If you’ve been holding out for a non-Pro iPad model with a vibrant OLED display, you might be in luck — even if the wait might prove tortuous.

According to The Elec, Apple is planning to use a ‘lower-spec’ OLED display panel from Samsung for the next iPad Air and mini tablets. The report explains: “Apple plans to apply a lower-spec panel to Air than the iPad Pro to increase OLED iPad Air sales. If the specifications are low, the manufacturing cost is low. Air sales were higher than those of the pros on the existing LCD iPads.”

The above aligns with a leak from July that revealed an OLED iPad mini, but this is the first time we’ve heard about an OLED iPad Air. Although details are light on what the rumored Air may feature apart from a new display, there’s speculation that the new iPad mini could feature an A17 chip. This would be a massive upgrade from the A15 Bionic chip found in the iPad mini 6.

In our review of the M2 iPad Air in May, Editor-in-Chief Gerald Lynch praised the tablet for its simple yet solid upgrade. “The M2 iPad Air isn’t all that much different from the M1 one that came out two years ago. But it knows what it is, what it can offer, and what you’ll probably want it for.”

Nevertheless, if you’re prepared to wait for an OLED display in a new iPad Air or iPad mini, don’t expect them until 2026.

Why wait?

Although an OLED iPad mini sounds enticing, the current model, along with the M2 iPad Air, are both great purchases right now. Whether you’re going back to school later this year or even considering some Christmas presents already, these tablets are well worth considering.

More from iMore

• You might have to wait some time for Apple's foldable iPad
• I installed Windows XP on my iPad just to play Pinball and Mario 64 at the same time, and the internet went mad
• Delta retro game emulator comes to iPad and Apple silicon Macs after a false start

“An iPad Pro to an iPad Air M2? Surely that means a downgrade!” Put down your pitchforks readers and I’ll explain why a recent Prime Day deal has got me thinking.

I’ve owned an iPad Pro since 2018, back when the first major redesign was released. This featured a near-bezel-less display, Face ID, and a 120Hz ProMotion display. In 2021, I upgraded to the newer model just so I could have the M1 chip and brighter display. I’ve been happy with it since, but my needs for the tablet have changed.

Initially, I’d use the iPad Pro for most of my tasks at work, both during the day and during the evenings for other projects like books. However, as the years passed, I found myself relying more on my MacBook Pro than my iPad Pro. The restrictions of iPadOS, such as the inability to record a whole podcast and the confusing mess of Stage Manager, Apple’s latest attempt at fixing multitasking on the tablet, drove me further away.

In 2024, a few changes to the App Store have led me to use the iPad Pro more frequently — only instead of a productivity device, It's now become a retro gaming machine. I currently use Delta and RetroArch, two retro gaming emulators that can run old consoles and handhelds such as the Nintendo Game Boy and Sony PlayStation. As these apps support the iPad Magic Keyboard, controlling these games is a breeze, saving me the bother of having to touch the iPad’s display. Over the weekend (July 14), another app called UTM appeared on the App Store, allowing me to install Windows XP on my iPad, enabling me to play a pinball game, and I love it.

It’s these apps, combined with spotting a great deal on an iPad Air M2 on the eve of Amazon Prime Day, that have made me consider a downgrading dilemma: Why have an iPad Pro when an Air can run all of these apps with no drop in performance?

• iPad deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy | Walmart

Levelling up to M2?

Yes, moving to an iPad Air M2 to use these apps, as well as using the tablet to read a bunch of comics through Marvel Unlimited, is a tempting prospect. I could also look into an Apple Pencil Pro, which works with this latest Air model but not with my iPad Pro M1. It's worth noting that Delta can emulate the Nintendo DS handheld, which came with a stylus that could let you interact with certain games like Brain Age and WarioWare. I’ve realized that I can use Apple’s latest drawing pen with the emulator, similar to the DS stylus. This way, I can play these games with the Apple Pencil Pro to make the retro experience even more authentic.

I’ve spotted the drawing pen available for $10 off on Amazon, so I might buy that with the iPad Air M2.

Whatever the case, my need for having an iPad is markedly different from what it was three years ago. On some days, I used the iPad Pro M1 for my old job, writing up press releases and transcribing interviews. On other occasions, I’d use it to browse the web and talk to friends through Discord or Twitch streams. In 2024, I now use the tablet for Delta and UTM, which isn’t a good enough reason to keep an iPad Pro anymore.

Instead, I want to use the smaller iPad Air M2 for emulation, for reading comics, and for occasional web browsing. At $559, it’s a great price to help justify what I’ll be using an iPad for going forward, and I’ll have no regrets about downgrading soon.

The M1 iPad Air might have just been replaced by the M2 iPad Air, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider the older model — especially given that it’s just received a monster discount. 

Thanks to a Best Buy deal, it returns to its lowest price ever — $200 off to make the price $399, a price we can’t see being beaten any time soon. You’ll want to act quickly with this one as well, as stock of the older iPad seems to running out at a range of retailers (including Amazon), and Best Buy could well be next. $200 off the M1 iPad Air is better than any early Prime Day iPad deal we've seen thus far and could be one of the best Prime Day Apple deal counters, with retailers often trying to one-up Amazon in the run-up to the event. 

$200 off iPad Air M1

• iPad deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy | Walmart

The iPad Air M1 might not have a 13-inch screen option or the M2 chip of the newly released models, but it’s certainly no slouch. The M1 chip at its core is plenty powerful for even some lighter work tasks like short-form video editing, and the screen on the front is exactly the same as the 11-inch version of the newer M2 model.

It’s also a great way to save money — as the iPad Air M1 has aged, the price has gone down and we’ve now reached this all-time low. That’s actually only $50 more than you’d pay if you bought the weaker 10th gen iPad at Apple, and you are by far and away getting the better tablet if you opt for this deal. 

If you must have the latest M2 model then there are also savings to be had, albeit only $50 off the 13-inch model at Amazon:

The iPad has come on leaps and bounds since the first generation was unveiled in 2010. Most recently, the advent of Apple silicon to iPad has put them on the map as immense tools of power and productivity, with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil in tow to provide ultimate flexibility and creativity. 

I’ve been in the iPad fold since 2012, the 3rd generation iPad Air was my first device, followed by the original iPad Air. Since then I’ve owned and used the iPad mini, the iPad Pro, and every iteration in between. I even spent three years working at Apple, teaching customers about their iPads and Apple’s product solutions every single day. 

For years, there has always been a pick for great value in an iPad. I’m here to tell you that Apple’s M1 iPad Air is the best-value tablet I’ve ever seen. 

M1 iPad Air - greatest, not the latest 

You might know that Apple recently unveiled a brand new M2 iPad Air. As such, the M1 iPad Air isn’t sold by Apple and isn’t the best iPad in the range anymore. However, where it can be found there are often great deals on it, such as this massive saving that brings it down to $399 at Best Buy. For that, you get a 10.9-inch tablet featuring Apple’s monstrous M1 chip. It might not be the most powerful chip in the lineup now, but the M1 chip is so good that it produces more power than any iPad user could possibly need. It might not have the 120Hz display of the iPad Pro, but it still has great colors, contrast, and brightness. Even at $599, the iPad Air was always a great pick for those who wanted a middle-of-the-road iPad pick. $200 off is so good you’d think it was a joke. 

For reference, the cheapest iPad that Apple sells currently is the base-model iPad 10. The M1 iPad Air is better than this tablet in every measurable stat, yet the iPad 10 costs $349. For just 50 bucks more you can get a much more powerful tablet that’s lighter. That M1 chip won’t just be great day-to-day for tasks, it’ll also ensure futureproofing thanks to years of iPad software updates. It’ll run Apple’s incoming iPadOS 18 without a hitch, no doubt. 

There are some other iPad discounts in Best Buy’s surprise Apple sale this weekend, but none more deserving of your attention than this M1 iPad Air. Heck, you could even throw in an Apple Pencil 2 for just $79 instead of the usual $129. 

Following reports that Apple had updated the M2 iPad Air’s spec listing to reflect a nine-core, rather than a 10-core GPU, the company has confirmed the original 10-core listing was an error and that the device only contains a nine-core GPU. 

The initial changes were spotted over the weekend, leading to speculation that Apple might have made quite a significant marketing guff with the release of its new iPad Air. Apple’s press release originally stated, “The M2 chip brings another big boost in performance to iPad Air, featuring a faster 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU.” This spec was also reflected on the iPad’s main Apple store web page and support pages. 

Now, Apple has confirmed that this was a typographical error and that the M2 iPad Air only contains a nine-core GPU.

•  iPad deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy | Walmart
  

Apple admits iPad fault 

“We are updating Apple.com to correct the core count for the M2 iPad Air,” the company said in a statement to 9to5Mac. “All performance claims for the M2 iPad Air are accurate and based on a 9-core GPU.” Apple’s spec page now reflects this change, and Apple has also updated the text of the initial iPad press release, which now states “The M2 chip brings another big boost in performance to iPad Air, featuring a faster 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU.” 

According to Apple, all of the performance claims about the M2 iPad Air’s performance versus the M1 model, which boasted increases of up to 50%, are correct. As we noted in our initial report, the M2 iPad Air’s lack of a tenth GPU core is reflected in the device’s GPU benchmark scores, which fall roughly 10% below those of Apple’s M2 MacBook Air and M2 iPad Pro. 

The device hasn’t been out for too long, and the lack of a tenth GPU core isn’t hugely troublesome for prospective buyers. However, you have to imagine that any early adopters of the new iPad might be left feeling pretty miffed that their device is entirely lacking one of its advertised GPU cores. While the M2 iPad Air is an excellent device, Apple’s best iPad is the new M4 iPad Pro, which boasts a significantly more potent OLED display as well as the new M4 chip.

More from iMore

• Apple makes bizarre iPad Air M2 update
• Apple announces new iPad Air in 11- and 13-inch sizes
• Apple iPad Air 6: Everything you need to know

Apple’s brand-new M2 iPad Air, which the company unveiled at its May iPad event, is causing all sorts of confusion over the true number of GPU cores available in its M2 chip. 

Alongside the new larger 13-inch display option, faster Wi-Fi, and a new landscape FaceTime camera, the headline upgrade was the new M2 chip, inherited from Apple’s previous best iPad, the M2 iPad Pro. 

In the accompanying launch day press release, Apple stated “The M2 chip brings another big boost in performance to iPad Air, featuring a faster 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU,” the same configuration Apple used in the M2 iPad Pro. That spec is repeated in the iPad Air’s tech specs on Apple support. However, information uncovered over the weekend appears to suggest Apple has quietly changed the iPad Air’s spec to reflect that it contains a 9-core, rather than 10-core, GPU. 

9to5 Mac reports “Despite originally touting the iPad Air’s M2 chip as featuring a 10-core GPU, the company now says it features a 9-core GPU.” According to the report, Apple’s tech specs page on its main website has been updated to this effect — a change still in force when we checked. Web archive searches show the page listed a 10-core GPU as recently as May 21, indicating the change was very recent. Apple’s iPad comparison page also reflects the alteration. 

•  iPad deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy | Walmart 

iPad Air GPU conundrum 

This development is very strange, and we’ve reached out to Apple for comment on the matter. Apple doesn’t seem to have made this spec sheet change globally. According to our checks, the change has been made on Apple’s main U.S. web page, as well as in Australia, China, Japan, and New Zealand (at least). 

Further checks indicate the M2 iPad Air is still listed as a 10-core GPU model in the UK, Canada, Germany, France, Ireland, and Spain. 

If Apple has indeed changed the specs of the M2 iPad Air, possibly to reflect the true number of GPU cores available in the new model, it could shed some light on the device’s Geekbench GPU scores, which are noticeably lower than the M2 iPad Pro with the same chip. As noted by one Redditor, the iPad Air falls short of both the M2 iPad Pro and the M2 MacBook Air, leading to speculation Apple has listed the wrong variant. 

Without further insight from Apple, it’s impossible to say at this stage whether the change reflects a simple (albeit colossal) typo in Apple’s initial iPad marketing material or a problem with chip yield that has led Apple to alter the specs of the new iPad Air. Despite the aforementioned benchmarks, it’s also not possible at this stage to determine whether this change is reflective of all iPad Air M2 models, including ones already sold, or whether this is a change to the spec that will only affect new models going forward. We'll update this story as soon as we have more information. 

A better iPad Air deal might well be a saving on the old M1 model, like this hefty discount on a 256GB model:

More from iMore

• Apple iPad Air 6: Everything you need to know
• Apple announces new iPad Air in 11- and 13-inch sizes
• Logitech announces M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air keyboard

The iPad Air 6 might have only just come out, but as we said in our review, there’s not much that has really changed under the hood. That means that the older iPad Air 5 is still very much in contention — and Amazon just dropped the price something fierce, making it the best value-for-money iPad that your hard-earned dollars can buy.

There’s a $200 saving on the iPad at the moment, making it $399. That’s not just a low price, but the lowest price the iPad has ever been, beating out its previous lowest by $50. No, it might not have the latest M2 chip or a landscape-mounted camera, but you’re not going to notice when you’ve got 200 extra dollars in your pocket.

Plus, that $200 saving extends to the pricier 256GB model. Normally at $749, it's now down to $549 on Amazon in this top Memorial Day deal.

This is the iPad you should buy (and it's $200 off)

• iPad deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy | Walmart

We still love the iPad Air 5, even if its now been usurped by the iPad Air 6 and its 13-inch size option. Once the slimmest iPad that you could buy, the incredibly thin and light iPad Air 5 is still a portable powerhouse, with an M1 chip powering it along with gusto. What used to be the middle iPad with loads of power is now only $50 more than the 10-inch iPad, and for our money, we’d buy the more powerful and feature-rich iPad Air any day of the week.

Don’t forget to pick up one of the best iPad Air cases with your new iPad, of course — this might be the lowest price we’ve ever seen, but you still don’t want to find yourself with a hefty repair bill should you drop it on a hard floor. You could even turn it into a mini laptop with one of the best keyboard cases for iPad Air, and take more of your work on the go.

While the latest iPad Air model with M2 might have only just been released, we're already hearing rumours about the next generation. The "everyman" Apple tablet now comes in two sizes, has a spicy new M2 chip, and supports the all-new Apple Pencil Pro. And the next generation is going to be even more powerful.

This news comes via MacRumors, who caught the tip from a private Twitter/X account with a reputable history. They hinted that Apple's gearing up to stuff the next iPad Air with an M3 processor. Mind you, this comes hot on the heels of Apple throwing the tech world a curveball with the new M4 iPad Pro models.

