Apple Japan May Have Hinted at Pencil Pro for Tomorrow’s iPad Event

Apple may have previewed one of its “Let Loose” iPad event announcements with a reference to a Pencil Pro on the company’s Japanese website.

A Japanese X user has noticed that Apple Japan’s homepage source code describes an event image as someone “holding the Apple Pencil Pro and drawing.” Techopedia can confirm the code is still present as of this writing, with multiple references to the device.

The same code on the company’s U.S. site only references a Pencil, with no mention of a Pro model. Apple describes its current high-end stylus as the Pencil (2nd Generation), and its base version as the Pencil (USB-C).

このページをF12で見てみると”Apple Pencil Pro”って表示されてるってことは

新型は3ではなく新しいラインナップとしてProを出すのかな pic.twitter.com/i5AlTcymGg

— りぶ  (@ribu_ap712) May 6, 2024

It’s possible this is an error, and that Apple will reveal a different name when the iPad event takes place May 7th.

However, the Pro name would both be consistent with Apple’s naming scheme and line up with iPadOS beta code alluding to a more advanced Pencil. That pen would include multiple “squeeze” gestures. The device might also provide haptic feedback.

“Let Loose” is expected to revolve mostly around a redesigned iPad Pro with an OLED screen, an M3 or M4 chip, and a potentially slimmer profile. Many also believe Apple will launch an iPad Air with an M2 chip and other possible upgrades. If there’s a Pencil Pro, it would likely be pitched as a centerpiece creative tool for both tablets.

It’s also believed that Apple will stop selling the first-generation Pencil. The iPad mini and entry-level iPads aren’t likely to get updates until the fall.