Apple Unveils the Redesigned 11‑inch and All‑new 13‑inch iPad Air, Supercharged by the M2 Chip

[TheLostSwede]

Apple today announced the redesigned 11-inch and all-new 13-inch iPad Air, supercharged by the M2 chip. Now available in two sizes for the first time, the 11-inch iPad Air is super-portable, and the 13-inch model provides an even larger display for more room to work, learn, and play. Both deliver phenomenal performance and advanced capabilities, making iPad Air more powerful and versatile than ever before. Featuring a faster CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine in M2, the new iPad Air offers even more performance and is an incredibly powerful device for artificial intelligence. The front-facing Ultra Wide 12MP camera with Center Stage is now located along the landscape edge of iPad Air, which is perfect for video calls. It also includes faster Wi-Fi, and cellular models include super-fast 5G, so users can stay connected on the go. With a portable design, all-day battery life, a brilliant Liquid Retina display, and support for Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Magic Keyboard, iPad Air empowers users to be even more productive and creative. The new iPad Air is available in new blue and purple finishes, along with starlight and space gray. The 11-inch iPad Air still starts at just $599, and the 13-inch iPad Air is a fantastic value at just $799. Customers can order the new iPad Air today, with availability beginning Wednesday, May 15.

"So many users—from students, to content creators, to small businesses, and more—love iPad Air for its performance, portability, and versatility, all at an affordable price. Today, iPad Air gets even better," said Bob Borchers, Apple's vice president of Product Marketing. "We're so excited to introduce the redesigned 11-inch and all-new 13-inch iPad Air, offering two sizes for the first time. With its combination of a brilliant Liquid Retina display, the phenomenal performance of the M2 chip, incredible AI capabilities, and its colorful, portable design with support for new accessories, iPad Air is more powerful and versatile than ever."




iPad Air: Now Available in Two Sizes
The redesigned 11-inch iPad Air is super-portable, perfect for getting work done on the go. For users who want a larger display, the new 13-inch iPad Air offers 30 percent more screen real estate than the 11-inch model. The expansive display gives users more space to capture their ideas in apps like Freeform, or view multiple apps using Split View in iPadOS. Both models include advanced displays with a Liquid Retina design; an anti-reflective screen coating; True Tone technology; high brightness; and support for P3 wide color, resulting in content that looks remarkably rich and vibrant, and text that is sharp in all kinds of lighting conditions.

Landscape Front-Facing Camera
In the redesigned iPad Air, the front-facing Ultra Wide 12MP camera is now located along the landscape edge. The camera features Center Stage, which uses machine learning (ML) to automatically keep everyone in the field of view. This new camera location is perfect, since it has become the most common orientation for iPad users, whether they are connecting with friends and family over FaceTime, or joining a video conference while using iPad Air in a keyboard. The 12MP Wide back camera on iPad Air delivers high-resolution photos and detailed 4K video with support for 240-FPS slo-mo. Dual microphones are designed to work in unison with the cameras, capturing audio from the camera being used and minimizing distracting background noise. The new iPad Air also has landscape stereo speakers with Spatial Audio. The 13-inch model delivers even better sound quality with double the bass, which is great for enjoying music and videos.

Even More Performance with M2
The M2 chip brings another big boost in performance to iPad Air, featuring a faster 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. M2 is a powerful chip that offers a number of improvements over M1, delivering a huge leap in performance for those upgrading from previous-generation iPad Air models. When combined with faster memory bandwidth, the new iPad Air is nearly 50 percent faster than the previous iPad Air with M1 for a wide range of productivity and creative tasks. And compared to iPad Air with A14 Bionic, the new iPad Air delivers up to 3x faster performance. From creating engaging content faster than ever in Affinity Designer, to playing demanding, graphics-intensive games like Zenless Zone Zero, users will feel the speed of M2 in everything they do.

