Apple’s upcoming “Let Loose” event on May 7 has the tech world abuzz with anticipation. The spotlight is firmly on the iPad, as evidenced by the event’s imagery. Reports suggest a significant refresh for both the iPad Pro and iPad Air lines, with a renewed focus on their core accessories: the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
The Apple Pencil could be poised for its first significant update in several years. Code discovered within iPadOS 17.4 suggests the integration of Find My support, a feature currently utilized by AirTags and AirPods. This functionality would enable users to locate misplaced Pencils with ease, addressing a longstanding pain point.
The most intriguing rumor surrounding the next Apple Pencil revolves around the potential introduction of a modular tip system. This system would leverage magnetic attachment to facilitate the use of various specialized tips in domains like illustration, technical drawing, and artistic painting. Each tip could be constructed from a unique material with properties tailored to specific workflows. For instance, a technical drawing tip might be crafted from a hard material to deliver precise lines, while an artistic painting tip could feature a textured surface to mimic the feel of a traditional brush.
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The potential addition aligns with hints found in the iPadOS 17.4 code, suggesting a revamped PencilKit API for developers. This API could allow for the creation of tools specifically optimized for the attached tip type. Notably, this development would further differentiate the Apple Pencil 3 from the recently released USB-C Apple Pencil, which lacked features like pressure sensitivity and wireless charging.
The Magic Keyboard is also rumored to be receiving an upgrade. The most significant change involves a material shift from the current polyurethane construction to aluminum for the keyboard area. This alteration would bring the Magic Keyboard into closer aesthetic alignment with MacBooks, potentially resulting in a more premium look and a more robust build quality as Apple seeks to make the iPad more laptop-like.
Further rumors suggest a larger trackpad and the inclusion of a single, strategically placed USB-C port within the hinge. However, a potential trade-off exists. The adoption of aluminum could translate to a price increase, pushing the current $300 price tag upwards.
While the “Let Loose” event is expected to unveil the new iPad Pro and iPad Air, details surrounding the upgraded accessories remain under speculation. The event’s invitation image, prominently featuring an Apple Pencil, further fuels speculation about the rumored upgrades.
