iPad Air is one of the most popular iPad lineups. It provides all the essential features and processing power missing on the regular iPad, supports the second-generation Apple Pencil that unlocks several features for creative users, and serves as a reliable multimedia consumption device. The current iteration, iPad Air (5th Generation), came out in 2022, meaning the product is nearly two years old. However, in 2024, the Cupertino-based tech giant is expected to refresh the lineup by releasing a new iPad Air.
Apple Could Release A 12.9-inch iPad Air This Year
Over the years, the market trend has shifted from devices with a small screen to those with a larger screen. This is why smartphones and tablets with a larger screen sell more than the smaller ones. Whether you’re in the Android or the Apple ecosystem, the top-tier handsets and tablets are all the largest in their segment. This particular trend is also visible in how Apple has increased the screen size on the iPad Air models.
The iPad Air (2nd Generation) came with a 9.70-inch screen, which was increased to 10.50 with the iPad Air (3rd Generation). The fourth and fifth-generation iPads, however, are stuck with a 10.9-inch display. In 2024, Apple is expected to unveil a 12.90-inch iPad Air. Several sources, including Bloomberg, indicate that the company will introduce a bigger screen iPad Air alongside the regular 10.90-inch variant.
Even though the bigger iPad may use dated LCD technology, it is still a significant upgrade, considering that iPad sales have plummeted over the past few quarters. However, Apple could demand more money from customers with a larger screen. Currently, the iPad Air (5th Generation), with a 10.9-inch screen, costs $599 in the United States and Rs. 59,990 in India; the version with a larger screen could cost more.
Analyst Claims The Presence Of Mini-LED Display On 12.9-inch iPad Air
According to Ross Young, the CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, the 12.9-inch iPad Air may come with a mini-LED display. Currently, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro features a mini-LED display, while the regular iPad Air has an LCD display.
Advantages Of A Mini-LED Panel
- The inclusion of a mini-LED panel on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro could have multiple benefits. First, it will improve the HDR brightness while viewing content on the tablet, improving the user experience.
- Second, it will improve the overall contrast ratios by producing deep blacks and brighter whites (even in non-HDR content).
- Last but not least, a mini-LED panel could also decrease the overall power consumption, which in turn may improve the device’s battery life.
Young says that the 12.9-inch iPad Air could use the leftover display panels from the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, saving the company some money. However, only the larger iPad will receive this upgrade, as Apple does not have an inventory of the 10.9-inch mini-LED displays.
Given that Young has an excellent track record, enthusiasts and fans should take this information seriously. Apart from the technical benefits for the user, the mini-LED display on the 12.9-inch iPad Air will allow the company to justify an increased price.
A New Camera Bump On The iPad Air
Per leaked schematics of the upcoming iPad Air, the tablet could ship with a new camera bump. Until now, the lineup hasn’t included a flash with the camera. However, the new schematics suggest that the camera bump will resemble that on the iPhone X (without the dual camera). Further, it could also include a flash module. Although this might mean that the company has a couple of added camera features, neither the company nor a source has confirmed the features.
2024 iPad Air Release Date
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new iPad Air range will come out in May 2024. The journalist is rooting for an early release in the month, giving the company enough breathing space for WWDC 2024. If everything goes as planned, Apple could release the 2024 iPad Air lineup on May 6, followed by pre-orders in a week.
Other Expected Changes
Another significant change the lineup could see is a new processor on the iPad Air. The latest generation features Apple’s M1 processor. However, the one that comes out in March 2024 could feature an M2 processor, which should offer an upgrade in terms of performance. An M3 chip for the mid-tier iPad Air lineup could be overkill, especially since Apple has a habit of providing the most potent chipset with the iPad Pro.
The company could also release the iPad Air (6th Generation) in new colors. Perhaps we might see some battery and charging speed improvements, but that lies shortly. More details about the iPad Air lineup might surface in the coming days.
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