Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
If everything hold out according to architectural plan , Apple is prepare to unveil new iPads on Tuesday , May 7 . It ’s been a while since the last iPad exit in October 2022 , so expectations are incredibly gamey for those thirstily waiting to purchase a new Apple tab .
I typically purchase the iPad Pro and own the current 11 - in model , and I am queer about Apple ’s plans for this mathematical product line . However , most people are probably more interested in the forthcoming iPad Air lineup in 2024 . Both lineups are fetch a refresh next week . In late years , the iPad Air has been positioned between the budget - priced iPad and the top - of - the - line of descent iPad Pro , making it a popular choice for many .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
However , the bighearted drawback of the iPad Air has always been its size . Unlike the iPad Pro card , which has long include two size , 11 in and 12.9 inches , the iPad Air has been restricted to just one — a tablet measuring 10.9 inches diagonally . This has been a disadvantage for many creatives who postulate a bombastic - sized iPad , but can not afford the iPad Pro .
Things on this front are about to change , however . Apple is gestate to unwrap two raw iPad Air models for the first prison term . In addition to a 2024 10.9 - inch model , the company is poised to harbinger a 12.9 - column inch model . This move is undoubtedly a unmediated response to the needs of creatives who postulate a bigger silver screen , but are on a budget , and it will open up new possibilities and opportunities . It ’s an exciting move on composition , but I ’m also a bit skittish about it .
Will Apple stick the landing?
Display quality and the chipset will probably be the vital deviation between this class ’s iPad Pro and iPad Air lineups .
The new iPad Pro manikin are carry to debut OLED engineering for the first time . In contrast , the new iPad Air models will either include less expensive LCD , or we could see the larger modeling offer mini - lead . It ’s worth remark that the current iPad Pro lineup have an LCD on the 11 - column inch model and a mini LED on the 12.9 - inch version .
Looking beyond the show timbre , the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air lineups are likely to be distinguish by their chip , a constituent that could importantly impact the user experience . The iPad Air batting order might sport the M3 , presently witness on MacBook Air , MacBook Pro , and iMac example . At the same meter , the iPad Pros could introduce anall - fresh M4 chipthat promises even more tycoon and efficiency .
What does the succeeding hold for the iPad Air ?
bring in superior displays and microprocessor chip on the Modern iPad Pro models will likely vindicate Apple charging even higher prices for this lineup . This move will likely make a pregnant damage gap between the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models . However , the extent of this monetary value deviation will for the most part count on how much higher the prices of this yr ’s iPad Pro models will be compared to the current generation .
The 11 - in iPad Pro presently start at $ 799 , while the 12.9 - column inch model begins at $ 1,099 . This compares to $ 599 for the least expensive iPad Air .
There wereearlier rumorsthat suggested the start price of the 11 - column inch iPad Pro model would be $ 1,500 , and the 12.9 - inch fashion model would commence at $ 1,800 . However , these prices never made sense , even during high inflation . Morerecent rumorssuggest that the price hike for the iPad Pro would not exceed $ 160 . take Apple charges an additional $ 200 per twist , the least expensive 11 - inch iPad Pro would cost $ 999 , with the least high-priced 12.9 - inch iPad Pro make the jump to $ 1,299 .
What does the future hold for the iPad Air ? If Apple go on the price unaltered , the 10.9 - inch model would remain $ 599 . And study there is a $ 300 difference between the 11 - inch and 12.9 - inch iPad Pro poser , the bigger iPad Air could then start at $ 899 .
Apple could also decide to tot up around $ 200 to the price ofeverynew iPad Pro and iPad Air role model . In that case , the next 10.9 - inch iPad Air would start at $ 799 , while the 12.9 - inch theoretical account would be $ 1,099 . In this display case , the new lineup would be :
I am interested about how Apple might further severalize the iPad Air from the iPad Pro to increase its profits . At present , both good example differ in term of tv camera quality , certification methods , and other factors . I desire those divergence do n’t stay , especially if Apple mean to charge $ 799 for an iPad Air . difference that extend beyond chipset and display lineament would be less of a component if Apple observe iPad Air prices at 2022 levels .
We will know soon enough . Apple ’s May 7 event plain off at 7 a.m. PT . you’re able to stream the event dwell or later in the day via Apple ’s website , on X ( formerly Twitter ) , and through the caller ’s YouTube story .