Powerful Device for AI
With M2, the new iPad Air is an amazing device for AI, featuring a more efficient 16-core Neural Engine that is 40 percent faster than M1. Combined with ML accelerators in the CPU and a powerful GPU to boost on-device machine learning, along with Apple silicon's unified memory architecture, iPad Air delivers exceptional AI performance. Taking advantage of this performance, users can enjoy intelligent iPadOS features such as Visual Look Up, Subject Lift, or Live Text. iPadOS also has advanced frameworks like Core ML that make it easy for developers to tap into the Neural Engine to deliver powerful AI features right on device. With the vast ecosystem of apps that include advanced AI features, users can do things like use the Auto Enhance tool in Photomator, which improves photos with a single click using AI models, or analyze athletic performance like never before with Onform and its motion tracking capabilities. iPad Air also supports cloud-based solutions, enabling users to run advanced productivity and creative apps that tap into the power of AI, such as Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Adobe Firefly.

Faster Connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and 5G
With faster wireless connectivity on the go, users can do even more on iPad Air. The new iPad Air supports Wi-Fi 6E, which delivers up to 2x increased performance than the previous generation, so users can download files, play games online, and stream movies. Wi-Fi + Cellular models with 5G allow users to access their files, communicate with peers, and back up their data in a snap while on the go. Cellular models of the new iPad Air are activated with eSIM, a more secure alternative to a physical SIM card, allowing users to quickly connect and transfer their existing plans digitally, and store multiple cellular plans on a single device. Customers can easily get connected to wireless data plans on the new iPad Air in over 190 countries and regions around the world without needing to get a physical SIM card from a local carrier.

Versatile Accessories, Including Apple Pencil Pro
Apple Pencil Pro features even more magical capabilities and powerful new interactions that take the Apple Pencil experience even further. A new sensor in the barrel can sense a user's squeeze, bringing up a tool palette to quickly switch tools, line weights, and colors, all without interrupting the creative process. A custom haptic engine delivers a light tap that provides confirmation when users squeeze, use double-tap, or snap to a Smart Shape for a remarkably intuitive experience. A gyroscope allows users to roll Apple Pencil Pro for precise control of the tool they're using. Rotating the barrel changes the orientation of shaped pen and brush tools, just like pen and paper. And with Apple Pencil hover, users can visualize the exact orientation of a tool before making a mark.

With these advanced features, Apple Pencil Pro allows users to bring their ideas to life in entirely new ways, and developers can also create their own custom interactions. Apple Pencil Pro brings support for Find My to Apple Pencil for the first time, helping users locate Apple Pencil Pro if misplaced. It pairs, charges, and is stored on the side of iPad Air through a new magnetic interface. iPad Air also supports Apple Pencil (USB-C), ideal for note taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more, at a great value.

iPad Air works with the Magic Keyboard, which includes a floating design, built-in trackpad, and backlit keyboard. The new Smart Folio for iPad Air attaches magnetically and now supports multiple viewing angles for greater flexibility. Available in charcoal gray, light violet, denim, and sage, the new Smart Folio complements the finishes of iPad Air.

Power of iPadOS 17
iPadOS 17 brings new levels of personalization and versatility that elevate the iPad Air experience:

• Users can customize the Lock Screen to make it more personal, taking advantage of the 11-inch or new, larger 13-inch display on iPad Air. This includes stunning wallpapers, fun ways to showcase users' favorite photos, and expressive fonts and colors to personalize the look of the date and time.
• Interactive widgets take glanceable information further with the ability to get tasks done right in the moment with just a tap.
• Messages offers fun ways for users to express themselves, including a stickers experience with emoji stickers and the ability to create Live Stickers by lifting subjects from photos.
• In FaceTime, users can leave an audio or video message when someone doesn't pick up a call. With Continuity Camera, users can take advantage of the camera and microphone on iPad Air and initiate a video call directly from Apple TV, or start the call on iPad and then hand it off to Apple TV.
• Freeform offers new drawing tools; support for hover, tilt, and snap to shape; the ability to add connection lines and new shapes to any object; and Follow Along to guide collaborators around the board.
• The Notes app gives users new ways to organize, read, annotate, and collaborate on PDFs. Working with PDFs is also easier with AutoFill, which intelligently identifies and fills fields in forms.
• With Stage Manager, users can work with multiple overlapping windows in a single view, resize windows, tap to switch between apps, and more.
• In addition to Visual Look Up, Subject Lift, and Live Text, users can take advantage of AI capabilities like Live Captions for real-time audio captions and intelligent accessibility features such as Personal Voice.

