A new array of iPads at Apple: the technology giant introduced its new tablet series, in an attempt to breathe life into its slow market. In an event pre-recorded live from its headquarters in Cupertino, California, the company introduced the latest versions of the iPad Pro and iPad Air, as well as the new Apple Pencil Pro.
CEO Tim Cook opened the event and called the products "the biggest day for the iPad since its introduction". At the heart of the new iPad Pro is the new M4 processor that provides 4 times the performance of the existing iPad Pro models. Considering the array of Apple's latest MacBook computers that run on the M3 chip, The new chip is strong and will also be suitable for the artificial intelligence technologies that Apple intends to incorporate into its products and will present them this June at its annual global developer conference.
Another innovation that Apple incorporated is in the front camera of the iPad Pro: they follow the subjects, creating depth and dynamics so that the camera gives the effect of movement that follows the character when he remains in the center, an effect that is particularly effective for conference calls. The new iPad Pro comes in two sizes: 11 inches and 13 inches. Apple said the 11-inch model is its thinnest yet, at 5.1mm thick, with the display combining two OLED panels to maximize brightness. The iPad Pro comes in two finishes, silver and space black, and costs $999.
Apple also introduced the iPad Air, which comes in the same two sizes: 11-inch ($599) and 13-inch ($799). The larger size, inspired by the larger-screen iPad Pro, has 30% more screen real estate than the 11-inch screen. The iPad Air is powered by Apple's custom M2 processor with an engine 50% faster than the previous iPad Air. The company said the chip will better support AI-powered software. It also includes a front camera.
The event also featured the new Apple Pencil that will cost $129, with a new click function known as "haptic" that will allow users to customize drawing layers, feel the clicks and display additional work tools on the screen. The pencil will also support "find it" technology so that it can be located in case it is lost.
Apple also introduced a redesigned "Magic Keyboard" with a haptic trackpad - also sensitive to touch - to make the iPad more and more like a laptop. The company has also added apps that will allow you to add sound based on artificial intelligence or make video edits with AI. The new product line will be available for pre-order in the US starting next week.
The event comes just days after Apple reported its iPad revenue of $5.6 billion last quarter, a 17% drop from last year. However, the company said it expects its iPad business to grow in the June quarter.
On the other hand, the company last week reported revenues of $90.8 billion in the first quarter, a 4% year-over-year decrease, as the technology giant continues to struggle with growth challenges, especially in China, amid an uncertain economic environment. It announced a $110 billion share buyback - the most extensive in the company's history - in the shadow of a 10% drop in iPhone sales.