Surprise Apple event set to deliver

APPLE is hosting a surprise event next week where it’s expected to unveil some shiny new gadgets. There’s the prospect of a new, cheaper iPad and Apple Pencil that works with more of the company’s tablets. And, if we’re really lucky, we may even see a new MacBook Air.

iPads

An education event seems like a good place to announce a cheaper iPad aimed at schoolkids and students. It also fits in with recent leaks and rumours, which suggest Apple is working on two new tablets. The current 9.7 inch iPad landed around this time last year, so a new model could well be on the cards. Analyst Daniel Ives of GBH Insights believes an “entry-level” iPad is the one to look out for.

iOS 11.3

In terms of software, the big launch could well be iOS11.3. Apple tends to release software alongside new hardware, and the update is an important one. That’s mainly down to the introduction of a new battery health tool. The feature lets you view how knackered your battery is, and whether the device is being slowed down. Remember how Apple massively messed up by admitting that it throttles older phones? Well, this makes up for that.