AULA F75 MAX keyboard is designed for users who want more than a basic compact mechanical gaming keyboard. Instead of focusing on a single headline feature, it combines a space-saving 75% layout with a dedicated TFT screen, rotary knob, hot-swappable switches, gasket mounting and three connection modes.

That combination makes the F75 MAX interesting for both gaming and everyday desktop use. Its design also reflects a broader trend in mechanical keyboards: smaller layouts are becoming more feature-rich without completely sacrificing the controls that PC users rely on.

Why the 75% Layout Makes Sense

The F75 MAX uses an 80-key 75% layout, keeping the function row and arrow-key cluster while removing the large gaps and dedicated number pad found on full-size keyboards.

For a gaming setup, this layout can free up more desk space for mouse movement. At the same time, it remains practical for productivity because users do not have to give up the dedicated arrow keys and function row.

The trade-off is the missing number pad. Anyone who regularly enters large amounts of numerical data may still prefer a full-size keyboard, but for gaming, general typing and compact workstations, the 75% format is a useful middle ground.

The TFT Screen Is More Than Decoration

One of the F75 MAX’s most noticeable design elements is its built-in TFT screen. Instead of relying entirely on RGB lighting for visual customization, the keyboard adds a small display that gives the top section a more personalized appearance. Banggood specifically lists a GIF-capable TFT screen interface.

This feature does not fundamentally change typing performance, but it gives the keyboard a distinct identity. For users who enjoy customizing their desktop setup, the screen can make the F75 MAX feel more like a configurable gadget than a conventional mechanical keyboard.

The separate metal knob also adds a practical control point, giving users a physical way to interact with supported functions instead of relying entirely on keyboard shortcuts.

Gasket Mounting Targets a Softer Typing Feel

The keyboard uses a gasket-mounted structure with multiple layers of sound-dampening material. AULA lists five layers of dampening, while the product listing describes a six-layer sound-absorbing structure, so the exact terminology varies between listings.

The important part is what this construction is intended to achieve. A gasket-mounted keyboard isolates the plate from parts of the case, allowing slightly more flex while reducing some of the direct vibration transferred through the chassis.

Combined with the F75 MAX’s foam and silicone layers, the design is aimed at producing a deeper and less harsh typing sound than a basic rigid keyboard.

That makes the keyboard potentially more appealing to people who care about typing acoustics as well as gaming performance.

Hot-Swappable Switches Make Future Upgrades Easier

Another useful feature is the hot-swappable PCB, which supports 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches according to AULA’s specifications.

This means owners are not necessarily locked into the factory switch configuration. Users who prefer a lighter linear feel, a different actuation characteristic or another sound profile can experiment with compatible switches without replacing the entire keyboard.

The F75 MAX comes with LEOBOG Reaper linear switches. AULA lists them as factory-lubed, while EPOMAKER’s specifications give the switch a 45±3gf trigger force and 3.6±0.3mm total travel.

For someone buying a mechanical keyboard as a long-term platform, this upgradeability may be more meaningful than RGB effects alone.

Tri-Mode Connectivity Covers Different Setups

The F75 MAX supports USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.0 connections.

That gives the keyboard three distinct use cases. Wired mode is suitable for a desktop gaming setup, 2.4GHz wireless keeps the desk cleaner while maintaining a low-latency connection, and Bluetooth is convenient when switching between compatible computers or mobile devices.

AULA rates the keyboard at up to 1000Hz polling through USB and 2.4GHz, while Bluetooth is listed at 125Hz. The manufacturer also lists latency of around 3ms over USB, 7ms via 2.4GHz and 18ms through Bluetooth.

For competitive gaming, the wired and 2.4GHz modes are therefore the more relevant choices.

4000mAh Battery Gives Wireless Mode Some Flexibility

The built-in 4000mAh battery is another reason the F75 MAX works well as a wireless desktop keyboard. AULA rates battery life at approximately 30.5 hours with the RGB backlight enabled and up to 80 hours with the lighting switched off.

