 2024, I'd have assumed you'd just broken free from your straight jacket and were part way through making a dash to cross state lines.

However, surprisingly enough, the new Apple Pencil, or the Apple Pencil Pro as it might be called, is shaping up to be quite the accessory.

Apple are going all-in on touch controls this generation it seems, with the iPhone 16 rumored to feature capacitive buttons and the new Apple Pencil Pro set to feature a number of touch-sensitive inputs to streamline the writing and art experience.

• Read about it here: iPhone 16 rumors: release date speculation, design leaks, price outlook, and more

The Apple Pencil Pro: What's new?

You'd think it would be quite hard to innovate on the concept of a "pencil" but here we are. The new Apple Pencil Pro as it's being dubbed online is set to include a host of improvements that could dramatically improve its usability and functionality.

While much of what we know is once again rumor, I feel confident in my ability to predict that Apple's stylus will retain much of the same overall design as all pencils have since the mid-1500s. That aside, things are reportedly changing in some very noticeable ways.

Apple's stylus is rumored to feature interchangeable magnetic nibs that can be hot-swapped to suit various tasks. for example, a harder tip for note taking and writing, and a softer tip for digital art project.

• Read about it here: New Apple Pencil to 'shake' things up in a big way

Apple Pencil Pro: It's all about the touch

The biggest change heading to the Apple Pencil will potentially come in the form of new gesture-based touch controls.

A recent report indicated that the Apple Pencil Pro would feature a "squeeze" input that could detect compressive force as a user input.

Digging into things a little further, we uncovered some long filed Apple patents for the Apple Pencil that showcased a similar feature alongside several other touch-based methods that could also make it to the revised stylus.

These gestures include brushing your index finger along the top of the pencil to potentially interact with sliders like brush sizes, opacity settings, etc.

Also there's the returning tap and double tap options that could be used to switch tools or interact with elements while using Hover.

• Read about it here: New Apple Pencil to 'shake' things up in a big way

Squeeze your problems away

One proposed feature of the new "squeeze" gesture could be to enable the eraser, letting you quickly remove any unwanted aspects of your notes or drawings.

Of course, it's also entirely possible that any of these new inputs can be fully customized like the iPhone 15's action button, giving users total control over how their Apple Pencil functions across various apps.

• Read about it here: Apple just left a disappearing hint about the new Apple Pencil

Apple "Let Loose" iPad event: It's almost showtime

We're now less than 20 minutes away from today's showcase kicking off, you can either stick with us for ongoing coverage throughout the event or make sure to give our guide on how to watch the Apple "Let Loose" iPad event and catch the reveals as they happen.

The showcase begins!

"This is the biggest day for iPad since it's introduction"

Tim Cook is hinting at big things for today's announcements during his recap.

Tim Cook hails the iPad as a great tool for productivity and gaming.

"It's this incredible versatility that defines iPad"

iPad Air is up first, with Apple keen to showcase the portability and performance of its tablet.

The iPad Air will be available in two models, the regular 11-inch, and a new 13-inch model, offering 30% more space than the regular model.

Both models feature the M2 chipset, offering three times the performance.

The iPad Air for 2024 is looking to be a great improvement, with a solid performance boost from the power of the M2 chip.

Our first look at Apple's new iPad Pro showcases an impressively thin redesign.

"We're not only going to push the limits of what you can do on iPad, we're going to crush them" - John Ternus, Senior VP Hardware Engineering

Ultra Retina HDR promises the best visuals on an iPad yet with 1K to 1.6K of peak brightness through its tandem OLED process. Coated by nano-texture glass to reduce glare by scattering ambient light.

It's confirmed, the new iPad Pro will feature Apple's M4 chipset!

Apple claim that the M4 offers four times the performance of the M2 chip at half the power.

"The neural engine makes M4 an outrageously powerful chip for AI." - Tim Millet, VP Platform Architecture. Apple claim it can isolate a moving subject from its background in 4K video with ease. Impressive!

Apple are pushing the iPad as a profession and creative tool hard in this presentation, showcasing Final Cut Pro's capabilities on the M4 chip while also subtly pointing out the iPad Pro's Thunderbolt port!