An M3 iPad Air

According to Apple’s own marketing, the new M2 iPad Air is nearly 50% nippier than its M1 predecessor and thrice as quick as the one with the A14 Bionic. So, if you're doing the maths, that’s a lot of speed we're talking about. And an M3 iPad Air would be even faster.

There are two variants of the new M3 chip. Both come with an 8-core CPU, featuring 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. On the MacBook line-ups, you add extra cores to the CPU and GPU for even more powerful chips, but it remains to be seen what the iPad options would look like. We won't be able to draw exact comparisons until the new iPads arrive, but they would be at least 20% faster than the M2 versions if the MacBook performance is anything to go by.

But how likely is it that Apple would jump to an M3 iPad Air next? Assuming Apple reverts to updating the iPad range every year, this might be the most likely case. With the Pro models sporting an M4 chipset, that suggests Apple wants to keep them two generations apart. So an M5 iPad Pro next year would leave us with an M3 iPad Air. Since not every Mac has an M3 option yet, we'd expect there to be more options with this processor. Of course, we'll have to wait for Apple to release the devices to know for sure.

More from iMore

• Apple announces new iPad Air 2024 in 11- and 13-inch sizes
• iPad Air (2024, M2) review: A big screen makeover for the iPad most people should buy
• OLED iPad Pro 2024 vs iPad Air 2024: Battle of the latest iPads
  

The new iPad Air 6 (M2) is more powerful and capable than ever before. The iPad Air, powered by the M2 chip, comes in two sizes: 11 inches and 13 inches. The front camera has been moved from portrait mode to landscape mode, which is the way most people use it. The iPad Air 6 has AI capabilities, faster Wi-Fi, and support for the new Apple Pencil Pro. Protect your investment from the very start with one of the best iPad Air 6 cases.

Quick list

Q & A

Will my old iPad Air 5 case fit the iPad Air 6?

Yes and no. The iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 are exactly the same size as the 11-inch iPad Air 6 (M2), so those cases will all be interchangeable. The 13-inch iPad Air 6 (M2) is an entirely new device, so most old cases won't fit. Any 13-inch sleeve should be fine, though.

What features should I look for in an iPad Air case?

First and foremost, check the listing carefully to make sure you're choosing the correct case for your specific model. Next, think about what sort of functionality you need. Simple protection? Back protection, edge protection, front protection? Do you want it to be a stand as well? Do you want an attached keyboard? Do you want the Apple Pencil to be able to charge while your iPad Air is inside the case? Once you've sorted all of that out, your choice will be easier.

Do I really even need a case for my iPad Air?

This depends on your usage. If your iPad only goes from your couch to your bed and back again, maybe not. Or you could get away with just a lightweight one like the Apple Smart Folio. But I always use a case anyway. Partly to protect my iPad but also because my case converts into a stand, which I use all of the time. Plus, it houses my ZAGG Pro stylus, and allows it to charge while in the case. If you take your iPad on the go a lot, particularly to your workplace, I'd strongly suggest getting a case. You'll probably want a heavy-duty case, like the ZAGG Denali case. It might not hurt to get AppleCare+ as well.

Apple CEO Tim Cook says the May 2024 refresh of the iPad was the biggest the series has seen to date.

You might not get that sense if you only look at the iPad Air range, though. While we get a new 13-inch tablet, other upgrades are more ordinary, the usual stuff of an annual upgrade. 

Like what? There’s a new processor, if not the latest Apple makes these days. The front camera now sits in a more webcam-like position. That's handy. 

The 2024 iPad Air 6 also supports a new Apple Pencil, which should make it a significantly more intuitive graphics tablet. 

This new generation should be a hit for graphic artists and those who have wished for a larger iPad that doesn’t cost a fortune. But do current iPad Air M1 owners need to upgrade? We’re not so sure about that. Here’s the breakdown.

Specs

Design

There’s very little difference between the 11-inch versions of the iPad Air from the outside. The dimensions are the same. Our new version gains one gram of weight. 

The look of the camera housing remains the same too. Of course, there’s a whole new model, though. 

A 13-inch version brings the iPad Air closer to a sort of parallel with the iPad Pro, just without some of the most expensive stuff packed in. 

It’s exactly the same thickness as the 11-inch tablet, 6.1mm, and weighs 33% more at 617g. This is about what we’d expect judging by previous models of this size. And Apple hasn’t been too bold with the styling of the newer size. It just looks like a larger take on the 11-inch one.

Processor

Two years on, the iPad has been bumped up from the Apple M1 processor to the Apple M2. 

These are both 5nm architecture chipsets, and the Apple M2 represents around an 18% increase in CPU performance over the older chipset, and brings a more impressive-sounding 30-40% boost to graphics performance. 

It has an all-around more beefy graphics processor, in fact, one with 10 cores in place of the previous eight. 

We’ve seen a lot of impressive gaming feats on Apple gadgets recently, including Resident Evil Village. Such demanding titles are likely to run significantly better on the 2024 iPad Air than the 2022 one. 

Are you a Wi-Fi nerd? You'll also be happy to hear the new iPad Air gets a bump from Wi-Fi 6 to Wi-Fi 6E. It supports transmission over the 6GHz band as well as the usual 5GHz and 2.4GHz ones, and increases theoretical maximum transmission speed. 

You'll need a Wi-Fi 6E router to make the most of it at home, but it's a welcome nugget of future-proofing.  

Display

The iPad series has become a playground for some of the most advanced display tech in the world. Bad news: the iPad Air doesn’t get to play around with any of it. 

All versions of the iPad Air, from 2022 and 2024, use high-quality but familiar IPS LCD panels. They have universal backlights, which limit their contrast and black levels.

And while you’ll see the newer iPad Air described as “11in” it’s actually the same size as the old 10.9-inch version from 2022. As the Apple website says, the screen is “measured diagonally as a rectangle, the 11‑inch iPad Air is 10.86 inches. Actual viewable area is less.”

These are simply solid mid-range tablet displays, with an anti-reflective layer, good DCI P3 color coverage, and a fully laminated construction. This is where the touchscreen and panel are fused together, reducing internal reflections and the sense the screen image sits behind the screen glass rather than right on (or near) the surface. 

The new 13-inch iPad Pro does get one slight upgrade. Its maximum brightness is 600 nits, while the older and newer 11-inch ones are limited to around 500 nits. 

Camera

The two generations of iPad Air use the same, or very similar camera hardware. But there is one important change here. 

Apple has moved the front camera from the short side of the iPad Air to the long one. It is a switch from portrait orientation to landscape, and that’s a particularly important shift in the larger 13-inch tablet.

The larger a tablet gets, the more we typically want to hold it on its side, treating it more like a small TV or laptop screen. Try to do that while making a video call on a portrait tablet and you'll look all wrong on the other end. 

Want the tech specs? The front camera has a 12-megapixel sensor and f/2.4 lens. It can capture video at up to 1080p resolution, 60 frames per second. Still no 4K resolution here, but both generations support Center Stage, where the view is cropped to follow you around the room during video calls. 

The rear camera has a 12-megapixel sensor and a faster f/1.8 lens, and is capable of 4K video at 60 frames per second. You should expect similar image quality results here across generations, although Apple does say HDR is improved for stills. The upgraded processor takes us from Smart HDR 3 to Smart HDR 4 processing. Don’t expect miracles: recent iPhone cameras are better. 

Colors

On paper your color options for these two iPad Air generations are similar. Old option "pink" is out, for now at least, while both versions come in Starlight, Space Grey, Purple, or Blue.

However, when you take a closer look you realize Apple has reformulated the more interesting-sounding color tones. 

Purple and Blue are more muted this time around, particularly the blue. This may make the little nicks and scratches our iPads tend to accrue over the years less obvious, but this one is most likely just down to Apple deciding a stylistic tweak was in order.  

Accessories

If you have little interest in a larger iPad Air, the biggest upgrade here might not be to the tablet itself, but the Apple Pencil instead.

The 2024 iPad Air gets a new one, the Apple Pencil Pro in place of the Pencil 2nd Generation the iPad Air M1 supports. 

There are three key new features here. The Pencil Pro now offers Find My, the system that lets you find your misplaced Apple devices. It’s about time: the Apple Pencil is one of the easiest-to-lose things we own. 

There’s no word of what wireless tech the Pencil Pro uses to make this work, but other Apple gadgets typically use Apple U1 or U2 chipsets. 

The Pencil Pro also has a “squeeze” gesture, powered by a new pressure sensor in the stylus’s barrel. You’ll feel feedback when this is fired off thanks to a haptic motor up at the other end of the pen. 

Perhaps most notably for the digital artists out there, the Pencil Pro supports something called Barrel Roll. This lets a Pencil sense when the stylus is turned in your hand, allowing for subtle but powerful transformations of digital brushes. Procreate showed this off in action, using a hand motion to thicken up a brush. Anyone want to learn digital calligraphy?

As ever, you have no choice of stylus generation when you buy. While the very basic Pencil USB-C can be used with either model, only owners of the 2024 iPad Airs and iPad Pro M4 can use the Pencil Pro. iPad Air M1 users can only get the Pencil 2nd Generation. 

Should you upgrade?

This new 2024 iPad Air series is of most interest to those who always wished there was a more approachable 13-inch iPad than the iPad Pro. 

Stick to the 11-inch versions and there’s not a massive amount to separate the 2022 version and 2024 one. If anything, the changes to the Apple Pencil stylus might be more impactful than those to the tablet itself. 

Sure, we love the shift to a landscape front camera, and the performance increase from an Apple M1 to M2 processor is significant. But are most people left hankering for more power with iPad OS in its current very tablet-style state? We’re not so sure about that. 

Apple's "Let Loose" event finally showed the first OLED iPad Pro model, but it won't come cheap.

While it does now start at 256GB of storage right off the bat, Apple's 11-inch M4-powered tablet starts at $999/£999, while the 13-inch version of the company's thinnest device will set you back a staggering $1299/£1299 - and that's without the new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro.

And yet, not only will it not offer features from the M2 iPad Pro - it'll actually no longer include a power adapter in the box in some territories.

That's right - you could feasibly spend over $2000 on a tablet, keyboard, and Apple Pencil combo and be left without a plug. The same applies to the latest model of iPad Air, too.

Blame the EU

If you thought it was Apple being stingy, you'd be wrong. This is actually due to the WEEE (stop snickering) which is the EU's rules on Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

Put simply, the EU is clamping down on e-waste, and because it was implemented before Brexit, it applies to the UK, too.

So, if you are trading up your iPad Pro M2 to get an M4 version, not only will you need a new keyboard and potentially a new Apple Pencil, but you'll also need to keep your charger handy.

If you're not in one of the affected countries (you can tell by looking on the relevant Apple Store under the "Tech Specs" section), you should be getting a 20W charger in the box still.

More from iMore

• The best Apple Pencil Pro feature Apple didn't talk about? Fake Apple Pencil shadows
• Here's everything announced at Apple's Let Loose event on May 7
• Hands-on: iPad Pro 2024 — An OLED makeover and the semi-surprising introduction of M4

The new iPad Air is here. Unveiled at Apple’s May 7 Let Loose event, it now comes in two sizes, has a spicy new M2 chip, and supports the all-new Apple Pencil Pro. Yet through no fault of its own, the iPad Air finds itself with something of an identity crisis. Thanks to the weight-saving power of OLED, the iPad Pro is now Apple’s thinnest and lightest tablet. The Air, which literally carries a moniker denoting its portability, is no longer the go-to choice if you want a thin and light iPad. 

Apple has also slashed the price of the iPad 10, which means the iPad Air is comparatively much more expensive. Where previously a user might have seen the price of the iPad 10 and decided that the extra cash for an M1 Air was no big deal, the gap is now $250, which isn’t pocket change by anyone’s estimation. 

The M2 iPad Air is powerful thanks to that new chip, but its lack of ProMotion and the limitations of iPadOS means that power is largely wasted on your average consumer. Likewise, support for the new Apple Pencil Pro is impressive, but anyone serious about drawing and creation on iPad is probably looking at the new M4 iPad Pro with OLED instead. In fact, there’s only one reason I’d buy the new iPad Air, and it’s that big new display. 

13-inch iPad Air to the rescue

Save for the new form factor, I find myself thoroughly underwhelmed by the new iPad Air. With its new M4 chip and OLED display, the 2024 iPad Pro makes for a much more impressive upgrade. However, thanks to those upgrades, it also comes with a $200 price increase across the board, which gives the iPad Air one unique selling point. The new 13-inch model, which is identical to the 11-inch model in every way save sound quality (where it is better), slots neatly into the gap left behind by the $799 11-inch iPad Pro, which now costs $999. 

If you’re in the market for a new iPad, you can now get an expansive 13-inch display without paying the $999 price of the old iPad Pro, or the $1,299 cost of the new one. The iPad is the ultimate content consumption machine, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stolen my wife’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro because my 11-inch model just doesn’t quite cut the mustard. This new 13-inch iPad Air is the cheapest big-screen tablet Apple has ever made, and that stands as this model's unique selling point in the lineup. In almost every other area it finds itself eclipsed. The M4 power of the new iPad Pro is significantly more enticing for users who want to take advantage of apps like the new Final Cut Pro for iPad and the Logic Pro for iPad, and the aforementioned iPad 10 is now a much more attractive budget option. As mentioned, the iPad Air doesn’t even offer the one unique feature its name suggests, with the iPad Pro now the thinnest and lightest tablet in the lineup. 

So there you have it, despite the M2 chip, and the Apple Pencil Pro, there’s only really one reason you should be considering that new M2 iPad Air. But with a 13-inch display for the masses long overdue on iPad, it’s a good reason nonetheless.

We're covering the Apple iPad event as it happens. Follow the Let Loose event LIVE here. Or check out our roundups for all the latest on the new OLED iPad Pro, iPad Air, and the new Apple Pencil. 

Apple's "Let Loose" event did a great job of tidying up the iPad lineup, removing the ninth-generation model, dropping the price of the tenth-generation one, and adding fresh new iPad Air and iPad Pro models.

It also introduced a new Apple Pencil model, the Apple Pencil Pro, but as with the new Magic Keyboard, it's not backwards compatible with older devices in the tablet lineup.

That's according to Apple's store page for the $129/£129 Apple Pencil Pro, which lists compatible iPad models as the latest iPad Air with M2 and the latest M4 iPad Pros.

According to Apple, this is due to a change in the pairing and charging process.

What's new with the Apple Pencil Pro?

The new model means that Apple is now selling four different versions of Apple Pencil, between the original, the second generation one, the USB-C one, and the Apple Pencil Pro.