Actual endurance will depend on lighting brightness, connection mode and usage patterns, so these figures should be treated as manufacturer ratings rather than guaranteed real-world results.

Still, the option to turn off RGB lighting when maximum battery life matters gives users more control over how they use the keyboard.

PBT Keycaps and South-Facing RGB

The F75 MAX uses double-shot PBT keycaps and south-facing per-key RGB lighting.

PBT is commonly chosen for mechanical keyboards because it generally resists the glossy wear that can develop on frequently used ABS keycaps. The south-facing RGB arrangement also works well with the keyboard’s overall enthusiast-oriented design.

AULA lists support for more than 16 million RGB colors and multiple lighting effects, although the visual customization is ultimately secondary to the keyboard’s typing and connectivity features.

A Compact Keyboard With Room to Experiment

AULA F75 MAX is best understood as a feature-rich 75% mechanical keyboard rather than simply another RGB gaming board.

Its strongest combination is the compact layout, gasket construction, hot-swappable PCB and tri-mode connectivity. The TFT display and rotary knob then add a layer of customization that separates it from more conventional 75% keyboards.

For gamers, the 2.4GHz connection and 1000Hz polling rate give the keyboard a performance-oriented side. For enthusiasts, the hot-swap PCB and gasket structure leave room for future customization. And for everyday users, the 75% layout provides a useful balance between desk space and functionality.

The main compromise is straightforward: users who need a dedicated number pad will need a larger keyboard. But for anyone comfortable with the 75% format, the AULA F75 MAX offers a combination of customization, wireless flexibility and enthusiast-style construction that makes it worth considering.

For the latest specifications and software information, buyers should also check the official AULA product page before ordering, since configurations and regional listings can vary.

The post AULA F75 MAX Review: A 75% Mechanical Keyboard With TFT Screen and Tri-Mode Wireless appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

The Mac has keyboard typing shortcuts for editing text. It’s much faster than using the mouse to select or holding down Delete to backspace.

(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

MOFii 708 is designed for users who want their gaming keyboard to stand out visually without giving up the practicality of a full-function layout. Its transparent “crystal” styling gives it a distinctive appearance, while a 105-key membrane layout, RGB lighting and three connection options make it suitable for both gaming setups and everyday desktop use.

Rather than competing directly with enthusiast mechanical keyboards, the MOFii 708 takes a more accessible approach. It focuses on a combination of visual design, flexible connectivity and comfortable long-session typing, making it an interesting option for users who move between gaming, work and general computing.

A Transparent Design That Changes the Look of a Desktop Setup

The first thing that separates the MOFii 708 from conventional keyboards is its transparent construction.

The keyboard uses a clear outer design together with semi-transparent double-shot “crystal” keycaps. When the RGB lighting is active, light can pass through the keycaps and create a more pronounced visual effect than a standard opaque keyboard.

This makes the MOFii 708 particularly suitable for gaming desks where the keyboard is part of the overall setup rather than simply a functional peripheral.

There are two listed finishes, Crystal White and Crystal Black, allowing users to choose between a lighter or darker aesthetic.

105 Keys Keep the Layout Practical

Compact keyboards are popular because they save desk space, but reducing the number of keys can become inconvenient when switching between gaming and productivity.

The MOFii 708 takes a different route with a 105-key layout. It retains a numeric keypad while keeping the overall footprint more compact than some conventional full-size designs.

That makes the keyboard more versatile for users who regularly work with spreadsheets, numbers or other applications that benefit from dedicated number keys.

For gaming, the additional keys also mean users do not have to sacrifice familiar desktop functionality simply to achieve a cleaner setup.

Three Connection Modes Make It Easier to Switch Devices

Connectivity is arguably one of the MOFii 708’s most practical features.

The keyboard supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless and wired USB-C connections. Instead of locking the keyboard to one particular setup, users can choose the connection method based on what they are doing.