Logic Pro 2 on iPad Pro M4 is showcased, further stressing the device's capabilities and powerful performance.

The iPad Pro's Adaptive True Tone flash, LiDAR scanner, and 12MP camera with Five-element lens, Smart HDR 4 and 4K ProRes video is a treat! It even allows for document scanning in low-lighting conditions. A game changer for those converting to the paperless age.

It's onto accessories now as we're introduced to the new Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil Pro.

"The incredible new Magic Keyboard makes the new iPad Pro more portable and convenient than ever." The deck is bigger, very reminiscent of the MacBook and with a sizable trackpad. 

Barrel Roll is a new Apple Pencil Pro feature made possible by an internal gyroscope to detect rotation and tilt. Allowing users to adjust the tilt and angle of brush strokes with ease. 

What a trio of hardware and accessories! The iPad Pro M4 will be available from next week starting from $999 for the 11-inch model, and from $1,299 for the 13-inch model.

The new Magic Keyboard will be available in 11-inch and 13-inch models for $299 and $349 respectively!

And the new Apple Pencil Pro will be available for $129! Not a bad price considering the wealth of new features heading to Apple's stylus.

The iPad Air will be available from next week starting at $599 for the 11-inch model and from $799 for the new 13-inch model.

To cap things off, the iPad 10th gen will now see a healthy price cut to just $349!

With Tim Cook's sign-off out of the way, he points us in the direction of this year's WWDC event for more news about the software changes heading to the new iPad Air and iPad Pro with iPadOS 18.

You can learn more about iPadOS 18 and everything we expect at WWDC 24 so far at our dedicated rumor hubs! Favorite these pages and check back with us for up to the date information as we get it!

• iPadOS 18 rumors: Siri and AI, rumored features, release date speculation, and more
• WWDC 2024 rumors: Possible dates, major iOS 18 updates, and more

It was a whirlwind experience, and I've no doubt missed a host of details in the mad dash to share what we've seen today. Thankfully we'll be offering follow-up coverage throughout the day to flesh out more of what to expect from Apple's latest iPads and accessories.

Be sure to follow Laptop Mag on X, Facebook, and Flipboard to catch these articles as they arrive!

For now, let's recap on what we've seen...

Apple iPad Air (6th Gen)

The sixth-generation Apple iPad Air offers the power of the M2 chip for three times the performance of previous A12 Bionic iPad Airs. This mighty processor is also 50% faster than the M1 iPad air that came before it, and offers incredible performance across gaming and apps.

This new processor helps power the Liquid Retina display which now comes in both 11-inch and 13-inch formats for the first time. This expanded screen size is great for deeper immersion in movies and games, and also top-notch for productivity, allowing you to fit more vital information on the screen at once.

The iPad Air also features a shifted 12MP front camera, now located on the landscape edge of the device for better FaceTime calls or selfies while holding the device horizontally and with a lone rear 12MP camera for regular photos.

The iPad Air M2 also offers up to 1TB of storage (with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations also available), an impressive trove of space to make use of for all your apps, photos, and files!

The iPad Air M2 is available for pre-order now from the Apple homepage and will be available from May 15 from $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model.

Apple iPad Pro M4

Apple came out swinging when it came to its new iPad Pro. We were expecting something big from the way Apple spoke, but I'm still in shock that the M4 rumors turned out to be true!

This makes the iPad Pro of 2024 the most powerful tablet on the market, offering 4x faster pro rendering performance than the M2-equipped iPad Pro of old, and 1.5x the CPU performance to boot.

While some had concerns about the M3 not being enough of a generational increase in performance, the leap from M2 to M4 should not disappoint. The iPad Pro M4 bundles both a powerful NPU for advanced AI capabilities and an impressive GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

Senior VP of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus was not kidding when he said "We're not only going to push the limits of what you can do on iPad, we're going to crush them!"

This would almost be enough of a refresh for most, but Apple didn't stop there. Not only is the iPad Pro being powered by Apple's latest and greatest chipset, it's also touting an OLED display for the first time. Tandem OLED, in fact.