Vast Ecosystem of Apps
iPad Air also comes with exceptional apps built in, including Freeform, Notes, iMovie, GarageBand, Photos, and the iWork suite of productivity apps—Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. Logic Pro for iPad 2 and Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 bring new features that transform iPad Air into an even more flexible creative powerhouse. Available Monday, May 13, Logic Pro delivers breakthrough professional experiences for songwriting, beat-making, producing, and mixing with powerful AI-driven features, including Session Players, ChromaGlow, and Stem Splitter. Coming later this spring, Final Cut Pro turns iPad into the ultimate mobile production studio, with Live Multicam to control and record with up to four iPhone or iPad devices with Final Cut Camera;3 external project support;4 and even more new content. And with over a million apps on the App Store, iPad Air users can find apps for anything they want to do, from advanced productivity to creativity.

Better for the Environment
The new iPad Air is designed with the environment in mind, including 100 percent recycled aluminium in the enclosure, 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, and 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin soldering in multiple printed circuit boards. The new iPad Air meets Apple's high standards for energy efficiency, and is free of mercury, brominated flame retardants, and PVC. The packaging is 100 percent fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal to remove plastic from all packaging by 2025.

Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations, and by 2030, plans to be carbon neutral across the entire manufacturing supply chain and life cycle of every product.

Pricing and Availability

• Customers can order the new iPad Air with M2 starting today, May 7, on apple.com/store, and in the Apple Store app in 29 countries and regions, including the U.S. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, starting Wednesday, May 15.
• The new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air will be available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB configurations.
• The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi model, and $749 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 13-inch iPad Air starts at $799 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi model, and $949 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
• For education, the new 11-inch iPad Air starts at $549 (U.S.), and the 13-inch model starts at $749 (U.S.). Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels. For more information, visit apple.com/us-hed/shop.
• The new Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the new iPad Air. It is available for $129 (U.S.), and $119 (U.S.) for education. Apple Pencil (USB-C) is available for $79 (U.S.) and $69 (U.S.) for education.
• The Magic Keyboard, available in black and white finishes, is compatible with the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air. It can be purchased for $299 (U.S.) for the new 11-inch iPad Air, and $349 (U.S.) for the new 13-inch iPad Air, with layouts for over 30 languages. For education, the 11-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $279 (U.S.), and the 13-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $329 (U.S.).
• The new Smart Folio, available in charcoal gray, light violet, denim, and sage, is $79 (U.S.) for the new 11-inch iPad Air, and $99 (U.S.) for the new 13-inch iPad Air.
• Logic Pro for iPad 2 will be available May 13 as a free update for existing users, and for new users, it will be available on the App Store for $4.99 (U.S.) per month or $49 (U.S.) per year, with a one-month free trial. Logic Pro for iPad 2 requires iPadOS 17.4 or later. For more information, visit apple.com/logic-pro-for-ipad.
• Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 will be available later this spring on the App Store for $4.99 (U.S.) per month, or $49 (U.S.) per year, with a one-month free trial.
• Apple offers great ways to save on the latest iPad. Customers can trade in their current iPad and get credit toward a new one by visiting the Apple Store online, the Apple Store App, or an Apple Store location. To see what their device is worth and for terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.
• Customers in the U.S. who shop at Apple using Apple Card can pay monthly at 0 percent APR when they choose to check out with Apple Card Monthly Installments, and they'll get 3 percent Daily Cash back—all upfront.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site | Source

 

[Iain Saturn]

60hz again

Ugh. Always gotta get the pro models to get a smooth screen.

 

[cvaldes]

There are a variety of factors that weigh into Apple's selection of components for all of their SKUs. Undoubtedly Apple tests a variety of prototypes with different components before settling on what they announced today.

Concerning 60Hz there are two very important factors: power consumption and cost.

Apple very likely has some sort of idea about what sort of gross margin they want to hit with every SKU and which price point they want to release at. That would determine the target COGS so some components simply will get cut immediately because they won't fit into that.

My guess is at some point these entry level iPads will get 120Hz displays. I just don't know when. But for sure it's not this year. Maybe after the pro models move to 240Hz displays and stay there for a while -- another milestone I can't predict.

