In addition to a new iPad Pro line, there’s also a new iPad Air on the way this year. This could be the biggest update to the iPad Air line to date, as Apple plans a large-screen model for the first time.
Here are five things to expect from the new iPad Air line…
New form factor
Apple revised the iPad Air in 2020 to give it a 10.9-inch screen and a flat-edged design similar to the iPad Pro. This year, Apple plans to retain the same design language, but also expand the design to a new form factor.
According to several reports, including Bloomberg, Apple will introduce a new 12.9-inch iPad Air model this year. This will be the first time the iPad Air is available in two screen sizes, modeling the same fork as the iPad Pro line.
mini-LED display option
In an interesting twist, analyst Ross Young recently reported that the 12.9-inch iPad Air will use a mini-LED display instead of an LCD. This is the same display technology currently used in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Meanwhile, the 10.9-inch iPad Air will retain the same LCD panels as the current-generation model.
Compared to LCD screens, mini-LED can offer several advantages:
- Higher contrast ratio
- Greater brightness
- Deeper blacks
- Power efficient
This will differentiate the 12.9-inch iPad Air from the 10.9-inch model. It’s also worth keeping in mind the fact that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will leave mini-LED behind and switch to OLED this year.
Biggest camera shot
According to leaked schematics of Apple’s supply chain, the new iPad Air models will feature a redesigned camera bump. Currently, the iPad Air features a single circular cutout for the camera on the back.
The new camera bump will reportedly feature a vertically oriented design, reminiscent of iPhone camera designs from a few years ago, such as the iPhone the size of the bump. Currently, the iPad Air does not have a camera flash.
At the moment, it is unknown why Apple plans to make this change beyond adding a flash to the camera. It could mean that Apple has other new camera features that require the new design.
You can see all the photos of the supposed design on the 91mobiles website.
There is no new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air
While Apple is rumored to be planning a new Magic Keyboard with a more laptop-style aluminum design for the iPad Pro, the iPad Air will miss out on this change.
As Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported, the new Magic Keyboard will be exclusive to the iPad Pro line. The iPad Air line, including the 10.9-inch and 12.9-inch models, will work with the current Magic Keyboard. This is essentially Apple’s way of giving users another reason to opt for the more expensive iPad Pro.
Gurman reported in December:
The new Magic Keyboard provides another differentiator for the iPad Pro. Apple is not planning a new version of that accessory for the iPad Air. The new 12.9-inch model will continue to use the current Magic Keyboard for that screen size. So if you want to get the best keyboard, you have another reason to go for the Pro.
Horizontal front camera
The new iPad Air will reportedly feature a long-awaited design change. Apple is expected to reposition the front FaceTime camera from the top bezel to the horizontal side for the first time. This coincides with a design change that Apple made to the iPad 10 in 2022.
This means that when the iPad Air is held in landscape mode, or used with the Magic Keyboard, the front camera is correctly aligned on the top of the device.
Summary: new features of the iPad Air
The new iPad Air models are expected to launch in the coming weeks. In addition to these changes, the new iPad Air will also feature improved performance, likely in the form of the M2 or M3 chip. We could also see Apple introduce some new color options.
Are you thinking about buying a new iPad in 2024? Are you considering the iPad Air or iPad Pro? Let us know in the comments.
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