Two OLED panels combine to offer up to 1600 nits of peak brightness, while retaining all the vivid color and excellent saturation we've come to enjoy about Apple's Liquid Retina screens. This is Apple's Ultra Retina XDR display, with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio with True Tone and ProMotion for an adaptive 10-120Hz ultra-smooth refresh rate.

The iPad Pro M4 is available for pre-order now from the Apple homepage and will be available from May 15 from $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model.

Apple Magic Keyboard

On to something I was most looking forward to, and possibly most let down by. It's still a considerable upgrade over the current Magic Keyboard, but I was potentially hoping for a little bit more from Apple here.

The all-new Magic Keyboard is thinner and lighter than before, retaining the floating cantilever hinge of the original, and available in white or black. For the first time, the Magic Keyboard includes a function row with easy access to shortcuts for screen brightness and media controls.

It also now features an aluminum palm rest, not quite the entire aluminum MacBook deck emulation I was hoping for, but the new, larger trackpad is a welcome addition.

That's pretty much all Apple had to say on this accessory, and I was certainly hoping for more from it. Aesthetically, I can't complain. The all-new Magic Keyboard does look pretty great, it just doesn't seem quite as all-new as claimed to be.

I was hoping for something that would eventually measure up to Apple's ambitious pricing for the Magic Keyboard, but I'm not entirely sold on this being it.

The Apple Magic Keyboard is available to pre-order now from the Apple homepage and will be available from May 15 for $299 for the 11-inch model and $349 for the 13-inch model.

Apple Magic Pencil Pro

While the Magic Keyboard didn't impress me all that much, I can't say the same for the new Apple Pencil Pro, an accessory seemingly designed to give Apple the license to print money at will.

It feels like only hours ago when I was telling you all how difficult it must be to innovate on the pencil (it was only hours ago, after all), and yet somehow Apple has made it look easy with the Pencil Pro.

The staples are all here, a return of Apple Pencil Hover, tilt sensitivity, pressure sensitivity, pixel-perfect precision, and low latency responsiveness. However, the Pencil's newest features steal the show with the Squeeze detection offering a hot bar of sorts for rapid tool selection and haptic feedback giving subtle vibrations to indicate on-device snaps or selections.

Most impressive of all is Barrel roll, a gyroscope-enabled feature that accurately detects rotations for precise control over shaped brushes. This is an excellent feature when paired with Hover and promises to make the new Apple Pencil Pro the premiere stylus of choice for digital artists.

The Apple Pencil Pro is available to pre-order now from the Apple homepage and will be available from May 15 for $129 with free personalization.

Apple 'Let Loose' iPad event: What did we get wrong?

We had a lot of predictions going into this event, and it's easy to spot where you got things right. But where did our predictions go wrong, and are they something we can look forward to in the future?

Apple iPad Air (M2)

When it comes to the iPad Air, we didn't have many expectations. This was more of a simple refresh, and pretty much directly in line with our assumptions. We also caught wind of the 13-inch model early on, which was proven right today. What we didn't see coming was the height of its improved storage options, now offering up to 1TB of storage.

This is something we're more than happy to welcome to the iPad Air line, as there's never any harm to giving users more space to make use of. We'd expect the 2TB option to remain with the Pro line for now, but we'd love to see the iPad Air eventually adopt the new Ultra Retina XDR display. However, given the chance, we'd be more than happy for Apple to dive right in with its Micro-LED panels.

Apple iPad Pro (M4)

While we had heard the rumor that the iPad Pro would receive the M4 chip, I can't tell you that we were 100% convinced, regardless of how trusted the source of that information is.

However, while it seemed like an outside possibility, it remained a possibility, and it's one that's come to fruition. We also expected the iPad Pro to feature an OLED panel for the first time, and that has also been proven true. The same goes for the 2TB storage option and the switch to 11-inch and 13-inch models.

What can we hope for more of in the future? A continued push to keep the iPad Pro at a parallel with MacBook and retain its access to top of the line Apple silicon chips. That would be most welcomed.

