Apple's biggest announcements from its iPad event: brighter screen, faster chips and Pencil Pro

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA: Apple on Tuesday revealed its latest generation of iPad Pros and Airs — models that will feature faster processors, new sizes, and a new display system, marking the company's first update to its tablet lineup in over a year.

The showcase, held at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, follows the company's disclosure of its sharpest quarterly decline in iPhone sales since the onset of the pandemic, exacerbating a slump that is putting pressure on the trendsetting company to revamp its products. Apple is anticipated to make a significant impact next month during an annual conference dedicated to the latest versions of its operating systems for iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers — software that analysts predict will be loaded with more artificial intelligence technology.

Both lines of new iPads introduce enhancements and have adjusted prices accordingly. The iPad Pro features a new slimmer design, a new M4 processor for increased processing power, slightly upgraded storage, and incorporates dual OLED panels for a brighter, sharper display. Prices have been raised to reflect its new offerings, with the 11-inch model priced at $999 and the 13-inch model at $1,299.

The new iPad Air boasts a faster M2 chip, a new design, increased base storage, a new 13-inch display option, and a repositioned camera. It will also support the use of the new Apple Pencil Pro, a feature previously exclusive to the Pro models. The 11-inch display will retail for $599 while the new 13-inch model will be priced at $799.

However, Apple did announce a price reduction for its 10th generation iPad, which will now retail for $349, down from $449.

Apple is striving to stimulate demand for iPads after its tablet sales plummeted by 17% from last year during the January-March period. Since its debut in 2010, which helped redefine the tablet market, the iPad has become a minor contributor to Apple's success, currently accounting for just 6% of the company's sales.

"The enhancements were both necessary and predictable, in a maintenance sort of way, and may help stem some of the revenue loss in that product line," said Forrester Research analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee, commenting on the new iPads. "But it's nothing to get terribly excited about."

All the new models will be available in stores starting May 15, with preorders commencing on Tuesday.

By RSS/AP

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