Apple seems content to let 2023 pass without updating any of its iPad models. Instead, the company will completely refresh its tablet lineup next year, and according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the "entire" iPad lineup could be refreshed in 2024, meaning the new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini, And the regular iPad, which has not been updated all year, will be updated. [This is the first year since Steve Jobs introduced the iPad in 2010 that Apple has not announced a new version; the new Apple Pencil was only announced in October. According to Garman, that's because the new model isn't ready yet." Apple may have tried to rush out more new products, but the revamped iPad and AirPods are not ready yet." The company plans to update its entire iPad lineup during 2024."

Of course, there are still seven weeks left in the year, but I agree with Gurman that after the iPhone 15 series in September and the M3 family in October, it is unlikely that we will see any more releases from Apple this year. My prediction is that Apple will leverage the new M3 silicon next year to dramatically improve its iPad lineup. Here is what I expect to see in the new year.

The iPad mini 7 was one of the products that was said to be likely to appear alongside the iPhone 15 in September. With a little time having passed since we received the fully redesigned iPad mini 6, it is easy to see why.

Apple could argue that little more was needed this year, as it was a complete overhaul from the iPad mini 5. That's fine, but it would be nice to see a new version in the next 12 months that upgrades the current A13 Bionic to something like the A16 Bionic or A17 Pro found in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max, respectively.

The current iPad Pro with Apple's M2 processor is already incredibly fast, so an update was not planned for this year. However, if next year is a breakthrough year for the iPad, the iPad Pro 2024 may be upgraded to the new M3 chip to keep pace with the MacBook.

I would like to see the M3 Pro chip on the top-of-the-line iPad Pro, along with iPadOS 17, further blurring the lines between laptop and tablet. This would coincide with persistent rumors of a display update for the iPad Pro. Currently, the 12.9-inch model has a mini-LED and the 11-inch has an OLED. In the new year, both sizes will be equipped with mini-LED technology, and a 14-inch version may be on the horizon.

If the iPad Pro will feature the top-of-the-line M3 chip, the Air will be supported with the standard M3 upgrade. This seems like a reasonable expectation since it has been a year and a half since the last Air update. Apple should skip the M2 refresh altogether and opt for the terribly fast iPad Air.

Like the mini, the iPad Air is already a very capable machine, so we don't expect much change in its appearance.

The basic iPad has always been a top seller, and for good reason. The current iPad (10th generation) uses the A14 Bionic chip, which seems like a good candidate for the A16 Bionic found in the current iPhone 15.

Like all iPads here, a little refocusing on Apple Pencil support would not hurt. Since Apple is fully transitioning to USB-C, it is time to say goodbye to the first generation Apple Pencil and simplify customer options.

In October, Apple announced an inexpensive Apple Pencil with USB-C charging support. Compatible with some of the best iPads, including the latest iPad 10th generation, this $79 peripheral should replace the existing Apple Pencil (1st generation). And it offers both low latency and tilt sensitivity.

The iPad series is not the only one Garman has hinted at a 2024 refresh. New entry-level AirPods are also likely. He writes, "New low-end AirPods will also arrive next year, with a refresh of the Pro model in 2025."

In addition, Gurman did not mention specifics, but it is possible that the M3 Ultra chip will appear at some point in 2024. As for the next products, Gurman said, "I expect to see new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Airs in 2024, plus a Mac mini. A new Mac Studio is also in development," he added.