Apple Magic Keyboard

The Magic Keyboard is maybe the single disappointment from today's show. While everything Apple had to show lines up with our information, I was personally hoping for a little more.

From early reports, I was hoping for something that was a little bit closer to a modular component for the iPad Pro that resulted in a much more familiar MacBook experience.

It's something I'd love to see from Apple eventually. A full emulation of the MacBook deck for iPad, speakers included. Maybe then I could justify the Magic Keyboard's mighty price tag. That would be the Magic Keyboard Pro I'd want to see anyway.

Apple Pencil Pro

While we went digging through Apple patents to try to get the jump on the Apple Pencil Pro, we weren't successful in predicting the Barrel Roll feature or support for Find My, which promises to ensure you never lose your iPad peripheral again.

Squeeze was a feature we saw coming, but we weren't entirely sure how it would be used. This pop-up menu control seems impressively intuitive and should make digital artists incredibly happy by noticeably speeding up workflows.

Could we see some of our predicted Pencil Pro features like swiping gestures come to future models? Potentially! Apple have the technology to put it into action, and with tap and double tap controls already in place, and a wider push towards capacitive controls, it's not out of the question.

Our coverage continues!

Apple's "Let Loose" event has drawn to a close, but our coverage continues! Check out the following Laptop Mag articles to dive further into today's announcements:

• iPad Pro M4 vs. iPad Air 6: Which new iPad will be right for you?
• Is the new iPad Pro M4 good enough to replace your laptop?
• iPad Air 6 vs. Air 5: Should you upgrade?
• The new Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro: Everything you need to know

Apple's new iPad M2 and iPad Pro M3/M4 models are likely to steal the show at the upcoming 'Let Loose' event on May 7. However, there's a reason that the Apple Pencil is placed front and center on the showcase's artwork.

There's long been word that the new Apple Pencil will feature interchangeable magnetic tips, allowing users to choose which tip (typically differentiated by hardness) suits them best for any given task. This means having a softer nib available for digital painting, and harder nibs for more defined or technical drawings—similar to the offerings of the excellent Adonit Note+ 2 stylus.

Then, earlier in April 2024, the Apple aficionados at iMore revealed that stylus-based gesture controls would be heading to the iPad, with support added to the code of the iPadOS 17.5 beta. Two of these gestures were identified as a long squeeze and a double squeeze, indicating that the new Apple Pencil could allow users to make inputs without ever having to move out of their chosen grip. That's great, but that's not all.

Yesterday, April 28, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman revealed that the new Apple Pencil would feature haptic feedback for the first time. What is haptic feedback? A simple way to think of this is the way your phone might subtly vibrate as you press the keys on a virtual keyboard or how a game controller like the PS5's DualSense delivers a 'rumble' response to in-game actions.

Haptic feedback simulates a physical response using vibrations and is a great way of communicating physical feedback to an action performed by a user—especially on devices without mechanical buttons or switches.

Reinventing the Pencil

While these two Apple Pencil additions may seem small, placing touch-sensitive controls on the stylus could have a massive impact on its functionality. However, it's hard to say exactly how much things would change without further information.

Luckily, we may already have that information available to us—all contained within Apple's June 14, 2022 filings of patents US-11360616-B1 and US-11360560-B2. Don't worry, I'll spare you the long read and technical jargon.

Both patents pertain to potential Apple Pencil features that include touch-based inputs with haptic feedback and compressive force sensors. In layman's terms, an Apple pencil that lets you interact with "virtual" buttons by swiping, tapping, or squeezing.

This could mean changing your brush size by simply swiping your index finger backward while holding the pencil, squeezing the Pencil to quickly activate the eraser tool, or tapping/double-tapping the Pencil to access Undo or Redo functions.

Outlook

These Apple Pencil innovations could mean less time tapping around menus, or and more time actively working on whatever project is at hand. It could also mean that buttons are no more for the Apple Pencil, with these touch-sensitive controls taking the place of any physical switches.