In a way, making this just for the latest models does help clear up some confusion, but what can it do?

As was reported last month, the new Apple Pencil Pro offers haptic feedback that pairs with a new "squeeze" gesture that allows a user to change tools with a handy shortcut menu. The Pencil Pro can also roll, using a gyroscope, for more precise control, and it still has hover, which was previously a feature exclusive to the M2 iPad Pro.

We're covering the Apple iPad event as it happens. Follow the Let Loose event LIVE here. Or check out our roundups for all the latest on the new OLED iPad Pro, iPad Air, and the new Apple Pencil. 

Apple has officially announced its brand new iPad Air for 2024 at its May 7 'Let Loose' event. The new tablet comes in two sizes for the very first time with an 11-inch model joined by an all-new 13-inch model. Both models feature Liquid Retina displays and come in four colors; purple, blue, starlight, and space gray.

In terms of processing, Apple has updated the iPad Air to remove the M1 chip and add the newer M2. The result? The new iPad Air is around 50% faster than the previous generation and up to 3x faster than the older model with an A14 Bionic chip inside. Gamers can expect huge improvements in GPU performance, making the new tablet a much better gaming device.

Apple says that the updated tablet of course supports the Apple Pencil as well as the Magic Keyboard, while users can also take advantage of a front-facing camera in landscape mode for improved video calling capabilities.

In terms of storage,e the new iPad Air comes with 128GB as the base model while a 1TB option is available at the very top of the lineup. Pricing is the same, with Apple's 11-inch model starting from $599. Those buying the bigger 13-inch model will see a price that starts at $799, however.

Those who want to buy a new iPad Air will be able to place an order today with tablets shipping to buyers next week.

Notably, Apple made a big deal about AI during the event, pointing out how much quicker that M2 chip is when compared to previous models. With Apple AI thought to be a key feature of future Apple hardware and software, that might hint at a big change coming to iPadOS 18.

Now replaced — The iPad Air 5

Apple's excellent iPad Air 5 was unveiled in March 2022, featuring the M1 chip and 5G. It built on the design language refresh brought to the model in 2020, but the surprise inclusion of the very powerful M1 chip made it a very attractive iPad in the lineup. For a long time, it's been the thinnest and lightest iPad in the lineup. 

We're covering the Apple iPad event as it happens. Follow the Let Loose event LIVE here. Or check out our roundups for all the latest on the new OLED iPad Pro, iPad Air, and the new Apple Pencil. 

Apple's "Let Loose" event will begin in just a few hours, with the showcase expected to show us the next slate of iPad models.

And, as is tradition, the online Apple Store has gone down for maintenance ahead of the new products being added. 

Expect the site to go live immediately after the event, likely with fresh iPad Pro and iPad Air models, and maybe even a section about the M4 chip and Apple Pencil 3. 

What do we expect from the event?

In case you've been living under an iPad, Apple's event is expected to showcase plenty of changes for its tablet lineup for 2024. That's a good thing, because 2023 saw zero new iPad hardware releases, and many had wondered if the company was still committed to tablet computing.

The headline additions are the tablets themselves, with the iPad Pro seeing a spec bump that could potentially skip the M3 chip entirely and hop to M4 - bringing a wealth of AI potential to iPadOS 18 when it arrives this year. It may also add an OLED display, which would be a first for iPads.

On the iPad Air side of things, we're expecting two models, with a new 12.9-inch version being added alongside the existing 10.9-inch one. It's also likely to get the M2 chip like the current iPad Pro, as well as mini LED.

We're also expecting a new Magic Keyboard, potentially with a laptop-like finish, and a new Apple Pencil which may have haptic feedback.

More from iMore

• macOS on the iPad: Could it really replace iPadOS? The case for and against…
• Apple's brand new OLED iPad Pro to feature display tech even the iPhone can't match
• Apple's May 7 iPad Pro and Air event won't include the rumored AI announcement, and nor should it

Apple's "Let Loose" event is on Tuesday and will show us the next evolution of the iPad, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has blown right past that in his latest Power On Newsletter.

Aside from revealing that the iPad lineup will be getting a much-needed tidy-up, Gurman also said Apple should look to nudge the iPad into the laptop replacement Steve Jobs envisaged it as all those years ago.

"The presentation, which is expected to be about 35 minutes, should set the product on a new path," Gurman says.

Gurman suggests that Apple should look to make the iPad more capable, like a laptop, but that "this picture is going to blur a bit more in the coming years because Apple is working to bring touch screens to the Mac.

"When that happens, choosing between a Mac and iPad will hinge more on whether you want an all-in-one device (laptop) or a modular system (iPad + Magic Keyboard + Apple Pencil)," Gurman says.

Big changes with iPadOS 18?

If you were worried about the iPad getting the raw end of the deal with Apple bringing touchscreens to Mac, it appears you needn't worry.

Gurman said that "by next year" Apple will have cleared up the iPad, and "the top-end iPads will feel more like computers" thanks to a snazzy new Magic Keyboard redesign with an aluminum finish and a "laptop-like aesthetic".

Perhaps most excitingly, Gurman says "new software will take advantage of the hardware."

That's not a lot to go on, but the potential for something like additional keyboard shortcuts, the ability to set our own Keyboard Maestro-like shortcuts and Macros, or even more trackpad functionality is exciting for anyone who's tried to work on their iPad for a day or two.

More from iMore

• macOS on the iPad: Could it really replace iPadOS? The case for and against…
• Apple's brand new OLED iPad Pro to feature display tech even the iPhone can't match
• Apple's May 7 iPad Pro and Air event won't include the rumored AI announcement, and nor should it

Apple's "Let Loose" event is fast approaching, and we've known for quite some time it'll focus on iPads thanks to reports from the likes of Mark Gurman of Bloomberg.

And in, Gurman's latest Power On Newsletter, he's laid out what he expects Apple's tablet lineup to look like after the showcase on Tuesday.

Suggesting Apple should move to make the iPad more of a laptop replacement, Gurman says the iPad slate will offer the M4-wielding iPad Pro in both 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions and the iPad Air in the same screen sizes with the M2 inside.

The iPad Mini is also sticking to the sixth-generation version (although Apple hasn't given up on that form factor yet), while the tenth-generation base model will still offer a 10.9-inch display. Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, is that the ninth-generation iPad may not be going anywhere - at least not yet.

A stay of execution?

It does seem a little surprising to have an Apple tablet from 2021, still using a Home Button, on the same store page as the iPad Pro and its rumored M4 chip - the first time an M-series Apple Silicon chip has appeared first in a tablet.

Still, Gurman doesn't expect that juxtaposition to last too long, suggesting "by next year" that the ninth-gen iPad will be gone,  "replaced by a cheaper 10.9-inch model" and that Apple will also revamp the iPad Mini with a faster chip.

Gurman suggests that it'll clean up the lineup considerably, and it's seemingly going to lead to a base iPad, an iPad Mini, and two sizes of Air and Pro.

More from iMore

• Tim Cook promises AI breakthroughs in Apple shareholder meeting
• Apple's brand new OLED iPad Pro to feature display tech even the iPhone can't match
• Apple's May 7 iPad Pro and Air event won't include the rumored AI announcement, and nor should it

We're just over a week away from Apple likely revealing a new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and Apple Pencil at its "Let Loose" event on May 7, but it appears the event won't just feature a video presentation.

According to Andrew Griffin of The Independent, "Apple will stream the launch as a live video around the world, but it will be accompanied by an event in London". Griffin notes that a launch in the UK marks a departure from the traditional California-based launch events.

This could mark the first Apple product launch event outside of the US, and Apple's new Battersea Power Station offices and accompanying store, which opened last year, could be a prime location.

What to expect from the event

While Apple's event invitation offers few clues, this year is likely to be big for iPad fans - especially since last year saw no new iPad hardware launches.

We're expecting to see M2 iPad Air models, including a 12.9-inch version. The Mac has moved onto M3, and the chip is expected to come to the iPad Pro lineup. Perhaps more importantly, we could finally see the debut of an OLED iPad Pro, a first for any iPad.

A new Apple Pencil is also expected, and it may offer some Vision Pro functionality. There are no reports of an iPad Mini refresh as yet, but reports suggest it's still in development.

More from iMore

• iOS 18 could have these great new accessibility features — more font size support, better voice Shortcuts, and more
• iOS 18 to feature big changes, but an even bigger macOS overhaul will follow
• Apple expects iOS 18 to be the biggest iOS update in the company's history, says top insider

As Apple readies the new iPad Air 6 and OLED iPad Pro launches on May 7, the rumors continue to fly. We're just a couple of weeks out from the big day, but the new iPad Air is causing a lot of confusion. One analyst recently claimed that Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Air — a hotly anticipated addition to the lineup — would sport a mini-LED display just like the outgoing M2 iPad Pro. But, it turns out, that isn't the case at all.

The report, which came via the well-connected display supply chain analyst Ross Young, has now been retracted via a paywalled follow-up post on the X social network. Young now says that the original sources were incorrect and that additional sources believe something else is afoot. There is a new 12.9-inch mini-LED display floating around, but it won't be for the new iPad Air.

If that's correct, the obvious question surrounds what Apple intends to do with that new display. With the iPad Pro switching to OLED displays for the first time, Apple's best iPads are ruled out entirely. So, what gives?

New tablet afoot

Ross Young's revelatory X post has left more questions than it answered.

"Well, we no longer believe the upcoming 12.9" iPad Air will get a MiniLED display," the tweet explained. "While multiple supply chain sources confirmed it resulting in my tweet, even more supply chain sources said it wasn't happening which makes sense given its still high cost."

The additional cost of the mini-LED iPad Air display never did quite make sense, unless Apple was trying to get rid of inventory left over from the iPad Pro that is. But it always seemed like a muddying of the waters that didn't need to happen. Now, Young says, it won't. But there's a twist in the tail of this particular story.

"However, we have heard that there may be a new 12.9" MiniLED iPad introduced in Q4'24," was the next bombshell to come from Young's post.

It's currently unclear what Apple intends to do with that display, assuming these new sources are accurate. There doesn't seem to be room between the iPad Air and iPad Pro for a new device, and while there had been rumors of a new, larger entry-level iPad that obviously wouldn't match up with a costly mini-LED display.

What happens now, nobody knows. It seems likely that we will now spend the next few months trying to pick apart this latest leak until more information arrives. But before then, Apple has four new tablets to release.

The iPad Air 6 lineup is expected to include a refreshed 11-inch model joined by the new 12.9-inch version, both powered by M2 chips. Further up the pyramid, the new OLED iPad Pro will also come in 11- and 12.9-inch variations with upgraded M3 chips inside. No overall design changes are expected, although there is a rumor that the new tablets will see their FaceTime cameras moved from the top of the device to the side — perfect for placing video calls in landscape mode.

Apple is also expected to launch a new, sturdier Magic Keyboard for the new tablets while the Apple Pencil 3 could also finally make its debut. All eyes are on Apple's streamed May 7 event to see exactly what the company has in store.

More from iMore

• iPad Air 6 to get the iPad Pro's mini-LED display in shock late leak
• New iPad Air 6 begins shipping from China in two sizes
• iPad Air 6 in larger size 'leaked' by over-enthusiastic case company

If you are looking to upgrade your iPad Air 5 but don’t want to go for Apple's best iPad, the new iPad Air 6 has just received a report that may make it worth the upgrade. 

Taking to X, Ross Young, a reputable industry analyst shared exclusively to his premium subscribers that “The upcoming 12.9” iPad Air has a MiniLED display.” He further clarified this would use up leftover panels from the previous iPad Pro, which use a Mini-LED display. The brand new iPad Pro M3 is said to use an OLED screen so it would have no need for these leftovers. It does confirm that the iPad Air 6 won't receive an OLED option but this seemed unlikely anyway, as Apple needs to differentiate the different types of iPad and the screen lineup is a great way to do so. 

Though we haven’t received any official information just yet, we are anticipating the iPad Air 6 to launch in early May, according to the latest reports, and it is expected to get a processing upgrade with the still very powerful M2 chip. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, is tipped to get the latest M3 chip, giving it more power in everyday use. Though it won’t get the OLED upgrade, the iPad Air 6 getting a Mini-LED screen will still make it an attractive upgrade when paired with that processor. Young did not specify whether the smaller iPad Air 6 model would get the mini-LED treatment, but this seems unlikely. 

Why this upgrade matters 

Mini-LED displays use a lot more LEDs than traditional displays, allowing for a much nicer and sharper contrast ratio. It makes for a super bright and clear picture, something that the iPad's excellent Retina Display can benefit from. Mini-LED displays make for great devices to use outside, as they tend to get brighter than their standard LED counterpart. It is an upgrade that many who casually use the device won’t notice but you will be thankful for the change as you use the iPad Air 6 in everyday life. 

More from iMore

• Every new feature coming to Apple's OLED iPad Pro and iPad Air 6
• New iPad Air 6 begins shipping from China in two sizes
• New iPad Air 6 might come in two sizes, along with a laptop-rivalling keyboard

Despite no new models last year, Apple is preparing to unveil a whole host of new iPads in 2024, and while we previously reported we'd be waiting until May, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman may have just given us a more accurate timeframe.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says he's told the launch will "probably happen the week of May 6", which ties in with retail stores receiving "new product marketing materials later that week".

Gurman says the launch "is shaping up to be one of the biggest updates to the Apple tablet in a single day", with refreshes coming for the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and accessories including the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.

What will new iPads offer?

While we had expected to hear about the new iPad models sooner, Gurman had previously said that the new displays were causing delays but it sounds as though they might be worth the wait with Apple's first OLED tablets that's more in line with what's found on iPhone.

"The technology apparently looks amazing on such large displays — taking what iPhone users have experienced since 2017 to a whole new level," Gurman states.

It's not all good news, though, as he suggests new iPad models "will likely come at higher price points", pointing to the iPad Pro's $799 starting price. That's for the 11-inch version, but the 12.9-inch one starts at $1099 with just 128GB of storage.

Gurman also notes new base iPads and iPad Minis are in development - but they sound a lot less exciting, while Apple is exploring the prospect of foldable iPads and that work is in "its early stages". Apple could ditch the concept if it's unable to solve the issue of having a "crease" on the display like its competitors, though.

More from iMore

• iOS 18 could have these great new accessibility features — more font size support, better voice Shortcuts, and more
• iOS 18 to feature big changes, but an even bigger macOS overhaul will follow
• Apple expects iOS 18 to be the biggest iOS update in the company's history, says top insider

Apple’s imminent iPad Air 6 has reportedly started shipping overseas ahead of a launch that could take place very soon. 

