2024 iPad Air: 3 new features coming to the rumored new Apple tablet
The iPad Air 2024 is arguably the most highly anticipated tablets of the year. It also may be one of the most delayed consumer products of 2024.
The new iPads — both the Air and Pro models — were poised to be released in March (perhaps alongside the new M3 MacBook Air), according to DigiTimes, which cited Apple's suppliers. However, it has been frequently pushed back throughout March and April.
So the question is, when will the iPad Air finally drop? We have the scoop on its potential release date — as well as three new features you can expect from the new tablet.
iPad Air 2024 release date
The iPad Air, according to Bloomberg's popular Apple prognosticator Mark Gurman, will launch in early May. More specifically, per a recent edition of Gurman's Power On newsletter, expect the iPad Air to drop some time during the week of May 6.
iPad Air 2024 price
Like Macworld, we're expecting the iPad Air 2024 to launch its 10.9-inch variant at $599, similar to its current-gen model.
However, it's trickier to predict the price of the rumored new 12.9-inch version. MacRumors says it will be $200 more, putting the 12.9-inch model at $799.
Macworld has a more optimistic forecast, speculating that the 12.9-inch variant will have a starting price of $699.
iPad Air 2024: 3 new features
The next model will be the 6th-generation iPad Air, and according to rumors and leaks, it will have the following new features:
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Two display sizes: an anticipated 10.9-inch model and a new 12.9-inch variant, according to Bloomberg
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Front camera moved from the top bezel to the side, according ShrimpApplePro, an X leaker with a decent track record
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New M2 chip, according to Bloomberg
To summarize, instead of the usual one iPad Air model we get from Apple, we're expecting two models, making it similar to the iPad Pro's two-model offerings. To reiterate, rumor has it that the iPad Air 6 will have a 10.9-inch model and a 12.9-inch model that matches the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro on the market.
Secondly, as it stands now, the iPad Air features a camera placed on the top (while it's being held in portrait mode). However, Apple is reportedly moving that camera to the side, allowing for a better camera experience during landscape orientation.
Bloomberg states that the iPad Air will get an M2 chip. For reference, the last iPad Air, updated in 2022, featured the M1 chip.
As MacRumors pointed out, if Apple is feeling particularly generous, it may opt to pack iPad Air 2024 with the more advanced M3 chip. However, I'm leaning towards M2; it's a logical way to distinguish the iPad Air from the iPad Pro (if it gets the M3 chip).
Save for the relocated camera and a larger iPad Air, we haven't seen any rumors about significant design changes. The iPad Air, compared to the iPad Pro, has always been slightly thicker with wider bezels — and that design language is expected to continue with the iPad Air 2024.
It's worth nothing that Apple is reportedly releasing a refreshed Apple Pencil with a new squeeze gesture as well as a new Magic Keyboard.
As aforementioned, the new iPad Air 2024 is expected to drop on May 6. Stay tuned for Mashable's coverage on the new tablets (if they ever end up dropping).
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