Yes, it's not quite on the same level of hardware excitement as new M2, M3, and potentially even M4-touting iPads, but this is a considerable step up for Apple's accessories—and would pair very nicely with rumors of a total overhaul for the iPad's Magic Keyboard.

The only questions remaining is when we can expect to see Apple's next-gen stylus and how much it will cost. While it's practically a certainty that we'll see it unveiled during the 'Let Loose' event on May 7, will it be released alongside the iPads showcased? We can't say for sure, but it's highly likely that Apple will be aiming for the trifecta of iPad, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil.

As for price, we've no indication of the new Apple Pencil's MSRP, not even a hint. The latest Apple Pencil to release was a USB-C refit which came in at under $100. Given its limited feature set when compared to this potential new offering, I'd expect Apple to push the price tag of its new Pencil above the $100 barrier once more. However, by how much, we can't say for sure.

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After announcing the 'Let Loose' event for May 7, Apple is now setting the wheels in motion for the hype-train to build up momentum. While we can expect new M2-donning iPad Airs and M3-equipped iPad Pros to appear at May's pre-taped showcase, Tim Cook took to X to whet our appetite a little more as we eagerly await a fresh bite of the Apple.

Marketing budgets, be damned! Sometimes all it takes is a brief word from your company figurehead to set the news cycle alight. Apple's popular CEO was short on words and even shorter on subtlety when he sent out the call to "Pencil us in for May 7! ✏ #AppleEvent."

Following this brief teaser is a short animation of the 'Let Loose' event's key art, which depicts the Apple logo drawn through several styles and designs—leaving no room for misinterpretation, and nothing for the second date. It's clear. There'll be big news ahead for the Apple Pencil.

Pencil us in, too

Color me in-trigued, especially since it wasn't long ago that Apple gave its popular stylus a universal upgrade for iPad owners—a USB-C refresh with M2 Hover functionality, tilt-sensitivity, and a tempting price tag of just $79.

Whether we can expect an all-new Apple Pencil touting brand spanking new features, or if we can expect a USB-C refit for a more feature-flush model remains to be seen. However, artists, designers, and doodlers alike should pay close attention to the May 7 event for a chance to 'Let Loose' with a fresh new accessory for iPad.

Laptop Mag will, of course, be keeping you up to speed with all of the information surrounding Apple's upcoming event and everything showcased throughout. So be sure to follow us on on X, Facebook, and Flipboard for the latest word as it arrives.

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Apple announced on Tuesday that it will hold a "Let Loose" event on May 7 at 7 a.m. Pacific/10 a.m. Eastern.

The event is expected to unveil the new iPad Pro and Air models and possibly updated iPad accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. 

This event is coming only a month before WWDC 2024 on June 10, when the company will unveil its latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, and watchOS. 

But this event will be all about the hardware, so here's what we expect to see at Apple's "Let Loose" event.

Apple's Let Loose event: What to expect

Apple's Let Loose event goes live on Tuesday, May 7 at 7AM PT / 10AM ET / 2PM GMT and can be watched on Apple's website, Apple TV, or YouTube. And since the company is no stranger to leaks, the industry has tons of information on what's going to be at the show.

New iPad and iPad Pro

The two heavily rumored iPad Pro models should be the stars of the show. The current iPad Pro features an M2, so we once expected the new models to be built with M3 chips inside. However, a new rumor from Mark Gurman suggests that the iPad Pro models will actually be built with an M4, beginning Apple's AI-focused future earlier than expected.

Beyond that, rumors suggest that the iPad Pro could finally feature an OLED panel. In a rare positive note for iPad Pro pricing, the speculation is that the base model will still start below $1,000.

We also anticipate two iPad Air models being shown off, likely featuring an M2 chip and finally moving from an LCD panel to mini-LED. However, we don't know much else about these tablets.

New Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil

A new Magic Keyboard is likely coming, with Mark Gurman reporting that it will feature a larger trackpad, one of our few complaints about the current Magic Keyboard (beyond the price).

The new Magic Keyboard is said to emulate the iconic deck of the MacBook, even featuring an aluminum body—hoping to emulate the laptop experience much more closely.