According to Weibo’s Instant Digital “Some domestic manufacturers are shipping iPad Air 2024 shells in two sizes to overseas customers.” Previously a reliable source of information, Instant Digital is likely referring to the shipping of freshly baked iPads from manufacturing partners in China to retail outlets including Apple. “Everything is ready,” according to the post, likely indicating the product is all but set for launch. 

The most noteworthy aspect of the leak, aside from the time frame, is the reiteration of two different sizes of iPad Air. We’ve previously heard a lot about a 12.9-inch iPad, however, as recently as Monday insider ShrimpApplePro reported of the new iPad Air, “According to my source, only one size has been seen, which is 10.9 inches. So there likely won't be a bigger size available.” ShrimpApplePro appears to be the only outlier reporting that there won’t be a second size, unlike Instant Digital's recent report. 

iPad Air 6 is close at hand

It seems the iPad Air 6 is only days away from launch. Earlier this week, it was reported that Apple’s OLED iPad Pro and iPad Air could launch on March 26, a timeline that stacks up with this latest shipping rumor. Apple’s new iPad Air is expected to feature the M2 Apple silicon chip from its current best iPad, the iPad Pro. According to ShrimpApplePro and other reports, the iPad Air won’t get a significant redesign beyond a new landscape front-facing camera. Otherwise, expect the same design language as the current generation model with some brighter colors. 

Apple recently unveiled its new M3 MacBook Air by way of a press release, and with no March Apple event in sight, we’d expect the iPad Air and iPad Pro to get the same treatment, with the next in-person Apple event likely to be WWDC 2024. 

More from iMore

• iPad Air 5 review: Pro performance without the price tag
• New OLED iPad Pro and refreshed iPad Air tipped to finally launch 
• 12.9-inch iPad Air on track for March launch as display panel shipments begin
• 12.9-inch iPad Air leaked ahead of expected Spring launch

All of the talk right now is about the OLED iPad Pro refresh arriving within the next few weeks while the updated iPad Air is all about getting a new chip and a new screen size. But while Apple is reserving its best display technology for its best iPad in 2024, things could be changing further down the line if a new report is to be believed.

Apple's next iPad Air is expected to be all about a new M2 chip to replace the older M2 as well as the addition of an all-new 12.9-inch variant. But it's now been suggested that Apple is already looking at bringing a similar OLED display upgrade from the iPad Pro down the lineup to the iPad Air — and similar is the key descriptor here.

According to the report, Apple's plans to switch the iPad Air to OLED are unlikely to happen just yet and definitely won't come as part of the 2024 refresh. But even when they do, iPad Air buyers will discover that not all OLED panels are created equal and those who want the best of the best will still have to splash the cash required to get into an iPad Pro.

OLED for all

The report comes via The Elec which itself cites Omdia researcher Kang Min-soo who was speaking at the 2024 Korea Display Conference in Seoul. The topic of discussion was varied, but as is so often the case, it turned to Apple.

The researcher said that it's Omdia's belief that Apple intends to switch the iPad Air to a new OLED display in 2028, but there will be a key difference between the displays used in the iPad Air and those coming to the iPad Pro this year.

“It is expected that the iPad Air will also change to OLED in 2028,” the researcher claimed, adding that “the iPad Air will use a single-stack OLED, and the iPad Pro will use a two-stack tandem OLED.” That means that while both iPad models will benefit from OLED technology, only the iPad Pro will enjoy the potential battery savings produced by having a two-stack construction.

The Omdia researcher continued, saying that “the backplane (TFT) technology for both the iPad Air and Pro will be low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) or oxide,” and that “power consumption will play an important role in OLED in the future.”

Reduced power consumption is likely one of the reasons Apple intends to move more products to OLED displays, but it won't be the only benefit. Such displays also offer improved colors and better contrast, two things that could help push the iPad Pro to a whole new level for artists and creatives working with videos and photos.

The 2024 iPad Pros are heavily tipped by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman to be announced either later in March or in April with new M3 chips joining that OLED display. As for the iPad Air, that's set to arrive around the same time with the big news being the addition of the 12.9-inch option for those who would like a bigger tablet but don't need everything the iPad Pro has to offer — including its higher price.

Externally, few changes are expected although it's been suggested the tablets could see their FaceTime camera move to the side rather than above the display.

More from iMore

• iPad Air 4 review: So much like the iPad Pro you can barely tell the difference
• iPad Air 5 review: Pro performance without the price tag
• Apple iPad Air 6: Release date rumors, news, and more

The rumors have heavily suggested that Apple is getting ready to launch a new round of iPads within the next few weeks and it's the very top end of the lineup that's expected to receive the attention. Updates to its best iPad lineups are long overdue, and we've been told to expect some new iPad Air tablets to go with brand-new OLED iPad Pros. There's a lot to be excited about across both of those lineups, but a new report has added an interesting new twist, and it's one that you might not have expected.

The twist relates to the placement of the FaceTime camera that will adorn the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models with the suggestion being that Apple will take some design inspiration from the opposite end of the iPad lineup. If correct, Apple will use the 10th-gen iPad's FaceTime camera placement as a jumping-off point for the upcoming iPad Air and iPad Pro products.

The placement of the FaceTime camera might not initially seem all that interesting. but it's actually a rather notable aspect of a tablet's design — especially at a time when Apple is once again trying to convince potential iPad buyers that its tablets can act as laptop replacement devices. To do that, they need to be attached to a keyboard and trackpad accessory which automatically places the tablet in landscape orientation. And if people want to then place a video call, having the camera to the side of the display is less than optimal — which is why Apple might be moving it to the top of the screen in landscape (or the side when in portrait.)

FaceTime maneuvers

The placement of the FaceTime camera has long been a bone of contention for people who found that the current configuration doesn't really work well when placing a video call. Those on the other end of the call feel like the iPad owner is looking off to the side, likely because they are, in a way that doesn't seem to affect laptops with the camera at the top of the display. For this reason, Apple moved the camera on the 10th-gen iPad and it received rave reviews for that decision. Now, the same chance could be coming to other iPads as well.

That's according to a post on Chinese social network Weibo by the leaker Instant Digital that was first spotted by MacRumors. According to that report, Apple will switch the FaceTime camera of the iPad Air and iPad Pro to the top of the display when it is placed in landscape orientation.

This isn't the first time we've seen a hint that this might happen, however. A January report suggested that such a thing could be in the offing after references in iOS 17.4's beta hinted as much.

As for the new tablets, the iPad Air is expected to receive a refreshed 11-inch model while a new 12.9-inch iPad Air is expected to be added to the mix. Both tablets are likely to use M2 chips.

The iPad Pro is expected to sport a new OLED display for improved colors and contrast while the M2 or M3 chip is likely to be used. 11-inch and 12.9-inch models are expected.

Rumors have suggested that all four new tablets will debut within the next few weeks, either in March or the early part of April.

More from iMore

• iPad Pro (2021) review: One more reason to go pro
• M3 OLED iPad Pro price leak is great news weeks ahead of expected release
• 2024 OLED iPad Pro: Release date rumors, news, and more

Apple's rumored March event may not happen at all, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

In his Power On newsletter, Gurman said that a lack of an event wouldn't correlate with a lack of announcements, though, with Mac, iPad and accessories in line for a revamp.

Expect the long-rumoured iPad Air with a 12.9-inch display to arrive, as well as the debut of an OLED iPad, likely the iPad Pro. According to Gurman, there could be new Apple Pencil models and Magic Keyboard offerings to accommodate the new models, too.

For Mac buyers, the MacBook Air may be shifting to a 3nm chip, with M3 versions of the 13 and 15-inch models of the popular laptop.

Gurman notes that many of the new products mark significant updates to the existing lineup, so what about the event?

"Apple is instead planning to announce the new products on its website with a series of online videos and marketing campaigns," Gurman explains, also noting that production is likely underway on all of the above.

When could we see new iPads and Macs?

When it comes to nailing down a rough timeframe, Gurman expects the new devices to be compatible with a version of iOS 17.4 which is expected to ship by the end of the month.

"I’d expect the devices to arrive sometime in March or April," he says, noting that once those launch Apple will begin to focus on preparations for WWDC 2024, where it'll showcase its advances in generative AI technology - advances which may be revealed sooner than Apple would like.

MORE FROM IMORE

• 12.9-inch iPad Air leaked ahead of expected Spring launch — CAD renders reveal no major design changes aside from size increase
• OLED iPads get a production boost as LG and Samsung get to work on the displays
• Here's exactly how big Apple's exciting new OLED iPad Pro will be, and it's likely to arrive soon

Let’s not beat around the bush — with $150 off at Amazon, now is the time to finally buy that iPad Air that you’ve been looking at for years. It’s one of our favorite tablets, easily one of the best iPads Apple has ever released, and this deal makes it an absolute bargain.

This is the first time we’ve seen the price of the iPad Air drop this low — and it makes for one of the best iPad deals that we’ve seen for some time. It’s likely to be snapped up from Amazon’s shelves quickly with a price this low, so you’d better get in there quickly if you’re looking for an excellent deal.

iPad Air lowest ever-price

• iPad deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy | Walmart

The iPad Air might not be the newest in the family, and there may be rumors that a new iPad Air 6 is coming out this year, but it’s still an excellent tablet. The M1 chip inside that keeps everything powered remains one of the most powerful chips in a tablet computer, only usurped by the M2 in the latest Pro models, and its glorious 10.9-inch display is a joy to behold.

At any price, the iPad Air is well worth the pick-up, but at this discount, it’s almost a no-brainer — after all, it’s now the same price as the 10th gen iPad. For our money, this more powerful and feature-rich tablet is the way to go.

The iPad Air 12.9-inch was rumored to arrive last year, but 2023 ended up being a whole year without a new iPad. Now, new renders show the larger iPad Air in all its glory — and it’s exactly what you expect.

In an exclusive sent to 91mobiles, CAD renders of the larger iPad Air, which is rumored to be released in March, have been revealed. While the design is what we’ve come to expect from an iPad, it’s exciting to see a slightly more affordable large iPad added to the lineup.

The raw CAD renders shared to the outlet by “industry sources,” show a 12.9-inch iPad that looks almost identical to the current iPad Air 5th generation. To differentiate from the iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch Air looks set to keep the TouchID Lock button just like the Air lineup today.

One minor design change is in the rear camera, where you’ll now find a border around the lens and LED flash. Unfortunately, it remains unclear how this will look on the physical retail model.

A bigger Air? Why?

At first, reports of a 12.9-inch iPad Air seemed a bit far-fetched, especially considering the already convoluted iPad lineup. Upon second thought, the larger iPad Air would slot perfectly into the iPad lineup, giving those who want a big iPad a slightly more affordable option without forking out for Apple’s latest and greatest.

It’ll be interesting to see how the iPad Air 12.9-inch is marketed, as I believe Apple will need to make a good pitch to turn potential customers towards the larger Air over a 12.9-inch iPad Pro on the secondary market. Nowadays, with multiple generations of the current iPad Pro design, there are plenty of good deals to be found online. Personally, I’d much rather opt for an older iPad Pro with ProMotion over a new iPad Air for a similar price.

With new reports suggesting that a new iPad Air, iPad Pro, and M3 MacBook Air could all arrive in Spring 2024, we should know more about the 12.9-inch Air sooner rather than later. Don’t expect the more affordable large iPad to launch with all the bells and whistles like the mini-LED on the bigger iPad Pro, however. 

More from iMore

• 12.9-inch iPad Air on track for March launch
• Apple is planning a 12.9-inch iPad Air, but it could cause problems for the lineup
• Best iPad: from mini to Pro and every Apple tablet in between

Apple is currently gearing up to roll out its entry into a new product category with the Vision Pro. The $3,500 spatial computer may not be for everyone, but Apple has more products coming later in 2024, including the much awaited iPad Air and iPad Pro refreshes, as well as a new MacBook Air.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman reiterated what's in store for Apple in 2024. While we know what to expect from Apple in terms of launches this year, Gurman's report tells us what to expect first in 2024.

A March event for new iPads and MacBook Air?

The Apple Vision Pro launches on February 2, but Apple has more products headed our way right after, it appears. Gurman says we can expect new products in the Spring.

Discussing what's next for Apple post the Vision Pro launch, Gurman wrote, "In terms of new products, Apple is aiming to release fresh iPad Airs, including a larger model, revamped iPad Pros and M3 MacBook Airs in the spring. After that, the attention will shift to its developers conference in June, when Apple will unveil new generative AI features across Siri and iOS 18."

We've already heard about the iPad Air 6, which is set to get two sizes, the iPad Pro refresh with OLED screens, and the refreshed MacBook Air with the M3 chip. Apple seems to have a busy 2024 planned, especially the first half, given these three products will launch between now and WWDC 2024, which will be in June.

With the EU's antitrust bringing in changes to the App Store, Apple is likely to have a busy year heading into March. We can expect Apple to maybe hold a March or April event for these products, or less likely, launch them with a press release. 

While the MacBook Air is likely to be a minor upgrade, the iPad Pro and Air likely deserve an event. Even more so, since Apple didn't do much with the iPad in 2023, so 2024 is going to be an important year for Apple's tablet.

Additionally, it appears AI may make its way to the iPhone with iOS 18, set for a grand reveal at WWDC 2024.

Apple is reportedly going to unveil its brand-new iPad Air 6 in March of 2024, and now a reliable insider has revealed which chip which chip will feature inside.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, writing in his Power on newsletter this week, Apple’s iPad Air will feature the M2 processor when it debuts in the spring. March will mark a full two years since Apple unveiled its current-generation iPad Air 5, featuring the M1 chip. At the time the inclusion of the potent Apple silicon processor was a surprising one, as many had expected Apple to reserve that power for its best iPad, the iPad Pro. 

The iPad Air was surpassed in processing power in October of 2022 when the new iPad Pro with M2 was unveiled, and now a leak says this chip is expected to trickle down to the Air when it’s unveiled in just a few weeks.

iPad Air with M2 

Gurman recently revealed Apple is planning to unveil a new M3 MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Air in March, possibly at a spring Apple event. The headline upgrade to the Air is a new 12.9-inch size that matches the current iPad Pro lineup. This most recent report now indicates that changes are coming under the hood, too. We’d guessed at the inclusion of M2 in the iPad Air previously, and one source with a minimal track record had indicated it. However, Gurman is the most reputable outlet to suggest the move, suggesting it’s a nailed-on upgrade. 

