Apple event - live: New iPads, Pencil and Keyboard launched at company’s first event in months

(Getty Images)

Apple has held its first event of the year – unveiling a new range of iPads, as well as major updates to its Pencil and Magic Keyboard.

After more than a year of silence, the company held a livestreamed launch, titled “Let Loose”, screened at events in London and the US.

Both the iPad Air and iPad Pro received major redesigns, with repositioned cameras and much more powerful chips.

There was also a significant screen upgrade for the iPad Pro with a new Ultra Retina XDR display that Apple claims is “like holding a cinema right in your hands”.

The new Apple Penci Pro and Magic Keyboard feature new hardware, including extra keys on the top row of the keyboard and squeeze-sensitive sensors for the stylus.

There were no big updates for the Vision Pro, with Apple still yet to reveal when the mixed reality headset will be available outside of the US.

[7 May 2024 15:12 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

All the specs for the new iPad Aid

Here’s everything you need to know about the specs and price of the new iPad Air.

Pre-orders open today, with shipping and in-store purchases next week.

( )

( )

[7 May 2024 15:09 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

New iPad Aid coming in four colours

These are the four colours the new iPad Air is coming in:

( )

It will also feature the powerful M2 chip, making it nearly 50 per cent faster than its predecessor.

[7 May 2024 15:08 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

New iPad Air announced

We’re on the move, with a break down of everything the iPad is used for - playing games, drawing, etc. - before the unveiling of the new iPad Air.

There’s a new 13-inch model and the front-facing camera has now moved to the landscape edge.

( )

[7 May 2024 15:05 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

Apple Vision Pro news, but still no UK release date

Tim Cook starts with some updates about Apple Vision Pro, revealing how the headset is being used by everyone from film makers to automotive manufacturers.

Doesn’t look like we’re getting any news about when it might be available in the UK unfortunately.

“Now let’s turn our attention to iPad,” he says. “There’s no other device like it.”

[7 May 2024 15:02 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

Apple event underway!

After some Apple logo animations, the first Apple event of the year is underway.

Tim Cook is at Apple Park, telling us it’s “the biggest day for iPad since its introduction”.

( )

[7 May 2024 14:55 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

Watch Apple event live stream

You can watch the full live stream of today’s Apple event here:

[7 May 2024 14:52 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

Tim Cook says ‘take note’

Finally making his customary pre-event post, Apple chief executive Tim Cook writes on X: “Take note!”

[7 May 2024 14:25 · Anthony Cuthbertson]

Build-up to Let Loose event is quieter than usual

There’s less than an hour to go until Apple’s Let Loose event gets underway and the space is beginning to fill up.

Unlike other major product events, Apple’s online store is yet to go dark in the build up. It is one of several indications that there might not be any major news or unveilings today - beyond what we’re already expecting.

Another clue is that the ‘Apple Event’ hashtag on X (formerly Twitter) doesn’t have a custom animation, while CEO Tim Cook also hasn’t posted his customary greeting in the hours leading up to the event.

(The Independent)

[7 May 2024 12:26 · Andrew Griffin]

When will the event start?

The event begins at 7am Apple’s local pacific time. That’s very early – they usually start at 10am pacific. Apple hasn’t said why it has changed the schedule. It might have something to do with ensuring people can watch in Asia (where sales have been flagging) or it might be because it is hosting international events including in London (where we’ll be reporting from, live, later).

7am pacific time is 10am eastern time, or 3pm here in the UK.

[7 May 2024 12:24 · Andrew Griffin]

How to watch launch live

Apple hosts the Apple event on platforms including its own website. But YouTube is often the best place to watch – it’s compatible with everything, and you can set yourself a reminder for when the launch will kick off. You can find the video below.