Bluetooth is useful when connecting to compatible laptops, tablets or phones. The 2.4GHz mode provides a dedicated wireless connection for a desktop or gaming environment, while USB-C offers a direct wired option and can also be used for charging.

This three-mode approach is especially useful for people who use more than one computer or frequently switch between a desktop and mobile device.

It also means the keyboard does not have to be treated as a gaming-only accessory. The same device can move between a work desk, gaming PC and portable setup without requiring a separate keyboard for each.

RGB Lighting Is Part of the Design, Not Just Decoration

RGB backlighting is common on gaming keyboards, but the transparent construction of the MOFii 708 gives the lighting a different role.

Because the keycaps use a translucent design, the illumination becomes part of the keyboard’s overall appearance. Multiple lighting modes can be selected to match a gaming setup or simply make the keyboard more visible in a darker room.

For users who care about desktop aesthetics, this is arguably more important than having an unusually high polling rate or specialized mechanical switches.

The MOFii 708 is therefore better understood as a style-focused gaming and productivity keyboard rather than a competitive esports keyboard built around extreme response-time specifications.

A Membrane Keyboard With a Different Priority

The MOFii 708 uses a membrane key mechanism, which is worth highlighting because many current gaming keyboards emphasize mechanical or magnetic switches.

That choice changes the intended audience.

A membrane keyboard can be a sensible option for someone who wants a familiar, quieter typing experience without getting into the customization and maintenance associated with enthusiast mechanical keyboards.

The MOFii 708 therefore makes more sense for users who value comfortable general-purpose typing and an attractive design than for buyers specifically searching for hot-swappable switches, rapid-trigger functions or adjustable actuation.

Ergonomic Angling Targets Longer Sessions

The keyboard is designed with a natural incline intended to create a more comfortable hand position during extended use.

This matters because the MOFii 708 is not positioned exclusively as a gaming peripheral. Its 105-key layout and multi-device connectivity also make it suitable for office work, browsing and everyday typing.

The integrated hand-support design further reinforces this approach. Instead of focusing entirely on gaming specifications, MOFii has attempted to make the physical interaction with the keyboard more comfortable over longer sessions.

Of course, ergonomics are highly personal. The ideal keyboard angle and hand position depend on desk height, chair position and individual typing habits, so buyers should view the design as a comfort-oriented feature rather than a guarantee of reduced wrist strain.

Rechargeable Power Adds Wireless Convenience

Wireless keyboards are only convenient when users do not have to constantly think about replacing batteries.

The MOFii 708 uses a rechargeable battery and includes a smart sleep function designed to reduce unnecessary power consumption when the keyboard is not being used.

The product listing does not provide a specific runtime figure, so it would be better not to judge the keyboard by an estimated number of hours. Actual battery life can vary significantly depending on the connection mode, RGB brightness and usage pattern.

For buyers, the more important point is that the keyboard supports both wireless operation and USB-C, giving them a fallback wired connection when needed.

Designed for More Than a Gaming PC

MOFii lists compatibility with laptops, desktop computers, tablets and smartphones, which fits the keyboard’s multi-mode design.

This broader compatibility makes the MOFii 708 more interesting as a general-purpose peripheral. A user could keep it connected to a desktop through 2.4GHz while using Bluetooth for another compatible device.

That flexibility can be more valuable in a mixed-device workspace than a keyboard with a more specialized gaming feature set.

MOFii 708 Specifications

Feature	Details
Model	MOFii 708
Layout	105 keys
Key Type	Membrane
Connection	Bluetooth / 2.4GHz wireless / USB-C wired
Backlight	RGB
Keycaps	Semi-transparent crystal-style design
Colors	Crystal White / Crystal Black
Design	Transparent, ergonomic angled layout
Compatibility	Laptop, desktop, tablet and phone
Battery	Rechargeable
Charging	USB-C
Weight	Listed at about 794g
Dimensions	About 444 × 133 × 43mm

Specifications are based on the current Banggood product listing and may change with product revisions or regional availability.

