Apple
may launch
updated iPad Air
and
iPad
Pro models in 2024, a report has said. Rumours suggest that the company is planning for a big-screen iPad Air model for the very first time. This might be the biggest ever update to the less expensive tablet lineup from the company.
In 2022, Apple redesigned the iPad Air with a 10.9-inch display and a flat-edged design similar to the iPad Pro.
This year, Apple is expected to retain that same basic design but may expand it in terms of a new form factor.
iPad Air 2024 lineup: What to expect
According to
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is expected to introduce a
12.9-inch iPad Air
model in 2024. If the rumours are to be believed, this will be the first time that the iPad Air will be available in two display sizes. Notably, the iPad Pro models are also available in two different display sizes.
The rumoured iPad Air models are expected to be released in March. This
new iPad Air
lineup is also likely to feature upgraded performance, may be in the form of the M2 or M3 chip. Apple is also said to introduce some new colour options for the affordable tablets.
The report also claims that the 12.9-inch iPad Air will use the same LCD screen technology as the 10.9-inch model.
A separate report by 9to5Mac claims that leaked schematics out of Apple’s supply chain suggest that the new iPad Air models will feature a redesigned camera bump. Currently, the iPad Air features a single circular camera cutout on the back.
The new camera module is expected to feature a vertically-oriented design, similar to iPhone’s camera designs from a few years ago, such as the iPhone X. Both camera and the flash are also rumoured to be housed in the same camera bump which may also increase the size of the protrusion. For comparison, the existing iPad Air models do not feature camera flash.
Apple is reportedly planning to launch a new Magic Keyboard with a more laptop-style aluminium design for the iPad Pro. However, the iPad Air may not support the upcoming keyboard.
Gurman also claims that the new Magic Keyboard will be exclusive to the iPad Pro lineup. However, the iPad Air lineup (including both the 10.9-inch and 12.9-inch models) will work with the current Magic Keyboard.
In December 2023, Gurman said: “The new Magic Keyboard provides another differentiator for the iPad Pro. Apple isn’t planning a new version of that accessory for the iPad Air. The new 12.9-inch model will stick to using the current Magic Keyboard for that screen size. So if you want to get the best keyboard, you have another reason to spring for the Pro.”
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