However, it won't emulate the MacBook entirely, with its cantilever support and hinge-based USB-C port remaining.

Thanks to a recent, not-so-subtle post from Apple CEO Tim Cook on X, we also expect the Apple Pencil to feature quite heavily. The marketing around the 'Let Loose' event focuses on drawing and art, and the Apple Pencil is clearly present in the core artwork.

We're not sure if this means a further USB-C refresh is coming to more Apple Pencil models or if we'll see something brand new, but we do know Apple Pencil support for visionOS is reportedly coming in the future according to MacRumors.

We've also come across several impending features to be added to the Apple Pencil in its latest release, including touch-based controls for swiping, tapping, and squeezing gesture inputs and the inclusion of haptic feedback for the first time.

If there is anything else announced at the event, it will be an actual surprise. But considering WWDC 2024 and "Let Loose" are so close together, we don't expect much more than what is already predicted.

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Update 3/7/24: Read our 13-inch MacBook Air M3 hands-on and 15-inch MacBook Air M3 hands-on for an early look at our first impressions and lab test results for the latest MacBooks.

Apple has just unveiled its latest M3 MacBook Air laptops, but there's still more to come with March service as a launching pad for several upcoming Apple products including new iPad Pro and iPad models.

If you're waiting for Apple to announce an upcoming event at which it plans to showcase these devices, don't hold your breath. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is adopting a low-key approach to this spate of releases, leaning heavily on digital marketing through a series of video releases and marketing campaigns.

So keep your eyes peeled on Laptop Mag for more big releases from Apple and let's dive into what we can look forward to in the coming weeks.

MacBook Air M3

Apple has already made one announcement this month: the new M3 MacBook Air. Apple's new 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air models start at $1,099 and $1,299 respectively and will be available from March 8.

Both laptops feature MagSafe 3 and Thunderbolt 3 / USB4 charging at up to 70W, Liquid Retina Displays, up to 24GB of unified memory, and up to 2TB of storage.

Of course, the star of the show is Apple's M3 chip, which offers up to a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine for top-tier portable performance.

Paired with a lithium-polymer battery that offers up to 18 hours of uptime to each device, Apple's new M3 MacBook Air models are some of the best offerings from the company to date. 

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iPad Pro (OLED)

Apple is expected to unveil two new iPad Pro models featuring OLED displays and its latest M3 chipset.

Beyond these two highlight features, the latest iPad models are also expected to include design tweaks that see the front camera moved to the 'horizontal' edge of the tablet; a redesigned rear camera array; a new, thinner chassis; and MagSafe wireless charging.

These new iPad Pro models are expected to top off a long-overdue update by breaking tradition and featuring 11-inch and 13-inch form factors.

iPad Air (12.9-inch)

Apple is going large with its iPad Air this year, reportedly bringing the 12.9-inch form factor of its iPad Pro models to its more budget-friendly tablet lineup.

Don't expect much further overlap, however. It's likely that, to keep the Air and Pro iPad lineups distinct from one another, the new 12.9-inch iPad Air will make use of Apple's last-gen M2 chip.

Also launching alongside the new 12.9-inch iPad Air is said to be a much more familiar 10.9-inch model that will also feature the M2 chip as well as the same tweaks in design.

iPad accessories

Rumors have pointed toward a Magic Keyboard refresh for certain iPad models that will deliver a much closer laptop-like experience than before. This new Magic Keyboard is said to feature an aluminum build with a larger MacBook Pro-like trackpad. With Apple reportedly preparing to launch a new Magic Keyboard accessory this month, it's likely we could finally see this product come to light.

Another accessory rumored to feature among Apple's new releases is another new Apple Pencil. Word on what exactly makes this new peripheral different from the rest of the lineup is scarce, however, it could potentially be a fully-featured USB-C version of Apple's popular stylus.

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Black Friday is practically upon us already, leaping through the foggy Victorian landscape of the internet and slashing prices like its name was Spring-heeled Jack. I'm no Sherlock Holmes, but I'd say now might be the opportune moment to strike while the iron is hot and secure yourself some fantastic tech at their lowest prices to date. Case in point, the Adonit Note+2 iPad Stylus for $49 (deal applies at checkout)!

