The May 7 Apple Event is more important than you think

Luke Miani
23 Apr 202408:11

TLDRThe May 7 Apple Event is anticipated to be pivotal for the iPad lineup, with expectations of new iPads being unveiled. It's been over 18 months since any significant updates to the iPad, with the last major update being the M1 iPad Pro in 2020. The current iPads, including the 2018 models, are still considered high-performing, leading to a lack of urgency for consumers to upgrade. The event comes just a month before WWDC, where Apple typically reveals new software features. There are rumors of hardware improvements such as OLED displays, a redesigned thinner enclosure, and possibly mag safe wireless charging. However, the real challenge is seen in software enhancements that will differentiate the iPad from other Apple devices and justify its existence as a third category device. The potential trickle-down of features like the mini LED display to the iPad Air is also a point of interest, with concerns about potential price increases for the Pro models. The summary highlights the importance of significant software updates to truly elevate the iPad experience and the anticipation surrounding the event's announcements.

Takeaways

  • 📅 The May 7 Apple Event is focused on iPads, which have not seen an update since the M2 iPad Pros were announced in October 2022.
  • 🚀 It's been over 18 months since any iPad model was refreshed, and more than 3 years since a major update, which is unusual for Apple's product cycle.
  • 🤔 The current iPads, including the 2018 models, are still considered high-quality and capable, leading to less demand for new models.
  • 📱 The iPad is in a unique position where it's sometimes seen as too good, with users not feeling the need to upgrade frequently.
  • 💻 The event comes just one month before WWDC, where Apple typically unveils new software features, raising questions about software improvements for the iPad.
  • 📈 There are hardware rumors suggesting new OLED displays, thinner designs, matte screen options, and mag safe wireless charging for the iPad.
  • 🎨 The iPad is increasingly positioned as a tool for creativity, with heavy emphasis on the Apple Pencil and its use for artistic endeavors.
  • 📉 A common sentiment among users is that the iPad is unnecessary when a Mac with similar capabilities can be purchased for a similar price.
  • 📈 The trickle-down effect is expected, with features like the mini LED display moving from iPad Pro to iPad Air, potentially in a new 13-inch size.
  • 💰 There's concern that the introduction of new features could lead to increased pricing for iPad Pro models.
  • 📈 The starting price of the iPad has significantly increased over the years, with the iPad Pro 12.9 now nearly as expensive as a MacBook Pro.

Q & A

  • When is the Apple event mentioned in the transcript scheduled to take place?

    -The Apple event is scheduled to take place on May 7th.

  • What type of Apple products are expected to be released at the event?

    -New iPads are expected to be released at the event.

  • How long has it been since the last significant update to the iPad?

    -It has been more than 18 months since any iPad has been updated, and more than 3 years since the iPad received a major update.

  • What is the current state of the iPad in the market according to the speaker?

    -The iPad is in a weird place, with many users not seeing a need to upgrade due to the lasting quality of older models.

  • What is the longest period that Apple has gone without updating an iPad?

    -Apple has never gone an entire calendar year without updating an iPad until now.

  • What is the concern regarding the timing of the event in relation to WWDC?

    -The event is happening one month before WWDC, which may affect the unveiling and delivery of new iPadOS features.

  • What are some of the rumored hardware features for the new iPads?

    -Rumored hardware features include new OLED displays, a thinner enclosure with a new design, thinner bezels, a matte screen option, a landscape-oriented front camera, and potentially mag safe wireless charging.

  • What is the speaker's view on the current obstacle for making the iPad truly great?

    -The speaker believes that the biggest obstacle for making the iPad truly great is the software.

  • How does the speaker describe the iPad's niche in the market?

    -The iPad has its own niche as a tool for creativity, particularly for artists using the Apple Pencil.

  • What is the reported trickle-down effect of features for the iPad?

    -The mini LED display that is currently used on the iPad Pro is expected to be offered on the iPad Air, which will also be available for the first time in a 13-inch display size.

  • What is the concern about the pricing of the iPad Pro models?

    -There is a concern that Apple might increase the prices for the iPad Pro models, especially with the introduction of new features.

  • Why is significant new software crucial for the success of the new iPads?

    -Significant new software is crucial because without it, the new hardware features may not be enough to drive sales, as the software is a key factor in the overall user experience.

Outlines

00:00

📅 Anticipating Apple's iPad Event on May 7th

The script discusses the upcoming Apple event, expected to focus on new iPad releases. The author expresses a sense of anticipation, despite not expecting a full event. The last significant update to the iPad was the M1 iPad Pro with mini LED and M1 chip, which was over three years ago. The author notes that the iPad is in a peculiar position, as even the 2018 models are still considered highly capable, leading to a lack of urgency for consumers to upgrade. The discussion also touches on the importance of software updates, as the iPad's hardware is often seen as too good for its own needs, with many users finding little reason to upgrade. The event's timing, just before WWDC, raises questions about what software innovations might be announced.