Apple is also expected to release a new OLED iPad Pro alongside this iPad Air, likely starring the M3 chip which debuted in the M3 MacBook Pro line earlier this year. If so, March will mark the convergence of the two lineups into a more coherent package. The Pro will offer a potent OLED display and M3, while the Air will retain an LED display and keep the M2, providing much better differentiation than Apple has in the past.  

With the March event just a couple of months away, we don’t have long to wait to see Apple’s latest and greatest tablets, along with the release of Apple Vision Pro, also slated for Q1 of next year. 

More from iMore

• iPad Air 5 review: Pro performance without the price tag
• Apple iPad Air 6: Release date rumors, news, and more
• Forget the iPad mini 7, I traded my iPad Air 5 in for the 6th gen ...

Apple had a rather iPad-lacking 2023, but we've heard a lot about its 2024 plans to revive the tablet. The grand plans include a supersized iPad Air for the first time, and it seems like we're on track to see it launch in March 2024. Display analyst Ross Young has confirmed that the display shipments of the 12.9-inch iPad Air began in December.

We recently got another confirmation from Mark Gurman that we'll see an iPad Air refresh in early 2024, and this latest information from Young corroborates that. This is the first time we'll see the iPad Air in multiple size options.

2024's complete iPad refresh will bring a 12.9-inch iPad Air

Ross Young of DCSS has confirmed that the display panels for the 12.9-inch iPad Air have begun shipping, which means that the iPad Air will likely get a refresh at the next Apple Event, likely in March 2024.

The iPad Air has been a solid medium between the cheaper vanilla model, and the all-out Pro model. It, however, just came in one size option, packing it with premium hardware at a price tag lower than the Pro models. In fact, for years, the iPad Air was the go-to premium iPad.

With the iPad Pro debuting, however, the iPad Air looked kicked down a notch. Introducing a new size option would bring the iPad Air a bit closer to the iPad Pro. The 12.9-inch iPad Air would also be a cheaper option to get a huge tablet from Apple. Currently, you can only get a Pro in a size that big, and it's the costliest iPad Apple sells.

We're also due to get iPad refreshes across the board with an OLED iPad Pro, an updated iPad mini and vanilla iPad. While only the Air and Pro are slated for early 2024, we'll likely also see a MacBook Air refresh with the new M3 chip along with it.

Since buying an iPhone 15 Pro Max on release day in September, followed by an iPad Air recently, thanks to a fantastic deal, it's only recently I've realized that the majority of Apple devices I own are now powered by a USB-C port.

If you are, or about to be, in the same boat as me, and you're looking for an excuse to get USB-C cables at a reduced price, here are some of the best Cyber Monday deals we could find so far.

Where to find the best Cyber Monday USB-C deals

• Amazon – Heavily discounted USB-C cables
• Best Buy – Incredible savings on USB-C cables
• Target – Big reductions on USB-C cables

When looking for a USB-C cable, it's worth thinking about what you'll be using them for. Perhaps you want them to connect to a device that has a USB-A port, or you want to buy a bunch for lots of USB-C devices. With this in mind, here are a selection of great deals that should help you make that decision. 

• MacBook deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy
• iPhone deals: Verizon | AT&T | Mint Mobile
• AirPods deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy | Walmart

A new report claims Apple is planning to release a new 12.9-inch version of its popular iPad Air, in a move that could blur the line between Air and Pro even more and cannibalize sales of Apple’s top-notch tablet. 

It comes by way of a major iPad leak into Apple’s entire planned lineup for 2024. Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed Apple will unveil a new iPad mini 7 alongside a more affordable model, a brand new OLED iPad Pro with M3, and a new iPad Air. 

According to the insider, “two iPad Air models, 10.9-inch and 12.9-inch, are scheduled for mass production in 1Q24.” That’s right, according to Kuo, we’re getting an all-new larger iPad Air which will lack mini-LED but offer “better display performance than the 10.9-inch iPad Air” thanks to the display backplane technology it will inherit from the current-gen iPad Pro. 

Do we really need another iPad Air?

According to Kuo, the OLED iPad Pro might have slightly weaker shipment momentum compared to current models for two reasons. The first is the higher price, which is reportedly north of $1,800. The second is “cannibalization from the 12.9-inch iPad Air”, a sure sign that Kuo expects customers to choose this larger iPad over its Pro older brother. 

This expectation makes a lot of sense, I can certainly imagine that there will be a market for people who simply want a larger iPad screen without all the bells and whistles of the Pro lineup. What’s more, that massive OLED markup is certainly going to make it unaffordable to many, and recent reports indicate Apple isn’t going to continue offering its current best iPad, the mini-LED iPad Pro as a cheaper alternative.

Whichever way you slice it, 2024 is going to be a big year for fans of Apple’s tablet, but do we really need yet another iPad in an already crowded lineup? Plenty of people might say no.

More from iMore

• The 12.9-inch iPad Pro turns 8: A look back on Apple's top of the line tablet
• iPad Pro (M2,) review: A little too familiar and a little too quirky
• 2024 OLED iPad Pro: Release date rumors, news, and more

It's great to be back in the wonderful world of iPad mini.

When Apple announced its "Scary Fast" event, it was obvious that the event would be focused around the Mac. Apple made that painfully obvious by even including the Finder icon in the teaser for the event. However, there was a late rumor that the company — in addition to unveiling new chips and new Macs — might also mention an update to the iPad mini.

While the M3 chips, new MacBook Pro, and new iMac all came true, a new iPad mini unfortunately didn't. I was disappointed. I have been holding on to my 5th generation iPad Air for a while now, knowing that I wanted to make the switch to the iPad mini instead. But, after thinking through it, I decided to make the leap anyway and traded my iPad Air in for the current 6th generation iPad mini.

Here's why.

I'll get that sweet screen when it's ready

When I think about what I was hoping for in a 7th-generation iPad mini, an upgrade to the display was at the top of my list. Specifically, I've been hoping that Apple would finally upgrade the mini from an LCD display to an OLED one.

I'm a sucker for OLED. After buying my first OLED television a few years ago, I've been completely sold on the incredible contrast, colors, and true blacks that you get from an OLED. LCD displays, especially when trying to show darker colors, have been completely ruined for me. I love having an OLED display on my iPhone 15 Pro, so I've been hoping the company would bring the display technology to the iPad mini as well.

Don't get me wrong. I will be immediately upgrading to a new iPad mini if it comes with an OLED display. That one thing will get me to upgrade. However, I'm not losing any display quality by switching from the Air to the mini right now anyway. I'm just getting a smaller display which is part of the whole point.

What I want from an iPad has changed

When I bought the iPad Air, I had an older MacBook Pro and had bought into this idea that I would use the iPad to do a lot of work — like writing — especially since Apple makes that really sweet Magic Keyboard. I was going to try living in that weird "what's a computer" world and the iPad would become my primary device.

For me, that experiment failed — especially after I bought my M2 MacBook Air. I found myself barely ever using the iPad Air and Magic Keyboard to do anything productive. Whether it be work-related or personal, I found myself using my iPhone and my Mac as my main devices. The iPad Air started to sit, encased in the Magic Keyboard, slowly draining battery life.

In fact — most of the time — the iPad would be dead when I finally thought up a reason to use it. That made it pretty easy to know that the iPad's role in my life had changed. When I thought about what I wanted to do that my Mac and iPhone were great at, I came to a very quick conclusion: reading.

I love reading and even subscribe to Apple News+ through my Apple One subscription, but I found myself barely using any device to read news, books, or magazines — even my iPad Air felt weird since it felt huge. I missed reading all of these things, so the decision became very easy for me.

There was one area of my life that wasn't solved by my iPhone or my Mac, but there was an iPad that could solve it: the iPad mini.

I'm loving living with mini

I'm about a week into the switch now and can confidently say that I made the right call for myself here. The iPad mini is perfect as a reading device and I'm already finding myself reading more news from Apple News, magazines from Apple News+, and books from Apple Books. I'm also using the device to watch YouTube or Twitch while I'm working on something at my desk, which has been a nice addition.

The real test will be when I fly. I can't deny that the iPad Air with the Magic Keyboard was a fantastic laptop replacement for flying, so this will be the one area in which I will lose some previous functionality. However, if I'm being honest, it wouldn't be the end of the world if I used that time to relax and read rather than find another way to keep working.

While time will tell, I think the iPhone, MacBook Air, and iPad mini are the perfect setup for me.

As we reach under a month until Black Friday, Amazon has dropped the price on one of the most popular iPads ever — the M1-powered iPad Air. While the deal doesn’t bring a new lowest price, it does chop $100 off the price for what is its previous lowest price.

That means you can get an iPad powered by a laptop chip for much less than before, and it’s not even Black Friday yet. Nice.

iPad Air lowest price

• iPad deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy | Walmart

The iPad Air with M1 was released in early 2022 to much fanfare — mostly because it used the M-designated Apple silicon that had previously been reserved for MacBooks and iMacs. It rivaled the iPad Pro models in power, only lagging behind in display tech and the cameras on the back.

Getting an iPad Air at any reduction is helpful, but this deal remains one of the best ways to get a powerful tablet at a great price. That makes it half the price of the 12-inch Pro, and a cool $300 less than the 11-inch iPad Pro.

Buying an iPad just before Black Friday — a good idea?

Buying anything before Black Friday is a slightly risky move — after all, the biggest sale of the year often has some incredible deals to help you save money on new devices. The iPad Air is just one device that might be reduced over Black Friday to a new lowest price, or it might not.

This $100 saving is good enough to justify grabbing now. The new lowest price is unlikely to be much lower if it happens at all. That and you’ll have your iPad a month earlier, which is always good. Worried that your new iPad will be replaced with a new one soon at the Apple event — don't be, the consensus is that there aren't going to be new iPads until 2024.

The iPad Air, traditionally, has been the thinnest and lightest tablet that Apple has ever made. That has now changed with the latest crop of iPads, with the iPad Air now living in the middle in terms of its specs, price, and dimensions. There are plenty of upgrades to the new iPad Air, however, including a brand new size option that makes the display grow to 13 inches.

It's not got the pure processing beef or ridiculous OLED display of the iPad Pro M4, and it's not quite as cheap as the iPad 10th generation, but it's at a price that makes it the perfect iPad for just about everyone. It's powerful enough to run some pro-grade apps, yet affordable enough that it won't break the bank. You can buy one right now at the Apple Store (amongst other retailers), and comes in a whole bunch of different colors. It earned four and a half stars in our review, so you know you're getting a quality piece of tablet.

From specs to price and all things in between, here's everything you need to know about the iPad Air 6.

iPad Air 6: Features and specifications

iPad Air 6: M2 chip

The new iPad Air 6 comes with an M2 chip powering itself along, giving you plenty of beef to keep things running smoothly and quickly. One thing worth noting about the new iPad Air is that the specs that Apple gave us during the launch event were wrong — while Apple said it was going to have 10 graphics cores, it actually ended up with 9 when it landed in customers' hands. That's not a massive drop, and you won't notice in everyday use, but if you were buying it for the extra core you'll end up disappointed.

The M2 chip this time around places it two generations behind the 2024 iPad Pro, which comes equipped with a brand spanking new M4 chip, on account of its slick dual-layer OLED display, called the Ultra Retina XDR. That of course comes with a price bump all the way up to $1000 for the 11-inch model.

iPad Air 6: 13-inch model

The iPad Air now comes in two sizes — an 11-inch model, like before, but also a 13-inch model for people who want more screen space but don't want to pay the extra for the iPad Pro model. There aren't any massive spec differences between the two sizes of iPads, bar the screen size and resolution (which only changes based on the size of the screen).

There is a price increase for the 13-inch model, of course — it will set you back $749 instead of $599.

iPad Air 6: Landscape selfie camera

Just like the OLED iPad Pro, Apple debuted its entry-level iPad's landscape camera on the new iPad Air. The same 12MP Ultra Wide front camera from the iPad Air 5 remains, but it's in a different place on the display now.

This landscape camera is intended to make FaceTiming much easier, as it lets you place your iPad at any angle and still chat comfortably.

New Storage options

The new starting storage for the iPad Air 6 is 128GB, which is double the starting storage of the iPad Air 5. Both sizes of iPad Air 6 can be configured with the following storage options:

• 128GB
• 256GB
• 512GB
• 1TB

Colors

Both versions of iPad Air 6 are available in the following colors:

• Space Gray
• Blue
• Purple
• Starlight

Landscape stereo speakers

The new landscape stereo speakers are capable of Spatial Audio, for much better playback, and the 13-inch model has double the bass in its speaker, thanks to that increased size. 

iPad Air 6: Price

The 11-inch iPad Air 6 starts at $599 for 128GB of storage but gets more expensive from there when you add more. The 13-inch 128GB model starts at $799. The 11-inch iPad Air 6 starts at the same price as the 64GB iPad Air 5.

Going from 128GB to 256GB on either model adds $100 to the price, with the 512GB version adding $200 to that, and the 1TB model adding $200 to that. So a fully tricked out 13-inch iPad Air 6 with 1TB costs $1,300. 

Which iPad Air 6 rumors didn't come true?

iPad Air 6: mini-LED?

The 12.9-inch iPad Air 6 was expected to get a display bump, swapping an LED screen for the M2 iPad Pro's Mini-LED. Apple was reportedly going to use up previous inventory from the iPad Pro models which wouldn't have needed them, thanks to the rumored upgrade to OLED.

The same source that started this rumor later squashed it, stating "We no longer believe the upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Air will get a Mini-LED display." Instead, DSCC's Ross Young says that a new 12.9-inch mini-LED iPad will be released in the final quarter of 2024. We don't know what this model might be, but it clearly won't be an iPad Air 6.

An iPad refresh has been long overdue, with some models like the iPad Air and mini set to get new chips. While there have been several rumors about the refresh for a while now, there hadn't be a clarity on when exactly to expect them. A fresh set of rumors now muddies the waters, with conflicting information coming from different reputed sources.

A fresh rumor today from Supercharged claimed Apple is launching new iPads this week, specifically upgrades to the iPad Air, mini, and base iPad, with announcements happening as early as October 17. However, top Apple insider Mark Gurman, in his latest Power On newsletter, said that they're coming this year, but not this month.

New iPads (or not) next week with refreshed chips

The refreshed iPad, iPad Air, and mini will come with fresh chips, says the report by Superchagred, aligning with previous reports. The announcement will apparently happen via planned media briefings with select media members. The report has also been corroborated by 9to5Mac through its own sources.

However, Gurman said in his latest newsletter that the launch positively won't happen in October. Gurman wrote, "More often than not, the company debuts new laptops and iPads in October — about a month after the latest iPhone and watch get out the door. And while I reported in July that Apple was planning such a release this year, the latest indications are that it won’t happen this month."