Who Should Consider the MOFii 708?

The MOFii 708 is best suited to users who want a keyboard that balances appearance and versatility.

It makes particular sense for:

• Gamers building a visually distinctive RGB setup
• Users who prefer a membrane keyboard over mechanical switches
• People who regularly switch between multiple devices
• Office users who still want gaming-style RGB lighting
• Buyers who need a numeric keypad without choosing a traditional full-size keyboard
• Anyone attracted to transparent or retro-futuristic desktop accessories

It is less compelling for enthusiasts who specifically want mechanical switches, hot-swapping, rapid-trigger technology or highly adjustable gaming performance.

Final Thoughts

MOFii 708 keyboard stands out because it is not trying to be another conventional mechanical gaming keyboard. Its appeal comes from combining a transparent crystal-inspired appearance with features that are useful beyond gaming.

The 105-key layout preserves everyday functionality, while Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and USB-C connections make the keyboard flexible enough for multi-device setups. RGB lighting complements the transparent construction, and the ergonomic angle and rechargeable battery make it more suitable for longer everyday sessions.

For users who want a keyboard that adds personality to a desktop while remaining practical for gaming, work and general typing, the MOFii 708 offers a more style-oriented alternative to the crowded mechanical gaming keyboard market.

The post MOFii 708 Transparent Keyboard Combines Tri-Mode Connectivity With a Crystal-Inspired Design appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

Marcin Wichary:

By default, on a Mac, the initial delay is 500ms, and the key repeat rate 1000ms.

[…]

My suggestion is to make them both as short as possible for testing.

[…]

First, it’s good to test whether your keystrokes behave well when repeated. Occasionally you might want your interface to suppress repeating, or do something special if the key is held longer.

Second, it’s a good test not just of repeating, but just the user pressing keys really fast.

Previously:

• Testing Tip: Always Show Scrollbars

Hartley Charlton:

On the new keyboards, the tab, caps lock, shift, return, and delete keycaps are labeled with glyphs rather than edge text. On the full-size models with a numeric keypad, the change goes further, with the home, page up, page down, end, clear, and enter keys also swapping their text labels for symbols.

Four models have been updated: the Magic Keyboard, the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, and the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad in both white keys and black keys.

David Deller:

Why, why, WHY won’t they fix the arrow keys? I use the version without numpad (for RSI reasons) and the L/R keys are full height, with half-height up/down keys. This is TERRIBLE and it causes me problems on a daily basis.

[…]

They fixed this problem with the laptops years ago. But refresh after refresh, they refuse to fix it with the external. WHY?

The left and right arrow keys should be half-height when there’s no numeric keypad, so that you can find them by feeling for the inverted T.

Daniel Luz:

My impression is that they’re limited by the self-imposed problem of making the corners so rounded that they can no longer fit a half-height right arrow key.

This is literally the only reason I haven’t bought one! Just return to the previous radius, dammit.

Previously:

• Golden Gate Window Corners
• Tahoe Window Corners
• USB-C Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad
• Shiny MacBook Keys
• 2019 Apple Keyboard Problems
• The Magic Keyboard With Numeric Keypad Is Apparently Bendy

Earlier this year, Apple swapped the text on some of its laptop keyboard keys for glyphs. MacRumors reports that the trend has now spread to four of the company’s Magic Keyboard models:

On the new keyboards, the tab, caps lock, shift, return, and delete keycaps are labeled with glyphs rather than edge text.

The keyboards with numeric pads get even more glyphs than the more compact models.

It’s a small change, but I like it. I burn through keyboards pretty fast with the amount of typing I do, and these come just in time to replace the Magic Keyboard on I use with my Mac Studio that has a slowly disappearing “A” key.

