iPad Air (2024): Sixth Generation Introduces a New 13-Inch Model for the First Time

The new iPads are here. After introducing new MacBook Air models a few months ago, Apple announced the release of the 6th-generation iPad Air, which finally received its expected update during the company's "Let Loose" event held on Tuesday in London. As per tradition, Apple updates its iPads every two years. This year, notably, it has decided to offer the refresh in different sizes for the first time.

One version maintains the iPad Air's original 11-inch screen, while the other features a new 13-inch screen, similar to the iPad Pro. Both models come with Apple’s powerful M2 processor, which was previously exclusive to the iPad Pro.

All in all, the new iPad Air is an updated version of one of Apple’s most popular products, featuring a few minor refinements to keep up with the times.

iPad Air (2024) Specs

More Power and Storage and Bigger Overall

The 11-inch iPad Air has a True Tone LCD display that can reach a maximum brightness of 500 nits. While the new model is very similar to the previous generation, Apple has been hard at work improving the inside of the device. There are some changes to the exterior, though. Specifically, the 13-inch iPad Air offers a slightly brighter screen (600 nits).

In addition to the new size, the iPad Air 6 also comes with expanded storage capacity. The new generation starts at 128 GB, but customers can also choose between the 512 GB and 1 TB options.

Apple announced that the new iPad Air will be equipped with its advanced M2 processor, which was introduced last year and is currently used in the M2 MacBook Air. The chip is designed with 5-nanometer photolithography, has 8 cores, and a neural engine that can process 50% more operations compared to its predecessor, the M1.

The M2 has proven it can deliver excellent performance in laptops. By adding it to the iPad Air, Apple is putting the device on par with 2022's iPad Pro. Apple also states that the latest iPad Air is up to 3x faster than the 2023's iPad Air, which had an A12 chip.

On the media front, the new models feature 12-megapixel front and rear cameras, with audio enhanced by stereo speakers. Despite the "Pro" in its name, the new Apple Pencil Pro is also compatible with iPad Air 6.

The device can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or optional 5G connectivity, depending on which model you buy.

Regarding the software, the iPad Air will run iPadOS 17 upon release, but it’s expected to be one of the first devices to receive the latest version, iPadOS 18. This new operating system version will be compatible with alternative app marketplaces, similar to what we’ve seen in iOS.

2024 iPad Air models and prices

The new sixth-generation iPad Air comes in two sizes and several versions, depending on storage and connectivity. In the U.S., prices will start at $599 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model.

These are the final prices:

• 11-inch iPad Air: $599 (Wi-Fi) / $749 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
• 13-inch iPad Air: $799 (Wi-Fi) / $949 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)

The 2024 iPad Air is set to hit stores for next week. It'll be available in four different colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.

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