While the trajectory would definitely line up, Gurman is often on top of releases, especially something this sizeable. However, Supercharged and 9to5Mac seem confident with their reporting. The best thing to do would be to wait until the next week to see if Apple actually launches these new iPads.

The new iPads likely won't get much more than the newer chips, but Apple is apparently looking to fix the jelly scrolling display issue with the next iPad mini. The iPad Air 6, one of Apple's best iPads, is also rumored to get two variants this time.

Rumors of the iPad Pro making the switch to an OLED display in 2024 have been rife for months now, and it looks increasingly likely that the tablet will be the best iPad to date by some margin. But it looks increasingly likely that we might not have to buy an iPad Pro to get an OLED display in the future.

That's because a new report builds on previous claims that Apple intends to bring OLED displays to more of its tablets including the iPad mini and iPad Air. It's unlikely that OLED will arrive in time for the next iterations of those tablets, but it might be ready in time for the one after that.

If so, it's possible that the majority of Apple's tablet lineup will have OLED displays within the next few years — starting with that 2024 M3 iPad.

OLED for all

This is all according to the Korean social media website Naver and a user who has so far proven relatively accurate with previous reports. The post was first reported by MacRumors and claims that both the iPad Air and the iPad mini will follow in the iPad Pro's footsteps and use OLED displays in the future.

This matches a previous report by the research outfit Omdia which claimed that Apple was indeed looking to bring more iPads over to OLED.

In terms of timescales, it looks increasingly likely that we will see the iPad Air 6 and iPad mini 7 within the next few months which means the OLED models would likely launch around 2026, but Apple's plans could change between now and then. Neither of the new models are expected to bring wholesale changes to the table and will likely instead be simple specification bumps with upgraded chips.

It’s been more than a year since we got a new iPad Air model, with the M1 revision of Apple’s premium-but-not-Pro tablet option landing in March 2022. The long wait may soon be over though — Apple is said to be planning not one, but two new iPad Air models.

That’s according to a report from 9to5Mac, whose sources suggest a larger model could join the 10.9-inch build Apple already makes. In fact, there’d be four new models, if you’re counting the Wi-Fi and Cellular+Wi-Fi designations as separate.

The iPad Air 6 (if you want to call it that, being the sixth-generation of the iPad variant) could introduce "a more expensive model with better specs” according to the report.

While 9to5Mac concedes Apple’s plans could change, we can’t help but feel that’d be a wise move. Apple’s iPad line-up, consisting of an entry-level iPad, the iPad Mini 6, an iPad Air 5th generation and two different-sized iPad Pro models is already fractured enough. Issues like variations in keyboard cases, Pencil compatibility and more make it already easy for consumers to feel choice paralysis for Apple’s tablet range, and this move wouldn’t help that.

What is a worthy question to ask though is whether or not the proposed new iPad Air will land this side of 2024 or not — if it slips back to a launch window early next year, you’d imagine buyers might wonder if the M3 chipsets will be waiting just over the horizon. If Apple can get an iPad Air out before the end of the year, it might represent one last hurrah for the M2 silicon. The report puts a release window of “between now and WWDC 2024 in June”, so it’s anyone’s guess…

iPad Mini and a new keyboard too

In addition to the new iPad Air models, the same source states that the long-awaited iPad Mini 7 is still on its way, set to launch ‘soon’ too. It’s by far the iPad most in need of an update at this point, having not been refreshed since September 2021 and packing an underclocked A15 Bionic chip.

Finally, a previous rumor of a revised Magic Keyboard for iPad is further strengthened, with the source pointing to a new ‘R219’ codename keyboard case. It’s said to have an aluminum shell, a larger trackpad and built in sensors including an accelerometer, with the expectation being it'll be sold as an accompaniment to iPad Pro.

Apple traditionally hosts a Fall event where new entries in the iPad and desktop Mac ranges are revealed, but iPad and Mac product launches seem to have fallen out of step with their traditional windows. Fingers crossed we’ll still see some new gear before the end of the year.

There will only be one iPad refresh in 2023, and it’s not the iPad Mini 7 we were all expecting or the iPad Pro most of us wanted.

According to a rumor on Weibo, “Only the ‌iPad Air‌ series should be updated this year,” and states October for the product launch window. The post adds, “No mini and Pro this year.”

Top insider Mark Gurman’s comments on the latest episode of The MacRumors Show seem to confirm these rumors, which were posted before his appearance on the show. He said the iPad Air was “coming soonish.”

Gurman also clarified that he doesn’t think we’ll see an iPad Apple event in October, “I'm not sure they have enough to drag people down to Cupertino to watch the video like they do for this launch” referring to the upcoming iPhone 15 “Wonderlust” event.

If these rumors are true, we could expect to see a press release reveal of the iPad Air 6 in a similar vein to the way Apple announced the M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro earlier this year.

The iPad Air was last updated in March 2022 with Apple’s M1 chip, a USB-C port, and a 12-megapixel front camera.

Not the iPad we hoped for — iMore’s take

In the world of tablets, nothing comes close to the iPad. The product line is so far ahead of the competition that it’s not about which tablet you should buy but rather which iPad you should buy. The iPad’s hardware is excellent; the iPad Pros are powered by M2 chips similar to those found in the M2 MacBook Air, and the iPad Air 5 has an M1, which is still sold in the M1 MacBook Air.

For a while, the problem with the iPad has been the lack of software advancements to match up with the powerful hardware on offer, and that’s why a full calendar year with presumably a minor update to the iPad Air feels a little deflating. iPadOS 17 will be released in the coming weeks, bringing the updated Lock Screen from iOS 16 and the Health app to the iPad, but it’s not the revolutionary software release we were hoping for.

I’m sure the iPad Air 6 will be a nice upgrade for those looking for the jack-of-all-trades iPad. Still, for the iPad product line as a whole, we’ll need to wait until next year to see some actual advancements and potentially a major operating system upgrade when iPadOS 18 comes around.

Apple has added two of its most iconic products to its obsolete list, a move that means that neither of them can now be repaired or serviced at Apple Stores or Apple's Authorized Service Providers.

The two products in question are the 2011 Thunderbolt Display and the original iPad Air, a product that first debuted in 2013 and ushered in the era of thinner and lighter tablets.

The fifth-generation iPad has also been classified as a vintage product, meaning that it was last sold more than five years ago. In that instance repairs and service are still available but only subject to parts availability. In two years that iPad will also be added to the obsolete list as well.

Pour one out

The 27-inch Thunderbolt Display packed a 1440p resolution and was packed with ports that could all be used to expand a Mac's connectivity. While the Thunderbolt Display connected to a Mac using a single cable, the display itself sported a gigabit Ethernet port, a Thunderbolt port, a FireWire 800 port, and a trio of USB-A ports. There was also a 720p camera built in as well for $999.

As for the iPad Air, that had a 9.7-inch display and sported Apple's A7 chip. As MacRumors notes, it was 28% lighter than the previous iPad and was also 20% thinner with much narrower bezels. At the time it was the best iPad for people who wanted the ultimate in thinness and lightness.

Both the Thunderbolt Display and iPad Air were killed off in 2016. Products are added to the obsolete list when they were last sold more than seven years ago. The move means that parts can no longer be ordered and that they are effectively dead in the water should anything go wrong.

The iPad Air M1 came out in 2022 to much fanfare – after all, it brought the same chip that you'd find in the iPad Pro to a more affordable and approachable price point. Since then, it's remained one of the best iPads you can buy – and occasionally, it's seen some hefty discounts to make it even more affordable.

This current discount chops $100 off the full price, matching its previous lowest price. This price is one that we've seen before, but it's still a massive discount.

Big iPad savings

• iPad deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy | Walmart

The iPad Air M1 is a powerful tablet, especially for this price. There's the M1 chip at the heart for one, putting it nearly on par processor-wise as the previous model of the iPad Pro, and a nice large 10.9-inch screen that dominates the front.

The 12MP cameras on the back aren't going to blow you away, but they are going to be just fine for some occasional snaps. It's an attractive slab of tablet as well, and slim to boot. It might not boast the power of the most recent iPad Pro, but at this price, it's, in our eyes, a better bet than the iPad 10th gen that came out late last year – especially given that tablet is only $20 less at the moment.

If you do pick one up, make sure you grab one of the best iPad Air cases to go with it so that it's protected during any drops or falls – don't want to crack that screen!

Apple will reportedly add two of its most iconic products to the obsolete list at the end of this month.

Products are added to the obsolete list when they are no longer eligible for repairs at Apple or its authorized partners which effectively means that it's time to start looking for a replacement.

In this case, the two products are the very first iPad Air as well as the 2011 Apple Thunderbolt Display.

Gone but not forgotten

The very first iPad Air was launched in 2013 before being discontinued in 2017. It wasn't without its issues, but the tablet was thinner and lighter than the previous iPad and also boasted thinner bezels around its 9.7-inch display. That made the tablet appear much more svelte than anything that came before it and sold for $499 at the time. The tablet had an A7 chip and was powered by iOS 7. The last update it received was iOS 12.5.7, suggesting owners still using the original iPad Air are missing out on plenty of new software features.

As for the Thunderbolt Display, that lasted five years before it was killed off in 2016. We now have the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR of course, but there was a big gap after the Thunderbolt Display's demise before we saw any sign of a new display from Apple. The Thunderbolt Display was once the best Mac display around thanks to its 27-inch 1440p display and included ports. The addition of an Ethernet port, FireWire 800 port, and of course a Thunderbolt port made it a great way to connect multiple devices over a single cable. There were also two USB-A ports for good measure.

MacRumors reports that both products will be added to the obsolete list as of May 31, 2023. Products become obsolete when it has been more than seven years since they were last sold.

When buying a new iPad, Apple’s current lineup can feel daunting, to say the least. Apple currently sells iPads ranging from $329 up to $2399 for the best iPad available, a fully specced 12.9-inch iPad Pro with M2. With six different models to choose from and multiple specification options within each model, it’s understandable not to know what option to buy. 

In this guide, we will alleviate some of that choice paralysis by showing you how to pick the right iPad for you, starting with the smallest and working our way up to the largest iPad Apple has to offer.

Before we begin

Every iPad we’ll discuss in this guide comes equipped with iPadOS 16, the latest operating system by Apple. The iPad hardware lineup has come by leaps and bounds to create far more powerful devices than its software currently knows what to do with. When searching for the best iPad, there are going to be a couple of things to look out for: form factor, price point, and what you're going to be doing with the tablet.

You should buy the iPad mini if… you want a handheld notetaking experience.

The iPad mini 6 is the most significant update to the smallest iPad since its release back in 2012. Over a decade later, the iPad mini has everything you’d want from the handheld tablet. It’s a great fit for those looking for an easy-to-carry device that doesn’t feel unwieldy in your hand, and comes equipped with an A15 Bionic chip with support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. This makes it a great choice for those wanting to take notes on the go and throw the iPad back in their bag.

Starting at $499 for the 64GB model, the iPad mini is the perfect first jump into the world of iPads – as long as you don’t mind the smaller 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display. It's worth noting that for some there is a display issue, however. Some users report what’s called 'jelly scrolling', an odd effect that comes from one half of the display refreshing quicker than the other. This leads to something of a wave effect, and those that experience it can find it quite jarring.

You should buy the 9th generation iPad if… you want the cheapest iPad possible.

Starting at $329, the 9th generation iPad was initially released in 2021 and is the cheapest iPad model in the lineup. Cheap doesn’t mean bad, however, as the iPad 9 is a great starting point for kids, students, and those just wanting to get an iPad for emails.

The iPad 9 has everything you need to browse the internet, reply to emails, make FaceTime calls, and annotate documents. This entry-level iPad supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil as well – the annoying one you have to charge via the Lightning port. Despite its dumb charging method, however, it's still the perfect writing and drawing companion, even if its design is starting to get a little dated. Talking about a dated design, the 9th generation is the last iPad in the lineup to include a Home Button – if you want a modern-feeling iPad, look elsewhere.

You should buy the 10th generation iPad if… you want a modern device without splashing too much cash.

In 2022, Apple released the next generation of the baseline iPad with an updated form factor and a tighter package that brought the entry-level line up to par with its siblings. The iPad 10th generation is an excellent option for many people, starting at $449 for the 64GB model. It houses an older generation A14 Bionic chip, so if you can handle the smaller size of the iPad mini, that could be the better option for you.

For $449, you get a large 10.9-inch display, albeit one that is slightly dim compared to the next iPads on this guide. There’s a 12-megapixel camera on the front and back of the device, and a USB-C connector just like every other iPad in the lineup bar the 9th generation iPad. 

You would think that with a USB-C port on the bottom, the iPad 10 would not work with the older Lightning-based Apple Pencil – you would be wrong. For some head-scratching reason, Apple decided to make the 10th generation iPad only compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil. That means you need a dongle to convert from Lightning to USB-C to charge your pencil with the device. 

If the lineup weren’t so convoluted, the iPad 10 would be perfect. But with so many options available, it just can’t be 'the one' for most people. Buy the iPad 10th generation if you want a modern-feeling device but don’t want to spend $150 more for the iPad Air.

You should buy the iPad Air if… you’re most people.

The iPad Air 5th generation is the go-to iPad. Housing an impressive Apple silicon M1 chip, the same found in some recent MacBooks, the iPad Air is faster than anything iPadOS can throw at it. It has a similar design to the more expensive iPad Pro models, Apple Pencil 2 support (unlike the 10th generation iPad) and a beautiful laminated 10.9-inch display. Those without lamination, like the 10th generation iPad, can feel hollow when tapped on, while lamination makes the whole experience feel more premium to your eyes and touch alike. 

If you’re in the market for an iPad and can afford the $599 starting price for the 64GB model, this is the iPad for you. For that price, you get the best iPad experience without forking out for the top-of-the-line iPad Pros. 

You should buy the 11-inch iPad Pro if… you want a buttery smooth display in the same form factor.

It’s hard to justify the iPad Pro with an M2 chip when the iPad Air exists for $200 less. Yes, the ProMotion display is buttery smooth and makes the tablet feel even faster, but is that enough to warrant the price jump?

If you need 128GB or more, which Apple should really make the base storage level across all iPads, then there is a justification to opt for the 11-inch Pro over the iPad Air. A 256GB iPad Air costs $749 because Apple decided not to give customers the option of a 128GB model. That means you can choose between a larger storage iPad Air or a better display, an additional Ultra Wide camera, better speakers, and Face ID for $50 more.