I've had the Adonit Note+2 in my filthy mitts recently where it reignited within me the joy of painting on my iPad Pro. Bob Ross would be proud. It's a cheaper yet feature-rich alternative to the Apple Pencil and compatible with just about every iPad that's been released so far. I loved it, and you might love it too. If you want to see for yourself then check out the deal below!

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Today's best Adonit Note+ 2 deal

Apple has been hotly tipped to drop new iPads on us soon, and they’ve just whetted our appetite with a new Apple Pencil – offering a universal upgrade to its superior stylus.

The new Apple Pencil is focused around the adoption of the USB-C port, cleverly tucked away behind its retractable top, and it caters to a far wider audience thanks to a friendlier price tag than its first and second-generation counterparts.

So when can we expect to get our hands on one, how much will it cost, and what does it do? Let’s find out.

Apple Pencil: Release date and price 

According to the brand’s recent press release, the new Apple Pencil will be released in early November for $79. However, education pricing is available to students (and their parents) and faculty of all grades for just $69. 

Apple Pencil: Compatibility 

Apple’s soon-to-be-released stylus is compatible with any iPad featuring a USB-C port, including: 

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch: 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation models
• iPad Pro 11-inch: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation models
• iPad Air: 4th and 5th generation models
• iPad: 10th generation model
• iPad mini 6: 6th generation model

Apple Pencil: Features

Quit using your digits like some cave painting neanderthal, take your tablet game to the next level with the Apple Pencil’s dynamic feature set – allowing pixel-perfect accuracy and angle-sensitive flourishes in your inputs.

A top stylus can make all the difference for note taking, image editing, and art. So, what tools does the new Apple Pencil have on hand to make your next masterpiece more Vitruvian than stick man?

• The new Apple Pencil pairs and charges via USB-C, making it a great fit for Apple’s later iPad models. You’ll now be able to quickly top up both devices using the same cable, 
• Magnetically snap your Apple Pencil to the side of your iPad when you’re done. The sturdy magnets will keep your peripheral pen in place, and automatically enter it into a sleep state that conserves battery life.
• Sketch with a sense of accuracy and responsiveness thanks to low latency pairing and pixel-perfect precision from the Apple Pencil’s fine-point tip and tilt sensitivity for effortless shading.
• Trace and line-up every stroke with ease as you use the Apple Pencil’s hover functionality on M2 iPad Pro models.

Outlook

Apple’s latest Pencil peripheral makes the swanky stylus more accessible than ever thanks to a lower price tag and wide compatibility. It also brings a number of key features from the second generation Apple Pencil, such as hover, while making the transition to USB-C.

It might not have been the iPad announcement some where hoping for, but there’s still time left for those rumors to play out and this works as a great appetizer if these devices are actually on their way.

If you need a new iPad and don't want to wait for Amazon's October Prime Day sale, here's a deal for you. Right now, you can get the 12.9-inch iPad Pro M2 for $999from the online retailer. It usually fetches $1,099, so that's $100 in savings and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro lowest price to date. 

It's also one of the best iPad deals we've seen outside of Black Friday. 

Today's best iPad Pro deal

Apple's 6th generation 12.9- inch iPad Pro brings faster performance to its big screen tablet. Super-charged with Apple's powerful M2 chip, it's powerful enough to replace your laptop (keyboard sold separately) The iPad Pro in this deal features a 12.9 inch (2388 x 1668) Liquid Retina XDR display, M2 8-core CPU, 8GB of RAM 10-core GPU and 128GB of storage. . 

In our 12.9-inch iPad Pro M2 review, we praise its incredible display, strong performance and impressive speakers. We also liked its killer cameras and decent battery life. We gave the 12.9-inch iPad Pro M2 and a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5-stars and our Editor's Choice Award. During real-world use, our reviewer notes, "The Apple iPad Pro's 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR (2732 x 2048) display is the prettiest screen I've seen on a tablet and it's made all the better thanks to its adaptive 120Hz refresh rate."

