Apple sets an upcoming launch date for new iPads – here’s what we know

After months – no, years! – full of speculation, Apple has finally set a date for the launch of its new iPads.

The company has started inviting members of the media to a “special Apple Event” on May 7 at 7am PT / 10am ET / 3pm BST, and while new iPads aren’t mentioned by name in the invite itself, it shows the accompanying illustration the Apple Pencil, which is a good sign that iPad-related announcements are on the agenda.

The main reveal is expected to be a new iPad Pro, which is expected to arrive with a super-large OLED display, an updated M3 chipset and a relocated front camera. Two iPad Air 6 models (including a larger 12.9-inch size) and a new Apple Pencil also seem likely, and we could even see Apple debut a new Magic Keyboard.

In the X-message below, Apple CEO Tim Cook writes “Pencil us in for May 7!”, which is as close to confirming a new Apple Pencil as we could have hoped for. The static invite image above doesn’t portend any major changes for this particular product, but the graphical version looks a little shorter, which would align with recent rumors. Other expected changes include a glossier surface and magnetic, interchangeable tips. The fact that the Apple Pencil is the star of the event must mean something, right?