If you are the kind of person that wants the best iPad experience possible, the 11-inch iPad Pro is for you. It may not have the XDR display like its larger sibling, but I would argue that 11 inches is the peak iPad and the best form factor of them all.

You should buy the 12.9-inch iPad Pro if… money is no object.

We’ve made it to the final iPad in the lineup – are you exhausted yet? Because I am. Let’s cut to the chase here; the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is big, it weighs nearly 50% more than the 11-inch Pro at 1.5 pounds, and it’s hefty to carry around.

The display is the best iPad display available with Micro-LED technology that Apple calls Liquid Retina XDR, just to confuse you. And it’s a seriously beautiful 12.9-inch display that can reach 1600 nits peaks brightness for HDR content, wow.  It has every bell and whistle from all the other iPads combined.

I find the 11-inch iPad heavy enough and could never use a bigger one, but many people love the larger form factor, especially for working at a desk or while out and about, or for Apple Pencil sketching on a larger canvas. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is for you if you want the latest and greatest and don’t mind forking out upwards of $1099 to do the same things the smaller version can do for $300 less. It’s also an option for a less conventional laptop replacement due to its similar size to a 13-inch MacBook Air. 

Until Apple brings iPadOS up to par with the insanely fast M2 chips inside the Pro models, it’s hard to find a reason other than size to own one.

Why you should buy an iPad

iPads are awesome. They bridge the gap between a computer and your smartphone, allowing you to chill on the couch while browsing the web or writing articles with the Magic Keyboard (sold separately). 

For many people, buying an iPad quickly can teach you that you no longer need a Mac. If you’re not a professional using a computer for work, then there is no better experience for everyday computing needs than an iPad from the current Apple lineup.

You should buy an iPad, but if you’re on the fence, the secondary market is a great option for cheaper deals and a better bang for your buck. As far as I’m concerned, the best iPad going is the one you can afford; the tool it becomes depends entirely on what you want it to be. Don’t get caught up in the jargon, an iPad is an iPad, and regardless of which one you choose, you’ll have a brilliant experience with the best tablet on the market.

The new iPad (2022) is a nice device - it comes in loads of colors, and has some cool new features like a snazzy 10.9-inch screen, new aluminum shell, and USB-C charging. The iPad Air has all these things too - and is a whole lot more powerful. The normal $150 price difference makes this make sense, but with this $100 discount on the iPad Air at Amazon, the new $50 price difference starts to seem a little strange.

Update: availability of some colors is starting to run lower than others. Starlight (light gold) seems to be sold out and the purple model is still available, but won't arrive until after Christmas. All other colors are currently set to be delivered before Christmas though.  

Don't buy the new iPad - buy the iPad Air for $100 off

• iPad deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Walmart

The iPad Air is a serious slice of tablet. It gained the M1 chip from the iPad Pro to go with its stunning 10.9-inch screen, along with some clean colors and a decent camera upgrade. Usually, while it's worth the extra $150, we'd actually recommend going for the iPad (2022) - You'll save money, but get a very similar-looking tablet. With the current deal over at Amazon, however, the value proposition becomes a little different.

When the price difference is only $50, it becomes a whole lot easier to recommend the upgrade to the iPad Air. You'll get all the extra juicy performance to go with the side mounting Apple Pencil 2 storage - and you'll actually have a newer processor in the M1. At this price, we'd say it's a no-brainer.

If you're after one of the other iPads in the line, then you'll want to see the best iPad deals. If you get yourself an iPad Air, make sure you grab one of the best iPad Air cases.

The new iPad (2022) is a lovely device - but when stacked up against the iPad Air, it falls short. The biggest reason you might want to pick one up over the Air is the price - and now, this iPad Air deal makes that point a little more moot. There's an $80 saving on the iPad Air over at Amazon at the moment, bringing it back down to its lowest price, and, crucially, much closer to the price of the new iPad (2022). There's now a $70 price difference between the two tablets - and while that may seem like a lot, we reckon it's well worth picking the Air over the shiny new one (even if that yellow is to die for).

It is coming up to Black Friday now too, and while this deal isn't pegged as one, it certainly tastes like one. There are loads of other Black Friday iPad deals out there - and we know where to find all the best.

Just because it's new, doesn't mean it's better

• Best iPad deals: Amazon | Best Buy | B&H Photo

The iPad Air should be better than the iPad (2022). It's more powerful and feature-packed for two, but it now proposes far better value as well. Normally, this tablet would be a full $150 more expensive than its less powerful sibling, and even then it's worth the extra for the features you get. But with a $70 price difference? The new iPad no longer makes sense - if not only because you get a laminated screen on the Air, so it doesn't sound like you're stabbing a hollow box as the new iPad does. 

Yes, $70 is a lot - but spend it, and it's likely your iPad will last you a lot longer if for no other reason than you'll get a much newer chip with the Air than you'll get in the iPad (2022). Which still feels weird.

Don't forget to pick up one of the best iPad Air cases to protect your new iPad, and keep that laminated screen safe with one of the best iPad Air screen protectors. Looking for another iPad? We know where to find all the best iPad deals and sales.

Apple's iPad lineup is more confusing than ever, but the iPad Air 5 still stands on its own as a stellar tablet for anyone looking for power and performance without a "pro" price tag. 

As expected, the iPad Air 5 isn't quite as groundbreaking as its predecessor, it does feature the same design and overall look as the previous model, but the big change on the inside is what intrigued me. Instead of the iPad Air 5 getting the latest A-series chip as its brain, Apple decided to throw in the almighty M1 chip. The same chip that powers a lot of its Mac lineup, and of course, the more expensive iPad Pro, now powers the best iPad for most people.

iPad Air 5: Price and availability

The iPad Air 5 is available to purchase through Apple directly and other popular retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo, etc. It starts at the same price as the last generation, $599, but that will only get you the Wi-Fi-only version with 64GB of storage.

You can increase the storage to 256GB, but that's where the iPad Air 5 maxes out, and there is a Wi-Fi + Cellular version of the device that will also cost more money. Here's a quick breakdown of all the models and their prices:

The iPad Air 5 is available in five colors: space gray, starlight, pink, purple, and blue. And, with Black Friday coming up, we expect to see some great Black Friday iPad deals on the iPad Air 5 this year. So keep an eye out for those. 

iPad Air 5: Hardware and design

The iPad Air 5 has a lot in common with the 4th-generation model; the design is the same. You'll find the same rounded corners on its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, the USB-C port at the bottom, two-speaker audio, Smart connector for accessories is in the same spot, and the list goes on. Just by looking at the iPad Air 5 next to an iPad Air 4, you likely wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

While the design remains the same, and after the significant redesign last time, that's hardly a surprise; it still feels and looks modern. The iPad Air 5 doesn't leave you wondering if you've accidentally used a time machine to travel back in time the same way the iPad (2021) does, and the usability of the device from a physical standpoint is still top-notch. Although the new iPad Air is ever so slightly heavier than the previous model — .02 pounds to be precise — it's still that perfect blend between portability and size. It's light enough to carry around with ease without making your laptop bag or backpack feel heavy, but the nearly 11-inch display is big enough for work, gaming, watching movies, and more.

Touch ID is back in the Sleep/Wake button, and it's just as speedy as ever. Simply rest your finger on the button to open up your iPad Air whenever you need it. You can add multiple fingers, so it's easier to share the iPad with someone (if that's your style) or make sure you have the most comfortable finger to use for regardless of which position your iPad is in. The only time I wished Face ID was on my iPad Air 5 was when I had it connected to a keyboard because it was far easier to just type in my passcode/password than to reach over and use Touch ID. If it had Face ID, like the iPad Pro (2021), I could just plop down in front of the Air and get to typing just a tad quicker. Still, I love Touch ID, and the implementation on the iPad Air 5 is fast and reliable every single time.

The iPad Air 5 is still sporting a USB-C port instead of the lightning port still used by the iPhone or the base iPad. If you only care about using the port for charging your device, then the fact that it's USB-C won't change anything for you; however, USB-C brings a ton of options in terms of connectivity. It's super easy to use hard drives, USB-C hubs, and other accessories with the iPad Air 5 because you can just plug them in directly to your iPad and start using them. Heck, you can even use the brand new Studio Display or even the Pro Display XDR with the iPad Air 5 since it can support one 6K display. If you're not used to a USB-C port on your iPad, you'll be pleasantly surprised with how much more it can do and how many different workflows it can fit into. Of course, it isn't a Thunderbolt port like you get on the iPad Pro, so it tops out at 10Gbps data transfer speeds rather than the 40Gbps Thunderbolt gives you.

Speaking of displays, the screen on the iPad Air 5 hasn't changed; it's still the same panel that was in the last version. It's 10.9-inches in size and sports a 2360‑by‑1640 resolution at 264 PPI, meaning everything is very sharp and clear. Even without the variable refresh rate up to 120Hz that the ProMotion display in the iPad Pro has, I haven't had too many complaints about the display on the iPad Air 5. Yes, 120Hz does make scrolling smoother, and it's excellent for gaming, but for me, and likely many people, you're not going to miss ProMotion if you didn't have it before. If I had one real complaint about the iPad Air 5, the max brightness of 500 nits is a little low. So if you're using your iPad Air outside or in any really bright environment, you'll likely have a bit of trouble seeing the screen. It's not terrible by any means, but even a slight bump in the max brightness — like the 600 nits of the 11-inch iPad Pro — would likely help a lot. Still, the display on iPad Air 5 has many other good features that you would expect, like TrueTone and P3 wide color gamut. In addition, the screen is fully laminated and sports an anti-reflective coating, which helps a lot in everyday use.

The most significant change in the iPad Air 5 hardware is mainly on the inside since Apple decided it wants to put the M1 chip in everything it can, and the iPad Air is now the cheapest device you can buy from Apple with the M1 processor. I'll talk more about the M1 chip when I discuss performance a little later, but to give you a little taste, it's fast, it's powerful, it's an M1. I am happy to report that the M1 hasn't caused the Air 5 to get too hot or overheat in my testing. This was a concern I had due to the increase of power, but even after some pretty intense gaming sessions, the iPad Air 5 mostly keeps its cool. Of course, it will get warm; all processors generate heat, but it's nothing out of the ordinary, and I didn't notice any measurable performance throttling when my iPad Air 5 did get a little warm, which is excellent.

Last but certainly not least, the iPad Air 5 now supports 5G, but there's a bit of a catch. The new Air doesn't support mmWave 5G, which is the faster type of 5G that can get you those 1GB/s download speeds. It only supports Sub-6 5G, which, while slower than mmWave, is much more common and accessible to more people. 5G is still an emerging technology, and mmWave networks have been getting up a lot slower than Sub-6. The difference between Sub-6 and mmWave 5G can be a little nuanced at times, but remember, the previous iPad Air only supported 4G LTE. How much this matters to you will likely come down to personal preference and location. If you like getting Wi-Fi + Cellular iPads, and you happen to have a 5G in your area, you will likely be pretty excited that the iPad Air can now take advantage of that. For everyone else, it's just a bit of futureproofing that's nice to have in case 5G becomes an option for you somewhere down the line.

iPad Air 5: Software and performance

The iPad Air 5 runs the latest version of iPadOS 15, which brings a good dose of features while mainly focusing on improving foundational iPadOS features like the Home screen, Multitasking, and keyboard shortcuts.

iPadOS, in a way, is still relatively new as an operating system. Yes, it's based on iOS, but it's only been a few years since Apple started making the software on iPad a little more unique and tailored to the iPad experience, rather than just a giant version of iOS. It's a solid operating system, and the improvements to Multitasking in the latest version of the software were needed. However, for some people, it still won't provide that same laptop experience that some iPads fans have been craving. One thing is for sure. The M1 chip makes iPadOS 15 run so seamlessly that it will likely surprise you if you haven't experienced an M1 processor before.

My previous iPad was the base iPad from last year, and I love it, don't get me wrong, but the snappiness and speed of iPadOS on the iPad Air 5 are just so much better. It's simple to transfer data from your old iPad to the new one too.

The iPad (2021) is sporting an older chip than even the iPad Air 4, but it surprised me how much I noticed the difference. If you're upgrading from the previous Air model, the contrast will be less stark. But, there is something to be said that you can only put so much power into a chip before you experience dismissing returns, and I had thought we reached that pinnacle in the iPad already, but the M1 proved me wrong.

It doesn't seem to matter what you're doing on your iPad Air 5; the M1 chip handles it with such ease. It makes using all those iPad-specific features like Multitasking, split-screen, and Sidecar so much more intuitive in a way because the machine doesn't stutter at all when you're moving throughout iPadOS. Out of sight, out of mind. It's almost like a Jedi mind trick because you're doing all the same tasks you've done before, but it's just so much smoother that it feels better. There's no other way to explain it.

On top of the snappiness of iPadOS, the M1 chip also turns your iPad Air 5 into an extremely capable machine for just about any use.

It's quickly become my favorite Apple gaming machine because not only is the 10.9-inch screen such an excellent size for big games, it also runs everything so smoothly. You'll notice the difference in games that are GPU intensive. Big AAA studio games like Call of Duty mobile look stunning but play so buttery smooth that it really feels like you have a portable console at times. Pair it up with the right Apple-compatible gaming controller, and you may forget you're plying on an iPad. Of course, the iPad isn't as portable as an iPhone, so it's not like I'd pull it out on a bus ride to play games, but if you're sitting down in a coffee shop, it's likely the best device you have to bust out for a quick gaming session.

Productivity also takes a pretty giant leap forward with M1 because nothing I could throw at it would slow it down at all. As a photography enthusiast, I take many high-res RAW photos that I like to edit, and the iPad Air 5 is the first iPad I've owned that I felt could handle the RAW image editing I do with ease. In addition, color editing photos can be quite GPU intensive at times, especially if you are doing large batches of photos for an extended period, and the iPad Air 5 was able to handle it easily. Not only that, editing in Pixelmator went so smooth and fast, what would usually take me a few hours on my base iPad, I managed to get it done in about an hour. Increased productivity saves you time, which in turn can save you money, and that's something extraordinary about the M1.

I will say, for as impressed I am with the M1 chip in the iPad Air 5, there's a conversation to be had about if the iPad Air needs an M1. Heck, you could argue that even the iPad Pro doesn't need an M1 chip. Putting an M1 chip in an iPad is a bit like putting a Ferrari engine in a Prius; you can do it, but what's a Prius going to do with all that power? iPadOS is still too limited in its ability to really take advantage of the M1 chip to its fullest potential. There are two ways of looking at it. One, you can be a tad cynical and just view the M1 chip in the iPad Air 5 as wasted potential and overkill. Or, two, you can think about what Apple may be able to do with iPadOS in the future because iPads can now use Mac chips. While macOS and iPadOS are very different, the lines keep getting blurred as iPads become more powerful. Suppose Apple keeps coming out with features like Universal Control. In that case, the possibility of what an iPad can be in the future is certainly up for debate.

