Apple's new iPad is finally coming!Released in early May, OLED screen, 12.9 inches debuted

Apple product timeline: New iPad released in early May to boost tablet sales. On June 10, the Worldwide Developers Conference will be held to showcase AI strategies and new technologies.

On March 28, the media quoted people familiar with the matter as saying that Apple plans to officially release the upgraded version of the new iPad Pro and iPad Air in early May, of which the Pro model will be equipped with a clearer OLED display, and the iPad Air will launch a 12.9-inch screen option for the first time. In addition, Apple's overseas suppliers have ramped up production of the highly anticipated new iPad ahead of its release in May.

There have been about 18 months since the iPad was last updated, and this gap has led to weak demand for tablets as a whole. Although iPad sales have risen during the pandemic, Apple has seen a decline in iPad sales over the past two fiscal years, each ending in September. During the recent holiday season, when iPads were usually a welcome gift, sales saw another 25% year-over-year decline.

This iPad update may end the iPad's 18-month history of not releasing a new model. And, Apple hopes that the new iPad, with faster processors and new accessories, will rekindle interest in tablets and boost tablet sales.

The Pro and Air series ushered in a big update: it is equipped with an M3 chip and a larger screen

It is reported that there are four new iPad Pro models, namely J717, J718, J720 and J721. These new models will be powered by the new M3 chip and will support the redesigned Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. This update is the first full facelift of the series since 2018.

Meanwhile, the iPad Air was last updated in 2022 with the M1 chip. According to reports, the new iPad Air will come with a new processor. In addition, the new iPad Air will be available in a 12.9-inch screen size option, which means that consumers can get a large-screen iPad at a lower price than the higher-end Pro series.

Currently, the iPad Air starts at $599 because the Pro series offers higher-end performance, while the Pro series costs $200 more than the Air series.

Apple had planned to release the new iPad in late March or early April, but the release was delayed due to the fact that the software was being perfected for the device and the screen of the latest iPad required complex new manufacturing techniques.

Apple plans to release new products in early May, a month before Apple's 35th Worldwide Developers Conference. On June 10, Apple plans to kick off a week-long Worldwide Developers Conference, where it is expected to unveil Apple's AI strategy and software updates for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac and Vision Pro headsets.