05:01

🎨 The iPad's Role in Creativity and the Trickle-Down Effect

This paragraph delves into the iPad's niche as a tool for artists and the potential for feature trickle-down from the iPad Pro to other models. The author mentions reports that the mini LED display might be introduced to the iPad Air with a new 13-inch display size, which could be a significant draw for consumers. However, there is concern that this could lead to increased pricing for the Pro models. The paragraph also reflects on the escalating costs of iPads over the years, contrasting with the relatively stable pricing and improved performance of Macs. The author expresses hope that the new iPads will bring significant software features to match the rumored hardware improvements, as software has been a major obstacle in the iPad's evolution.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Apple Event

An Apple Event is a product launch or presentation by Apple Inc., where they announce new products, updates, or services. In the context of this video, the Apple Event on May 7th is expected to focus on the release of new iPads. It is a significant event for tech enthusiasts and Apple users as it often brings major updates and innovations to their product lineup.

💡iPad

The iPad is a line of tablet computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc., which runs on the iPadOS operating system. In the video, the iPad is highlighted as being in need of a significant update, with the last major update being the M1 iPad Pro. The discussion revolves around the anticipation for new iPad features and improvements.

💡Apple Pencil

The Apple Pencil is a stylus designed for use with iPads and serves as a tool for creativity and productivity. It is mentioned in the video as a key feature that Apple is leveraging to position the iPad as a tool for artists and creative professionals. The Apple Pencil's integration with iPadOS is a significant aspect of the iPad's appeal to its user base.

💡M2 iPad Pro

The M2 iPad Pro refers to the iPad Pro models that were announced in October 2022 and are equipped with the M2 chip. The M2 chip is a minor specification upgrade from the previous M1 chip. In the video, it is stated that the M2 was not a major update, and there is a call for more significant advancements in the iPad line.

💡iPadOS

iPadOS is the operating system that runs on the iPad, providing the software platform for apps and services. The video script discusses the importance of software updates for the iPad, as it is seen as a critical component for the device to truly excel as a standalone category of device, separate from laptops and smartphones.

💡OLED Displays

OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode and refers to a type of display technology that is used in electronic devices for their superior contrast and color accuracy. The video mentions OLED displays as one of the rumored hardware features for the new iPads, which would represent a significant upgrade in display quality.

💡MagSafe Wireless Charging

MagSafe is a magnetic attachment system that Apple uses for charging and connecting accessories to their devices. The mention of MagSafe wireless charging in the video suggests that the new iPads might include this feature, allowing for easier and more convenient charging solutions.

💡iPad Air

The iPad Air is a line of iPads that are positioned between the standard iPad and the iPad Pro in terms of features and price. The video discusses the potential for the iPad Air to receive a mini LED display, which is currently a feature exclusive to the iPad Pro, indicating a 'trickle-down' effect of features from higher-end models.

💡Software Features

Software features refer to the functionalities and capabilities of the iPadOS that enhance the user experience. The video emphasizes that without significant new software features, the hardware improvements in the iPad would be less impactful. The expectation is that Apple will unveil new features for iPadOS during the WWDC event.

💡WWDC

WWDC stands for Worldwide Developers Conference, an annual event held by Apple where they discuss and showcase their latest software and technologies. The video script mentions WWDC as the event where Apple is expected to unveil new features for iPadOS, which is crucial for the iPad's evolution as a device.

💡Mini LED

Mini LED is a display technology that offers improved brightness and contrast over traditional LCD displays. In the context of the video, the script discusses the potential shift of the mini LED technology from the iPad Pro to the iPad Air, which would be a significant upgrade for the latter model.

Highlights

Apple's new 'Let Loose' event is scheduled for May 7th, focusing on iPads.

It's been over 18 months since any iPad has been updated, with the last update being the M2 iPad Pros in October 2022.

The iPad is in a peculiar position, needing serious attention with more than 3 years since its last major update.

Many users, including those with the 2018 iPad Pro, see no need to upgrade due to the device's enduring quality.

The event occurs one month before WWDC, where Apple typically unveils new features for iPadOS.

Rumors suggest new hardware features such as OLED displays, thinner design, matte screen option, and mag safe wireless charging.

The significance of software improvements is paramount for the iPad to surpass the capabilities of laptops and smartphones.

The iPad's role as a tool for creativity and artistry is emphasized in Apple's branding.

The mini LED display from the iPad Pro is expected to be introduced to the iPad Air with a new 13-inch display size.

Concerns about potential price increases for the iPad Pro models as features trickle down to other iPads.

The starting price of the iPad has significantly increased from its initial launch 14 years ago.

The challenge for Apple is to improve the iPad for both die-hard and casual users.

A new Magic keyboard is among the rumored accessories for the upcoming iPad models.

The success of new iPads hinges on significant new software features being announced at WWDC.

The public won't receive the new iPadOS features until September, even after their announcement at WWDC.

A poll on Twitter showed over half of respondents have no intention of upgrading to a new iPad.

Apple has never gone an entire calendar year without updating an iPad until now.

The iPad's high quality is both a strength and a challenge, as users of older models see little need to upgrade.