 

[Iain Saturn]

My guess is at some point these entry level iPads will get 120Hz displays. I just don't know when. But for sure it's not this year. Maybe after the pro models move to 240Hz displays and stay there for a while -- another milestone I can't predict.

Thank you for letting us know that you have no information, you are guessing and can't predict anything.

(Don't expect anyone to - but hilarious you would type that)

 

[trsttte]

There are a variety of factors that weigh into Apple's selection of components for all of their SKUs. Undoubtedly Apple tests a variety of prototypes with different components before settling on what they announced today.

Concerning 60Hz there are two very important factors: power consumption and cost.

Apple very likely has some sort of idea about what sort of gross margin they want to hit with every SKU and which price point they want to release at. That would determine the target COGS so some components simply will get cut immediately because they won't fit into that.

My guess is at some point these entry level iPads will get 120Hz displays. I just don't know when. But for sure it's not this year. Maybe after the pro models move to 240Hz displays and stay there for a while -- another milestone I can't predict.

Apple is pretty smart, evil, but pretty smart. There's no performance difference between the iPad Air and iPad Pro, either now or in the past couple years. The problem was and continues to be their stupid software that limits the ipad to be a consumer toy - their new changes to Final Cut and Logic Pro won't change any of that - so why would you buy the more expensive product?

Their product stack is entirely designed to get you to upgrade to the more expensive product, i.e.: previously you could buy the base iPad Air with 64gb or pay more for 256gb which becomes more expensive than the iPad Pro 11', so might as well go with the Pro and get 120Hz screen as well right? Well that Pro only comes with 128gb, if you really want the storage you need to shell even more for the 256gb, but then again at that point maybe you want to splurge on the 12'' and get the mini led screen. It's kind of ridiculous but it has been shown to work very well in Apple's favour.

There's really only 2 things that distinguish the iPad Air from the iPad Pro: the screen and the storage. There's no real advantage for Apple to change that to just one thing. I'm surprised they didn't decide to make the new pencil (and new keyboards?) compatible with just the iPad Pro to further differentiate the product stack, they'll probably regret that and do it next time lol

 

[Minus Infinity]

60hz again

Ugh. Always gotta get the pro models to get a smooth screen.

I was hoping the Air's would get the miniled screens of the current iPad Pro rather than using lcd. Oh well 2-in-1 PC laptop for me once we can get Strix or Lunar Lake in them. Heck maybe the Qualcomm will be good, but I suspect stupidly overpriced.

 

[stimpy88]

Take a $100 off both models and give them a 120Hz screen, then you have value. These are overpriced with the storage offered and an old-fashioned 60Hz LCD screen. It's 2024, and you can buy $400 laptops with a 120Hz screen.

I have the M2 iPad Pro, and it's fantastic with the overall performance and 120Hz display. I can't go back to 60Hz.

But the new Pro iPads are insanely overpriced and offer nothing of value if you're not a graphics artist.

There's no performance difference between the iPad Air and iPad Pro, either now or in the past couple years.

That is factually incorrect. The older iPad Air used the M1, and the M2 in the iPad Pro is faster, and offers nearly 40% more graphics performance.

The new iPad Air has the M2 from the old iPad Pro, and the new iPad Pro has the M4. It's ludicrous to state that there are no performance differences.

 

[trsttte]

That is factually incorrect. The older iPad Air used the M1, and the M2 in the iPad Pro is faster, and offers nearly 40% more graphics performance.

The new iPad Air has the M2 from the old iPad Pro, and the new iPad Pro has the M4. It's ludicrous to state that there are no performance differences.

Of the course the M2 is faster but the performance difference between M1 and M2 are slim, maybe bigger in graphics but whatever because the point is that whatever measurable difference there is you can't make use of it because of the applications that are allowed to run on platform. Final Cut will render slightly faster, but you're still editing on an artificially limited version of Final Cut. Same for Logic, and Photoshop, and whatever application you use.

All this in the name of not canibalizing macbook sales, that's what's ludicrous.

 

[Fourstaff]

Not at all impressed with the old Pencil incompatibility, but I like the fact that they are still adding features and not raising the price of the new Pencil.

 

[remixedcat]

still no calculator lol