At Macstock 2026, Max Mellman showed off his his iPhone app, I Love a Piano. Max explains how the app stands out through realistic haptic feedback, intuitive navigation, portrait and landscape support, and a design that encourages exploration instead of intimidation. Chuck and Max also discuss his inspiration, teaching carrer, future iPad support, and broader […]

💾

In a catch-up interview after a lost CES interview, Jeff Gadway, SVP for Clicks discusses the Power Keyboard, a universal MagSafe-style Bluetooth keyboard and power bank for iPhone, Android, tablets, TVs, and more. He also details the Clicks Communicator, a smartphone built around physical keys, purposeful communication, productivity, security, and the idea of a task-focused […]

💾

At NAB in Las Vegas, Chris McNamara, Senior Technical Marketing Specialist for Elgato gave us a tour of their latest tools for creators and broadcasters. That tour included new variations on the super-popular Stream, a new mic and XLR interface, a new touchscreen display, and more. If you’re doing production, you need to be aware of these products.

💾

You can delete stickers on iPhone without removing your entire collection, but the correct procedure depends on whether you want to erase a custom sticker, remove a Genmoji, hide keyboard stickers, or detach a sticker from a conversation.

For custom photo stickers and Live Stickers, iOS provides an individual Remove command. This lets you clean the sticker drawer while leaving every other saved sticker untouched.

Apple does not provide a protected Favorites folder inside the system sticker drawer. The Frequently Used section is created automatically from your activity and should not be treated as a permanent collection. If you have stickers you cannot afford to lose, save recoverable copies before beginning the cleanup.

Save Your Favorite Stickers First

The safest backup is to send your favorite stickers to a conversation with yourself. The sent copies remain inside the conversation even if you later remove the reusable versions from your sticker collection.

Adding Stickers:

Messages > New Message > Your Contact > Add > Stickers

Select each favorite sticker and send it as a separate message. You can also create a private conversation with a trusted contact, but messaging yourself keeps the backup separate from ordinary conversations.

If you accidentally delete one of these stickers from the drawer, return to the self-conversation and restore it.

Messages > Your Self-Conversation > Touch and Hold Sticker > Save to Stickers

For a sticker attached to the corner of a message bubble, open its details before saving it.

Messages > Your Self-Conversation > Touch and Hold Sticker > Sticker Details > Save

This procedure is especially useful for stickers received from other people. A photo sticker you created yourself can usually be recreated from the original image, but a saved sticker from another person may be difficult to replace if the original conversation is deleted.

How to Delete Stickers on iPhone

The easiest way to remove an individual custom sticker is through the Messages app. You can open any existing conversation because you do not need to send a message.

Removing individual stickers:

Messages > Conversation > Add > Stickers > Live Stickers

The Live Stickers tab uses an icon resembling a sticker being peeled from a surface. It contains stickers created from your photos, animated Live Stickers, and compatible stickers saved from conversations.

Touch and hold the unwanted sticker until the contextual menu appears, then release your finger and select Remove. Do not drag the sticker toward the conversation because that action may attach it to a message instead of opening the menu.

Touch and Hold Sticker > Remove

Only the selected sticker is deleted. Other photo stickers, saved designs, and favorite items remain in the collection.

Some iOS versions also display a Rearrange command after you touch and hold a sticker. This mode allows you to move the stickers you use most often toward the beginning of the collection.

Messages > Conversation > Add > Stickers > Live Stickers > Touch and Hold > Rearrange

Drag the stickers you want to preserve toward the first positions. You may also see a removal control beside each sticker while rearranging. Use it carefully because iOS may remove the sticker immediately without presenting a second confirmation.

A selective cleanup is safer than trying to reset the complete keyboard or sticker database. Removing and reinstalling the Emoji keyboard is unnecessary and may alter frequently used emoji without providing better sticker controls.

Delete Stickers Through the Emoji Keyboard

The same sticker collection is accessible from the system keyboard in Messages, Notes, Mail, and other supported apps.

