Journalist Mark Gurman’s latest column for Bloomberg reports that Apple is preparing to launch new models of iPad Pro and iPad Air during the week of May 6th.

The new products will include 11-inch and 13-inch OLED iPad Pro models, as well as a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air. Additionally, there may be simultaneous releases of a new smart keyboard and Apple Pencil 3. This event is poised to be Apple’s most significant iPad hardware launch to date, as it has been nearly 18 months since the last iPad hardware release.

The new iPad Pro will feature an OLED display, replacing the Mini LED, offering deeper color contrast and brightness. There are also expected updates to the design, potentially making the device thinner, and relocating the front camera to the side bezel. The new iPad Pro will also be equipped with the M3 processor.

With a series of specification upgrades, prices are likely to increase. Gurman confirms that the iPad Pro prices may rise. The previous 11-inch iPad Pro started at $799, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro started at $1,099.

The new 12.9-inch iPad Air will be more affordable, providing a larger screen than the existing 10.9-inch iPad Air. However, it’s not yet clear whether the new iPad Air will adopt the M2 or M3 chip as an upgrade from the M1 processor.

In terms of accessories, the latest iPadOS beta code has leaked details about a new Apple Pencil with “squeeze” gesture capabilities. The new smart keyboard for iPad Pro will also feature an aluminum base and a larger trackpad, offering a user experience closer to that of a laptop.

As for the standard iPad and iPad mini, updates are expected later this year. However, Gurman speculates that the iPad mini will only receive minor upgrades, likely focusing on processor specifications.

(Image source: Apple)