Apple set to announce new iPad and MacBooks

Apple is expected to announce new iPads and MacBook computers when it hosts a live event in New York on Tuesday.

The technology giant has released three new iPhone handsets as well as a new Apple Watch in the last two months, with updates to its tablet and laptop ranges now expected to follow.

A redesigned iPad Pro is predicted to be among the new products showcased, one that introduces an edge-to-edge display on the device for the first time.

This would be joined by facial recognition technology Face ID – bringing it in line with the iPhone X and XS design of an all-screen front panel and removal of the Home button.

New MacBooks are also expected to be unveiled, possibly replacing the MacBook Air and offering a lower-priced alternative to the flagship MacBook Pro.

The new devices come in the wake of Microsoft launching new versions of its Surface Laptop and Surface Pro tablet-laptop hybrid, both of which are direct rivals to Apple’s computing products.

Google has also just introduced a new tablet – the Pixel Slate – pitched as an alternative to the iPad Pro.

It has been suggested the event could also be used to introduce a second generation set of the wireless AirPod earphones, as well as the AirPower charging pad, which was first announced last year but has not been publicly discussed by Apple since, having been earmarked for release in 2018.