Port-wise, the iPad Pro M2 supplies you with a USB-C connector with support for Thunderbolt / USB 4. Plus, it supports Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio as well as Apple Pencil 2. 

Now $100 off, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro M2 is a solid buy if you want a premium productivity tablet. Quantities are low, so we recommend you act fast!

Apple last released a redesigned Apple Pencil in 2018, which featured a new matte finish and a handful of other improvements. We've been expecting some improvements to the Pencil for some time now, and it appears our wishes could soon come true. 

Apple leaker MrWhite recently tweeted a photo of what may be the upcoming third-generation Apple Pencil. It's hard to see from the photo if there have been any major design changes. You will notice that it has a glossy finish instead of the matte finish on the Apple Pencil 2. 

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The second thing we noticed is the tip seems a bit larger and the body looks longer, which could mean a hardware change and an upgrade in capabilities. With Apple moving to Mini LED displays, it would make sense for Apple to redesign the Pencil.

Rumor has it that Apple will be unveiling a new iPad Pro at an upcoming event this March, so it could be possible that a new Apple Pencil is announced to go along with it. What improvements or refinements could have Apple come up with is the burning question we hope to have the answers to soon. 

Find yourself drawn to the arts this past year? This Verizon Cyber Monday deal can help you out with the Apple Pencil.

Currently, Verizon has the 1st Gen Apple Pencil on sale for $79.99(add to cart to show price). Normally, this iPad Pro accessory retails for $100, so that's $20 off its regular price. That's just $1 shy of its all-time low price and one of the best Apple Cyber Monday deals you can get. It also undercuts Amazon's current asking price by $14.

• Best Apple Cyber Monday 2020 Deals

Apple leads in creative use products, and the 1st Generation Apple Pencil is a testament to that leadership. Being packed from end-to-end with 3D spatial and pressure sensing technology, the Apple Pencil certainly knows how to adapt to any style or task the user puts it to. 

Intuitively designed with a sleek 9.7 inch build, this Cyber Monday treat is perfect for any day, anytime use. Be it writing down notes for finals or making sure your blueprint is drawn seamlessly, Apple Pencil's 12 hour battery won't let you down. And when you're done, its Lightning connection ensures fast recharge for getting right back to the action.

There's no telling how long this deal will last so be sure to grab yourself this capable iPad companion while you still can. 

Cyber Monday deals are in full swing with tons of discounts on today's best mobile gadgets. Be sure to keep an eye on our Cyber Monday hub for the best sales of the season.  

The Apple Pencil is a stylus that offers a lightweight design and buttery smooth drawing with nearly no lag or latency, but it's got one terrible flaw. Charging the Apple Pencil is the worst, but it might be getting better soon for the long-rumored Apple Pencil 2.

To charge the current Apple Pencil, you either need to stick it directly into the Lightning port on the bottom of the iPad, which has always looked and felt terrible — as if you're setting yourself up to snap it off the tablet. The other option is to plug the Pencil's included lightning adapter into the Stylus, and plug a Lightning cable into that. Neither is good. 

MORE: Apple's Oct. 30 Event: What to Expect from Mac, iPad and More

Fortunately, a late-breaking report from leaker Benjamin Geskin says that Apple's going to add a "new charging method," in the "Apple Pencil 2018." Expect to see confirmation (or repudiation) of this rumor tomorrow, as we expect Apple to show off the new Pencil alongside the new iPad Pros at its Brooklyn, NY event on Oct. 30. 

While Geskin didn't specifically say this new method will be better, it would be hard for Apple to find a way to make a worse way to charge its stylus.  

Geskin's other notes about the new Apple Pencil — which hasn't been updated since its original Nov. 2015 release — state "Design is even more minimalistic, the silver rail on top is now gone," that Apple will add tap and swipe gestures to the barrel of the Pencil and that the accessory will magnetically attach "to the new iPad."

The best case scenario, if you ask me, is if the Pencil charged while it was magnetically attached. The new iPad Pros will likely feature a new design with a thinner bezel, no home button and Face ID.

Credit: Laptop Mag

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