Using system keyboard in Messages:

Any Text Field > Emoji Keyboard > Stickers > Live Stickers

Touch and hold the sticker you want to erase, then tap Remove. If the menu does not appear, confirm that you are viewing the Live Stickers collection rather than Frequently Used.

Frequently Used combines recently selected emoji, Memoji, Genmoji, and stickers. Items shown there are shortcuts to content stored in another section. Opening the Live Stickers tab gives iOS the correct context for managing your custom collection.

If the keyboard is compressed or several categories are hidden, swipe across the sticker controls until the Live Stickers icon becomes visible. The exact position can change as Apple adjusts the keyboard, but the touch-and-hold removal gesture remains the same.

Use Photos When the Sticker Menu Does Not Respond

You can also access the system sticker drawer through the Markup tools in Photos. This is useful when Messages tries to drag a sticker rather than displaying its menu.

Photos > Open Photo > Edit > Markup > Add > Add Sticker

Touch and hold the unwanted sticker, then tap Remove. You are managing the same synchronized collection, so a sticker deleted through Photos also disappears from Messages and the system keyboard.

Removing a sticker does not delete the source photograph. If you created the sticker by lifting a person, pet, or object from an image, the original photo remains in your library unless you delete it separately.

To recreate the sticker later, open the original image and lift its subject again.

Photos > Open Photo > Touch and Hold Subject > Add Sticker

You can then apply an effect such as Outline, Comic, Puffy, or Shiny. Live Photos can produce animated Live Stickers when the isolated subject contains usable motion.

Delete a Genmoji Without Removing Other Stickers

Genmoji created with Apple Intelligence are stored with the stickers accessible through the emoji keyboard. They can be removed individually without affecting your photo stickers or other generated designs.

Any Text Field > Emoji Keyboard > Stickers > Genmoji

Touch and hold the Genmoji you no longer want, then tap Remove. You can perform the same procedure from Messages.

Messages > Conversation > Add > Stickers > Genmoji > Touch and Hold > Remove

Removing one Genmoji does not disable Apple Intelligence or erase the other Genmoji you created. If you later want a similar design, open the Genmoji creator and enter the description again, although the generated image may not be identical.

Be More Careful With Memoji Stickers

Memoji stickers operate differently because iOS automatically creates a complete sticker pack from each custom Memoji character. You cannot normally delete one expression while keeping the remaining expressions from the same character.

Deleting the underlying Memoji removes its generated sticker pack. Before selecting Delete, confirm that you do not want any of that character’s poses or expressions.

Any Text Field > Emoji Keyboard > Memoji > More > Delete

If you only want Memoji and other stickers to stop appearing in the keyboard, use the keyboard setting instead of deleting the character.

Settings > General > Keyboard > Stickers

Turning off Stickers hides sticker content from the emoji keyboard. It does not provide a selective cleanup and should not be used as a substitute for removing individual items. Your saved stickers remain available when the setting is enabled again.

Remove a Sticker From a Message Without Deleting It

A sticker attached to a message bubble is separate from the reusable copy stored in your collection. Deleting it from the conversation does not erase the sticker from your drawer.

Messages > Conversation > Touch and Hold Message Bubble > Sticker Details

Find the sticker you want to detach, swipe left across it, and tap Delete. This removes that placement from the conversation on your iPhone.

Use this procedure when a sticker covers text, was attached accidentally, or no longer belongs in the conversation. If you instead open the sticker drawer and select Remove, you erase the reusable sticker while leaving previously sent copies in their conversations.

Understand What Happens Through iCloud

Custom stickers sync through iCloud to supported Apple devices using the same Apple Account. Removing a sticker from the iPhone can therefore remove it from the sticker drawers on an iPad, Mac, or Apple Vision Pro.

There is no Recently Deleted album for the system sticker collection. Keep the original source photo or send valuable stickers to yourself before removing anything.

