We’re nonetheless nicely over a month out from WWDC, however Apple went forward and snuck in one other occasion. On Tuesday, Could 7 at 7AM PT/10AM ET, the corporate is about to unveil the most recent additions to the iPad line. In keeping with the rumor mill, that listing contains: a brand new iPad Professional, iPad Air, Apple Pencil and a keyboard case.

Extra surprisingly, the occasion can also see the launch of the brand new M4 chip, a little bit over six months after the corporate unveiled three new M3 chips in a single fell swoop. Why the fast silicon refresh? Nicely, for starters, phrase on the road is that Apple launched the M3 later than anticipated (seemingly owing to provide chain points), forcing the corporate to launch all three chips on the similar occasion.

Picture Credit: Apple

Couple that with the truth that Microsoft is rumored to be launching its personal third-party silicon at Construct on the finish of Could, and also you begin to perceive why the corporate opted to not wait. An announcement could also be much more urgent, provided that the Microsoft/ARM chips are stated to supply “industry-leading efficiency” — obvious shot throughout Apple’s bow. May a brand new chip additionally imply new Macs? That may be a brief refresh cycle for the present crop, however it’s actually not out of the realm of risk.

What does appear sure, nevertheless, is a brand new iPad Professional with an OLED show, a 12.9-inch iPad Air and new gestures for the Apple Pencil. Additionally, count on lots of AI chatter. It’s 2024, in spite of everything. You’ll be able to watch alongside dwell on the hyperlink beneath, and keep tuned to TechCrunch for information because it breaks.