Report: Apple's special event on May 7th is expected to release a new iPad

Apple plans to launch a new iPad on May 7th to boost tablet sales.

On April 23rd, Apple announced today that a special event will be held on May 7th, where it is expected to release a new version of the iPad and related accessories. The event is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. New York time. The invitation for this event, named "Let Loose," also features a design resembling an Apple Pencil.

According to media reports last month, Apple suppliers are speeding up the production of the new iPad, which is expected to be officially launched in early May. Sources revealed that this release will include a new version of the iPad Pro and iPad Air, with the Pro model expected to be equipped with a clearer new OLED display and the iPad Air offering a 12.9-inch screen option for the first time.

Media reports indicate that the iPad Pro model will come with a new M3 chip and will be compatible with the redesigned Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. This update marks the first major change since the product line was launched.

This move ends the longest interval between new iPad versions since the product was first introduced by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in 2010. It has been about 18 months since the last update, during which tablet sales have declined. By introducing these updated models with faster chips and improved accessories, Apple is trying to reignite interest and sales in its tablet products.

Netizens have been posting on X:

"We can finally stop guessing when the iPad will be released this year! Exciting moment!" "I can't wait for this exciting news!" "It's time to update our iPads!" After the announcement, as of the time of writing, Apple's stock price rose slightly by 0.34% during trading hours.