After a deletion, another Apple device may continue displaying the sticker briefly while synchronization completes. Closing and reopening the sticker drawer usually refreshes the collection. A favorite preserved in your self-conversation can be restored at any time through Touch and Hold Sticker > Save to Stickers.

The post How to Delete Stickers on iPhone Without Losing Favorites appeared first on AppleMagazine.

Some Mac users may encounter an unusual situation where a “Keyboard Setup Assistant” application opens at random on their Mac, even if they already connected and setup a keyboard to use with their computer. The Keyboard Setup Assistant might pop up completely randomly, when the computer is woken from sleep, when the computer is freshly ... Read More

The post Mac Keyboard Setup Assistant Keeps Popping Up? Here’s the Fix appeared first on OS X Daily.

Apple’s next iPad lineup refresh could begin this fall with a new iPad mini, followed by updates across the rest of the tablet family during 2027. The reported schedule would give Apple a rolling series of launches rather than one event covering every iPad at once.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is preparing replacements for the iPad mini, entry-level iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pro. The compact model is expected to arrive first, potentially as early as October, while the remaining tablets would follow over the next several months.

Apple has not announced any of the devices, and release timing can change. The report nevertheless gives prospective buyers a clearer picture of where each current model sits in its cycle. The first update could also bring one of the most requested display improvements to Apple’s smallest tablet.

iPad Lineup Refresh Starts With the Mini

The iPad lineup refresh is expected to begin with the iPad mini, which has received fewer updates than Apple’s larger tablets. The current design remains popular because it offers an 8.3-inch screen in a device small enough to hold comfortably with one hand, place in a small bag or use as a portable reading and note-taking tool.

The next model is reportedly moving to an OLED display. That would give the iPad mini deeper black levels, stronger contrast and more vivid color than its current LCD panel. OLED would be particularly noticeable when reading in dark environments, watching video or working with images.

The new display is expected to measure approximately 8.4 inches without producing a major change to the overall design. Apple may retain a 60Hz refresh rate rather than bringing the 120Hz ProMotion technology used by the iPad Pro. That could disappoint buyers hoping the mini would become a compact Pro model, but OLED alone would represent a visible upgrade.

Reports have also pointed to an A19 Pro chip. That would give the smaller tablet more performance for games, creative apps, Apple Intelligence and longer-term software support. The current iPad mini already occupies an unusual position between a reading device and a compact professional tool. A stronger chip and OLED screen would push it further toward the second category.

Price may become the less attractive part of the update. Apple could raise the starting cost as display and memory expenses increase. Buyers interested mainly in portability may accept a higher price, but the iPad mini would need to avoid moving too close to the iPad Air.

The Entry-Level iPad May Stay Familiar

Apple’s least expensive iPad is expected to receive a more modest update in early 2027. The company reportedly plans to preserve the current design while replacing the processor with a newer chip.

That would fit the role of the entry-level model. Apple uses it for education, families, basic productivity, streaming, games and first-time tablet buyers. A dramatic redesign could increase the cost without improving the tasks most customers use it for.

The processor update could bring Apple Intelligence compatibility, depending on the chip and memory configuration Apple chooses. The current model’s position outside some advanced AI features creates an increasingly visible separation from the rest of the lineup.

A newer chip would also extend the useful life of the device. Entry-level iPads are often kept for several years, passed between family members or deployed in schools and businesses. Long software support can be more valuable in that segment than a thinner body or new camera arrangement.

Anyone considering the current base iPad should decide whether price or longevity has greater value. The current model remains suitable for ordinary use, particularly when discounted. Buyers who want the longest possible support window may prefer to wait.

iPad Air Could Receive the Larger Display Upgrade

The iPad Air is also expected to receive an update in 2027, with OLED display technology reportedly planned for the range. That would narrow one of the most obvious visual differences between the Air and the iPad Pro.

