Apple just announced a significant update to its popular iPad Air line, introducing a redesigned 11-inch model and a brand new 13-inch option. This marks the first time iPad Air is available in two sizes, catering to users who prefer a more portable device and those who desire a larger canvas on which to work and create. Both models feature impressive upgrades, including a powerful M2 chip, enhanced AI capabilities, a landscape-facing front camera, and faster Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
Powerful performance with M2 chip
At the heart of the new iPad Air resides in the M2 chip, which delivers a significant performance boost over its predecessor. With an 8-core CPU and faster 10-core GPU, the M2 chip enables smoother multitasking, faster app launch, and effortless handling of demanding tasks like video editing and 3D design. Users upgrading from previous iPad Air models will experience a significant leap in performance, making the new iPad Air a true powerhouse of productivity and creativity.
AI capabilities take center stage
The M2 chip also brings artificial intelligence (AI) advances to iPad Air. 16-core neural engine, 40% faster than the previous generation, supporting smart features like Live Text, Visual Lookup, and Topic Enhancement. These features enhance the user experience by enabling seamless interaction with text and images, making tasks like copying text from photos or finding information in photos easier.
Improved camera and connectivity for seamless collaboration
The new iPad Air has a redesigned front camera located along the horizontal edge, ideal for video calls and online meetings. This new position matches the most common orientation of iPad users when using the keyboard or participating in a video conference. Additionally, the camera features Center Stage technology, which uses machine learning to automatically keep users in frame throughout video calls, ensuring they remain the center of attention.
Connectivity also receives a significant upgrade with Wi-Fi 6E support, delivering twice the performance compared to the previous generation. This means faster downloads, smoother streaming, and a more responsive online experience. Mobile phone models also benefit from integrated 5G connectivity, allowing users to stay connected and productive on the go.
Apple Pencil Pro: A creative powerhouse
Apple also introduced new features Apple Pencil Pro, designed to enhance the creative experience on iPad Air. This advanced stylus features new features such as a pressure-sensitive tip that allows for dynamic line darkening and shading, a customizable squeeze function for quick tool switching, and a gyroscope for fine-tuning Precise control of the brush and pen tools. Apple Pencil Pro also supports Find My, making it easier to locate if lost.
iPadOS 17
The new iPad Air runs on iPadOS 17, introducing several features that enhance personalization and versatility. Users can now customize their Lock Screen with widgets, expressive fonts, and vibrant colors. The Messages app offers emoji stickers and Live Stickers. FaceTime allows users to leave video or audio messages when calls go unanswered. The Freeform app provides a collaborative framework for brainstorming and sharing ideas, while the Notes app offers improved PDF annotation and organization tools.
Price and availability
The The new iPad Air with M2 is available to order starting today, May 7, 2024, available Wednesday, May 15. The 11-inch model starts at $599, while the 13-inch model starts at $799. Both sizes come in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with storage options ranging from 128 GB to 1 TB.
A new era for iPad Air
With strong performance, advanced AI capabilities, and versatile features, the new iPad Air looks like a versatile and powerful tablet that will please many users.
