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Apple is set to hold its first event of the year – and update its iPads after more than a year of silence.
The company is set to hold a livestreamed launch, titled “Let Loose”, during which it is expected to unveil new products.
The invitations prominently featured references to the Apple Pencil, and that stylus is widely expected to get an upgrade. But Apple is rumoured to be working on new versions of many of its iPads, too.
That may include a total redesign for the iPad Pro, which has not been updated since October 2022 and uses a look first introduced in 2018. It is also said to receive a major screen upgrade and perhaps Apple’s first chip marketed specifically for AI use.
The iPad Air is also rumoured to be getting an upgrade, with its own chip and other improvements.
While Apple is rumoured to be focusing on the iPad at the event, it may also choose to give an update on the Vision Pro. That headset was released earlier this year – but is still only available in the US.
Watch Apple event live stream
You can watch the full live stream of today’s Apple event here:
Anthony Cuthbertson7 May 2024 14:55
Tim Cook says ‘take note’
Finally making his customary pre-event post, Apple chief executive Tim Cook writes on X: “Take note!”
Anthony Cuthbertson7 May 2024 14:52
Build-up to Let Loose event is quieter than usual
There’s less than an hour to go until Apple’s Let Loose event gets underway and the space is beginning to fill up.
Unlike other major product events, Apple’s online store is yet to go dark in the build up. It is one of several indications that there might not be any major news or unveilings today – beyond what we’re already expecting.
Another clue is that the ‘Apple Event’ hashtag on X (formerly Twitter) doesn’t have a custom animation, while CEO Tim Cook also hasn’t posted his customary greeting in the hours leading up to the event.
Anthony Cuthbertson7 May 2024 14:25
When will the event start?
The event begins at 7am Apple’s local pacific time. That’s very early – they usually start at 10am pacific. Apple hasn’t said why it has changed the schedule. It might have something to do with ensuring people can watch in Asia (where sales have been flagging) or it might be because it is hosting international events including in London (where we’ll be reporting from, live, later).
7am pacific time is 10am eastern time, or 3pm here in the UK.
Andrew Griffin7 May 2024 12:26
How to watch launch live
Apple hosts the Apple event on platforms including its own website. But YouTube is often the best place to watch – it’s compatible with everything, and you can set yourself a reminder for when the launch will kick off. You can find the video below.
Andrew Griffin7 May 2024 12:24
Everything to expect at Apple’s big event
It’s going to be iPads – and lots of them. But there might also be some surprises in store. Here’s everything we expect to be announced today.
Andrew Griffin7 May 2024 12:23
Hello and welcome…
… to The Independent’s coverage of Apple’s “Let Loose” event.
Andrew Griffin7 May 2024 12:20