Credits: Apple
During its “Let Loose” event, Apple revealed the latest M2-powered iPad Air editions, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. These models boast a new landscape FaceTime camera, AI capabilities, and enhanced sound quality, particularly notable in the larger variant.
Apple claims the iPad Air is crafted “to bring features pioneered on iPad Pro within a more budget-friendly range,” introducing a larger 13-inch model that offers 30% more screen space than its 11-inch counterpart.
Powered by the M2 chip featuring an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, coupled with enhanced memory bandwidth, the new iPad Air delivers almost 50% faster performance compared to its predecessor with M1, across a broad spectrum of productivity and creative tasks. Apple asserts that compared to the iPad Air with A14 Bionic, the new M2 model achieves up to 3 times faster performance. Additionally, the 13-inch variant promises superior sound quality with double the bass of the previous generation.
Furthermore, the new iPad Air boasts support for Wi-Fi 6E, offering up to 2 times better performance than its predecessor. It also introduces compatibility with the new Apple Pencil Pro, equipped with a sensor in the barrel capable of detecting user squeezes, facilitating quick access to a tool palette without disrupting the creative flow, as per Apple’s claims.
Apple positions the new iPad Air as a robust platform for artificial intelligence, featuring a redesigned 12MP Ultra Wide FaceTime camera positioned along the longest edge for more central and horizontal video capture during calls. The camera incorporates Center Stage technology, leveraging machine learning to automatically adjust the frame to keep all participants in view.
According to Apple, the new iPad Air boasts nearly 50% faster performance than its predecessor with M1 and provides 3 times faster performance than the iPad Air with A14 Bionic. The company also emphasizes compatibility with the latest Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, with added support for Apple Pencil Hover for enhanced precision.
Both models of the new iPad Air sport LCD Liquid Retina displays and are available in various colors including new blue, new purple, Starlight, and Space Grey, all encased in a new 100% recycled aluminum enclosure.
Introducing a new Smart Folio designed for the iPad Air, featuring magnetic attachment and support for various viewing angles to enhance versatility. Offered in charcoal gray, light violet, denim, and sage, this Smart Folio harmonizes with the latest iPad Air finishes.
The iPad Air is now offered with a base storage capacity of 128GB, and additional storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Maintaining the pricing tradition, the iPad Air starts at $599, while the 13-inch variant begins at $799. Orders are open today, with shipping scheduled to commence next week.