Apple currently positions the Air as the balanced choice: stronger than the entry model, less expensive than the Pro and available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. It supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard while offering M-series performance for demanding apps.

An OLED display would make that value proposition more aggressive. The Air could offer improved contrast and image quality without requiring buyers to move to the Pro tier. Apple would still have several ways to distinguish the Pro, including ProMotion, brighter displays, thinner hardware, advanced cameras and newer processors.

The processor is likely to receive another M-series upgrade as well, though the exact chip remains uncertain. For most users, the Air already has far more processing power than routine tablet work demands. The screen may provide the stronger reason to wait.

The risk for Apple is pricing. OLED panels could push the Air upward, especially in the 13-inch configuration. If the gap between Air and Pro becomes too narrow, buyers may move directly to the flagship. Apple will need to preserve a convincing middle tier.

iPad Pro May Focus on Power and Accessories

The next iPad Pro is reportedly planned for spring 2027. Apple may use a new M-series processor while leaving the current thin design largely intact.

That would make the Pro refresh more evolutionary than transformative. The current generation already includes OLED displays, high-end performance, Face ID, ProMotion and support for Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.

Apple is also reportedly preparing two updated Apple Pencil models. Those accessories could arrive alongside the next iPad Pro, with changes potentially related to battery design and regulatory requirements.

The larger question is what additional processor power will do for the tablet. iPadOS 27 has expanded multitasking and window management, but buyers continue to evaluate the Pro against MacBook models at similar prices. A faster chip alone will not settle that comparison.

Apple may rely more heavily on AI, professional applications and accessory integration to justify the update. The Pro has become a platform for illustration, video editing, music production, 3D work and specialized enterprise apps. New hardware needs to strengthen those uses rather than simply win another benchmark.

Should Buyers Wait?

The answer depends on the model. Prospective iPad mini buyers have the strongest reason to pause because the reported fall update could introduce a substantially better display within months.

Entry-level buyers can still consider the current iPad when pricing is attractive. Its expected replacement appears focused on performance rather than design. Waiting becomes more sensible for anyone who wants Apple Intelligence support or maximum longevity.

The current iPad Air remains a capable option, particularly for users who need a tablet now. OLED would improve the experience, but a 2027 release leaves a longer wait. The same logic applies to the iPad Pro. Its successor may be faster, though the existing model already covers demanding work comfortably.

Apple’s gradual schedule could keep the iPad in the hardware conversation from fall through spring. It also means there will be no single perfect moment when every model is equally new.

The iPad mini may open the cycle because it has the most obvious opportunity for visible improvement. After that, Apple can use the base iPad for reach, the Air for broader OLED adoption and the Pro for its latest silicon and accessories.

The tablet lineup is not expected to change all at once. It may instead evolve model by model, giving buyers repeated reasons to reconsider which iPad fits their needs.

The post iPad Lineup Refresh Could Start This Fall appeared first on AppleMagazine.

As rumors continue to swirl about OpenAI's work on a personalized smart speaker and other hardware, the company is today rolling out its first branded device. The $230 Codex Micro is a specialized, RGB-lit mini-keyboard designed to let users monitor and quickly interact with multiple Codex agents with a glance and a few clicks.

The device is described as a "limited-run collaboration" with Work Louder, which already sells a very similar-looking Creator Micro line of customizable square keyboards targeted at creative professionals. The Codex Micro differentiates itself from those mainly through six frosted keys in the top two rows, which offer color-coded live feedback on up to six Codex threads, even when they are not in focus on-screen.

Open the OpenAI box for AI assistance. Credit: OpenAI / Work Louder

Ideally, those colored keys will cycle from white when a thread is idle to blue when Codex is thinking to green when a task is complete. But the keys can also flash amber when Codex requires feedback or a decision from a human operator and red when a thread encounters an error, letting users know at a glance which of their Codex tasks needs immediate attention. A quick tap on the lit-up button brings up the applicable Codex window on-screen.

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