2024 iPad Air: Everything We Know
Credit: Apple
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It’s only a few days until Apple finally unveils this year’s iPad models — the first ones we’ve seen since the fall of 2022. While we all expect the iPad Pro to take most of the stage during the Apple event, we’re also expecting its little brother to make an appearance.
That’s right; rumor has it that we might get a brand-new iPad Air alongside the new iPad Pro. While this new iPad Air might not seem like much, it will come with some bumped specs that will make it worth your while.
Not only that but if rumors are true, we might even see not one but two new iPad Air models. Here’s everything you need to know.
2024 iPad Air: New Size, Same Old Design
Perhaps the biggest rumor about the iPad Air is the fact that there will be two new models this year: the regular 10.9-inch iPad Air model that we’re already familiar with and a larger 12.9-inch model.
This will make the iPad Air even more similar to the iPad Pro lineup, which has been available in two sizes almost from the very beginning.
Unfortunately, other than the new size, the iPad Air design isn’t expected to change much from the current model. With the exception of the cameras — which we’ll talk about in a moment — the 6th generation iPad Air will continue to have the same LCD display, the same thin bezels, and the same Touch ID on the power button that we’re already used to.
Of course, that doesn’t mean the design is bad by any means. But if you were expecting your new iPad Air to be different from the older models, you’re out of luck.
The Cameras on the New iPad Air Might Change
It seems that the most significant change coming to the new iPad Air model is in the camera department. We’re not talking about better-quality cameras, which doesn’t seem to be Apple’s focus at this point. Instead, we’re talking about their design.
On the back, rumors say that the new iPad Air might have a pill-shaped camera that bumps out of the back of the iPad.
On the flip side, Apple is said to be changing the position of the front-facing camera. The current iPad Air has the camera at the top when held in portrait mode, just like nearly every other iPad model.
However, the new iPad Air will now feature the front-facing camera in the middle of the right-side bezel when held in portrait mode, similar to what Apple did with the 10th-generation iPad in 2022.
This change will make it easier for people to be at the center of the camera frame when using FaceTime, as most people hold their iPads in landscape mode. The camera will also sit at the top of the iPad when propping it up with a case or the Magic Keyboard.
Better Chip, But Maybe Not the Best
Apple surprised the world when it decided to add the M1 chip to the current-generation iPad two years ago. This powerful chip made the iPad Air one of the best values for your money in the tablet department, and it seems the company is ready to do it again.
Unfortunately, we might not get Apple’s latest chip this time around. The M3 chip is currently Apple’s most powerful processor, and you can find it on its newest computers. It’s also expected to be the minimum spec featured on the new iPad Pro models (although some rumors suggest the premium tablet could get an M4 instead — even before it comes to the first Macs in the fall).
While some rumors the iPad Air might get the M3 chip, most speculations suggest that Apple will use the M2 chip instead, as that’s a more logical upgrade for the mid-tier tablet.
That’s not necessarily bad, as the change from the M1 to the M2 chip is significant. The M2 chip’s CPU and GPU performance are over 18% and 35%, respectively, compared to the M1 processor, so the iPad Air will still be a powerful tablet.
But it would just be nice to see the M3 chip in a modern, more affordable iPad.
The iPad Air Will Have Better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The processor isn’t the only thing changing inside the new iPad Air; Apple is also expected to improve its connectivity.
According to the rumors, the new iPad Air will feature Bluetooth 5.3, just like the rest of its recent products. Bluetooth 5.3 will help the iPad have better, more stable connectivity while also helping it stay more secure and have lower latency.
Additionally, Apple is also said to add Wi-Fi 6E, which is the same connection you can find on the iPhone 15. Basically, Wi-Fi 6E allows a stronger and faster connection by adding another frequency range that the iPad Air can connect to — provided you have a compatible router.
Will We See Support for the New Apple Pencil?
One big part of Apple’s upcoming event is the company’s expected unveiling of the next-generation Apple Pencil.
While we don’t know much about the new Apple Pencil — as we haven’t heard rumors about it in quite some time — some folks online found a new “squeeze” function hidden in the beta version of iPadOS 17.5. If true, this would give professionals and artists a new way to control their iPads with just the new Apple Pencil.
Unfortunately, we aren’t completely sure if the new iPad Air will support the new Apple Pencil. Based on how Apple handled the first and second-generation Apple Pencil, we can assume that the new Apple Pencil will be exclusive to the new iPad Pro models. Hopefully, we’re wrong, but we’ll have to wait and see.
2024 iPad Air: Release Date
As we mentioned, we’re only a few days away from Apple’s “Let Loose” event on May 7, when the new iPad Air models will debut alongside a new OLED iPad Pro lineup.
As for price and availability, we expect the 10.9-inch iPad to keep its $599 price tag. And if Apple releases a 12.9-inch iPad Air, we’re expecting it to be $100 or $200 more expensive, based on how Apple sells both current iPad Pro models. If Apple follows past trends, the iPad Air may not go on sale right away, as it often starts either pre-orders or sales on the Friday following its big events.
Are You Ready for the New iPad Air?
The iPad Air is the perfect device for people who want a powerful device at a more affordable price, which is why this new release is really exciting for some of us. We’re only a few days away before Apple reveals the 6th-generation iPad Air, so get your wallet ready.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