One thing is for sure, putting the M1 chip in the iPad Air 5 with a starting price of $599 is an obvious indication that Apple continues to realize just how vital performance is for iPad users.

iPad Air 5: Battery

While Apple never officially releases their battery sizes for their devices, the iPad Air 5 has the same stated battery life as its predecessor, which isn't a bad thing considering the move to an M1 chip. Apple says you'll get about 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi or watching the video, which is the same battery life stats it gave the previous iPad Air and gives the base iPad too.

I found that estimate to be relatively accurate. I was consistently getting anywhere from 10-12ish hours with pretty average use, and when I pushed the iPad Air 5 a little more with a ton of photo editing or a gaming a bunch, I did see a decrease in that battery life. Still, I don't think the battery life will surprise people in any way. If you know how long you usually get out of your iPad in your current workflow, you can expect the same on the iPad Air 5.

iPad Air 5: Cameras

There still are only two cameras on the iPad Air 5, one on the back and one front-facing; however, the front-facing camera got a massive upgrade over the previous model.

The front-facing camera is now a 12MP ultra-wide camera that features Center Stage. If you don't know, Center Stage is a feature that uses machine learning and the ultra-wide camera to focus continuously on one or multiple people that should be captured in the frame. When on a FaceTime call, your camera will intuitively stay focused on you, even if you happen to move around. So if you move to one side of the frame, it will "pan" over to you and do its best to keep you in the center of the frame. It will even zoom out to capture multiple people in the frame, so if you want your significant other to say hi to your mom, you can call them over to sit or stand beside you, and Center Stage should fit you both in the frame.

Center Stage works well in practice and is a welcome addition to the iPad Air 5. It makes video calls so much more enjoyable because you can adjust your position as you need without moving your iPad every time. The iPad Air 5 was the last iPad to get the Center Stage treatment, as the feature is now available across the entire iPad lineup. Video calling has never been more critical than in recent years, so It's nice that the iPad Air can finally be a suitable video conferencing device. |

As for taking pictures with the iPad Air 5, the rear 12MP camera is certainly serviceable, but it's the same camera that the previous generation had, so don't expect it to be anything extraordinary. It's a decent point-and-shoot camera if it's the one you have on hand, but if you want your iPad photography to be next-level, the iPad Pro will serve you much better. Still, if you need to snap a quick photo or two and the Air 5 is all you have on you, you'll likely be pretty happy with the results as long as there's enough light.

iPad Air 5: Apple Pencil and other accessories

What's cool about the iPad Air 5 is, like its predecessor, it's compatible with pretty much all the same accessories that the 11-inch iPad Pro can use. Notably, the Magic Keyboard provides a fantastic way to type for any who likes to do a lot of work on their iPad. Plus, it even has a trackpad, turning your iPad Air 5 into a very laptop-like user experience.

The Smart Connector is located on the back of the iPad, so other accessories like the Smart Folio or Smart Keyboard also work with the iPad Air 5. Of course, all accessories are extra expenses, but the reason I mention this is that the 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air have never been closer in terms of specs. And with that $200 price difference at play, knowing the Air has access to all the same great accessories could factor into your purchasing decision.

Lastly, it's important to mention the Apple Pencil 2, the only Apple Pencil compatible with the iPad Air 5, does everything you expect it to do very well on the iPad Air.

While I'm not much of an artist myself, I occasionally sketch, and the Apple Pencil 2 paired with the iPad Air 5 seems like a perfect combination. It responds well to the pressure you apply, meaning you can get different thicknesses of lines or other effects depending on what tool you're using in your favorite drawing app. Plus, it still charges inductively by magnetically connecting the side of the iPad, making it easy to carry around with you when you want to take you're Apple Pencil with you on the go.

Once again, the upside to the Apple Pencil doesn't just stop with making art but instead gives you an entirely new way to interact with your iPad. Enabling slide-over or split-screen with an Apple Pencil in your hand feels incredible. It's easy to make contact with precise UI elements that have many uses across the OS and in a lot of apps you may use.

iPad Air 5: Competition

As always, Apple's biggest competition is itself. The iPad Air 5 and 11-inch iPad Pro have never been closer in power and performance thanks to the M1 chip powering both models, and with a $200 price difference, the decision to go with the Pro over the Air has never been more crucial. Do you need that ProMotion display? Does your workflow require the 40Gbps data transfer speeds that the Thunderbolt port on the iPad Pro provides? Or, are you satisfied getting the same powerful M1 chip that powers the Pro and speeding through all your tasks just as quickly, for significantly less money?

iPad Air 5: Should you buy it?

You want the best performance for the best price

Let's face it, the iPad Air 5 has the almighty trifecta that every tech user wants; power, performance, and a reasonable price. It's hard not to recommend the iPad Air 5 as the best iPad for most people — especially if you want to hold onto it for several years. The M1 offers so much power that it will likely keep your workflow moving at a brisk pace for years to come, making it a great tablet to get for anyone looking to upgrade from an older model.

You like colors

The iPad Air 5 is still the only way to get a more colorful iPad, and honestly, the colors are great. It's a small thing, but I love the purple colorway on the Air, and it is so much more fun to look at than just some big black or silver boxes that the base iPad and iPad Pro models offer.

You need the iPad Pro specific features

While the M1 is impressive and makes the iPad Air 5 perform very similarly to the iPad Pro, there are still features only on the iPad Pro. Whether it's the Thunderbolt port that allows faster data transfer speeds, the ProMotion display that makes the screen much more fluid and improves the visuals, the better speaker array that gets louder than the Air, or just more storage options, there are just some things that iPad Air doesn't offer.

It's pretty simple when you boil it down; if you want the best iPad performance at the best price, the iPad Air 5 is the tablet you should buy. As long as it fits into your workflow and you don't need any of the pro features to get by, the iPad Air 5 will be able to handle anything you throw at it.

Personally, I would have difficulty justifying spending $200 more on the 11-inch iPad Pro as long as both models are packing the M1 chip. I know the iPad Pro offers some unique features that some people will need, but the iPad Air 5 is powerful enough for most people.

iPadOS has never been smoother; the 10.9-inch display is a perfect size for gaming, productivity, and even a secondary display via Sidecar with your Mac. It's still light enough to carry around easily, and it has access to all the fantastic accessories you could need to make it the ultimate iPad for almost any workflow.

Yes, it's not a massive upgrade over the previous generation. Still, with 5G compatibility, a much better front-facing camera, and an M1 processor powering it all, it's an excellent tablet experience that only Apple can provide.

With Apple's May iPad refresh for 2024, the question of what is the best iPad is more pertinent than ever. With new models, price cuts, and more, the lineup is more stacked (and confusing) than ever. So what's the best iPad in 2024?

Well, now we have a brand new iPad Pro M4 and a new iPad Air 6 to choose from. There's a much cheaper 10th-generation model for budget users and the mini remains in the lineup. However, the super-cheap iPad 9 is no more, and Apple's iPad Pro is much more expensive than it used to be. 

As is often the case, the best iPad depends on your needs. So whether you're a power user, need something portable, or you've got a tight budget, we've got the best iPad for you. Take a look!

Quick list

The best iPad for most people

• iPad Air 6 hands-on review

Unveiled in May of 2024, the brand-new iPad Air builds on the extremely successful formula of the previous model with a few distinct tweaks. First up, and most obvious, is a brand 13-inch size for people who want a larger, more expansive display without all of the bells, whistles, and cost of the iPad Pro. 

The new iPad Air for 2024 comes with the M2 chip for powerful processing, making light work of even the most power-hungry apps, and beefing up AI performance thanks to the power of the Neural Engine. The new model also has faster Wi-Fi 6E for better connectivity compared to the old model. 

The front-facing camera was upgraded to landscape orientation, too. Despite all of these upgrades, the iPad Air 6 holds the same starting price of $599 as its predecessor while offering twice as much storage (128GB) as standard. There are now more options too with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options to choose from. 

Apple's new Apple Pencil Pro is also compatible with the new iPad Air, giving you access to the new haptic sensor and the gyroscope-powered gestures that make drawing and creating on iPad more intuitive than ever before. 

The iPad Air 6 for 2024 is the perfect combination of power, a great design, and a price tag that isn't too expensive compared to the iPad Pro. With the cheaper iPad 10 now even cheaper, and iPad Pro $200 more expensive, it sits in a much clearer position in the lineup, even at $799 for the larger model. If you want an iPad that is perfect for content consumption, a bit of creation, and is future-proof, then this is the iPad for you, and probably everyone else too. However, the iPad Air 6 misses out on the M4 chip of the Pro, and more importantly that stunning OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. With the Air limited to 60Hz, the cheaper price tag comes with a distinct display trade-off. 

The best value iPad

• iPad 10 (2022) review

The iPad 10 has been our best-value iPad pick for some time, and now it's even cheaper. Alongside the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models for 2024, Apple unveiled a significant price drop for the base model in the lineup. It came at the expense of the iPad 9, but the iPad 10 is now just $349, arguably the price it should have always been. At that price, it's not only the best value pick, but also the best budget pick, as the cheapest iPad in Apple's lineup. 

Apple redesigned the base iPad so you can say goodbye to bezels and hello to rounded corners. It also said goodbye to the Home button with a USB-C port instead of the Lightning port. It's all great to see but it's what's under the hood that's perhaps most important.

Powering the entire iPad (10th generation) is the A14 Bionic, an upgrade of the A13 Bionic found in the 9th-gen iPad. This marks a 20% increase in CPU and a 10% improvement in graphics compared to the iPad (9th generation). There's no doubt the M-series chips that you find in higher-end iPads are more powerful, but for 90% of users, the A14 will pack enough punch to get through everything you can throw at it.

There's also a better rear camera compared to its predecessor, now sporting a 12MP lens compared to the 7MP camera on the back of the iPad (2021). Apple Pencil (1st-generation) support is useful for drawing, sketching, painting, or taking notes.

However, there are issues for the iPad (10th generation). For instance, you need to decide between a USB-C Apple Pencil or the 1st generation with a dongle; there is no 2nd generation support here. Also, the non-laminated display isn't ideal. The familiar hollow sound when you tap on the display may be a fairly minor inconvenience, but it still exists. Also, Apple has removed the headphone jack, so wireless headphones are essential.

Overall, the iPad (2022) was a welcome change from the stagnant design of the iPad for the past decade, but that change comes with growing pains for both old and new users alike. A new price point makes this a much more enticing choice for 2024, and with no budget iPad 9 in the lineup, it's going to be the only option for a lot of people. 

The best small iPad

• iPad mini 6 review

The iPad mini 6 was the most significant update to the iPad mini line since the introduction of the first-generation model. In 2024, it is still a no-brainer pick for the best small iPad, mostly because it's the only small iPad. 

Pretty much everything about it has been improved and the entire team at iMore is impressed with its portability and power blend. It has a larger display than before, a huge processor boost, and much more.

The tablet also has Apple Pencil 2 support so the iPad mini 6 is a fantastic drawing tablet. It's simple to take notes or sketch something out, while you can always merely control the tablet with the stylus. Alongside that, its 8.3-inch screen is a beautiful and larger display than an iPhone, making it excellent for watching videos or playing Apple Arcade titles on the goal.

With upgrades to the camera, storage options, and the updated design, it's impossible to pass up on the iPad mini 6 if you're a fan of small tablets. A word to those with an eye on the future, however. The iPad mini 7 is a rumored upgrade expected in the second half of 2024. If having the latest and greatest means anything to you, you might want to wait a few more months for that new tiny tablet. 

The best iPad for power users

• iPad Pro M4 hands-on review

With an absolutely mind-boggling update for 2024, the new M4 iPad Pro 13-inch is absolutely the best iPad for power users. It comes with a brand new OLED display that leverages two displays in a tandem stack, creating what Apple calls the Ultra Retina XDR Display. The best tablet display on the market, the new display gives out 1000 nits of brightness, 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness, brighter specular highlights, more detail in shadows, and better low-light performance than ever before. True professionals can get a nano-texture glass option for $100 extra.

Under the hood, the iPad has Apple's most advanced mobile chip ever, the M4. Built on the second generation of the 3nm process, it features four CPU performance cores and up to six efficiency cores, as well as next-generation machine learning powered by the Neural Engine. Apple says the M4 is 1.5 faster for CPU performance over the M2. The GPU is the same 10-core beast from the M3, so the iPad Pro for 2024 now supports hardware-accelerated accelerated ray-tracing and mesh shading. Compared to M2, M4 uses half the power to deliver the same performance, delivering staggering efficiency. 

The new Neural Engine is capable of 38 trillion operations per second, 60x more than the first ever Neural Engine from the A11. All of this is to say the new iPad Pro for 2024 will power wild levels of pro app usage, such as the new Final Cut 2 for iPad and Logic Pro 2 for iPad. 

While you won't be taking photos on your iPad, the rear camera upgrade is nice. More importantly, the front-facing camera is now landscape-oriented for FaceTime and video conferencing. The iPad Pro M4 is also complemented by the new Apple Pencil Pro and a new Magic Keyboard. The former has new gestures, a haptic engine, and a gyroscope, while the latter is more premium and aluminum than ever before. This is hands down the best power-use iPad on the market, but you'll pay for the privilege. The new iPad Pro models are $200 more expensive than their predecessors across the board, starting at $1,299 for this larger model. 

The best iPad for those who want Pro but smaller

• iPad Pro M4 hands-on review

An obvious pick, the best Pro iPad but smaller is the smaller version of the Pro iPad. The new 11-inch model for 2024 boasts one huge advantage over its predecessor. It's identical to the larger model in every way. Where the M2 iPad Pro 11-inch lacked the mini-LED display of its big brother, the M4 iPad Pro shares the same feature set across the board. That means you get the same M4 chip and the same OLED display no matter what size you choose. 

The iPad Pro 13-inch is 0.2 mm thinner than the smaller model, but otherwise, the two are identical. They offer the same storage, display, chip, Apple Pencil Pro support, and even the same battery life and performance. For the first time ever the 11-inch iPad Pro is not a compromise compared to the 13-inch model. As such, the only consideration for prospective customers is its smaller size and its cheaper price point. That latter one is incredibly important given this model is $200 more than the old one cost, just like the 13-inch model. 

How to choose the best iPad for you

For nearly everyone, the iPad Air 6 (2024) is the perfect blend of power, performance, price, and size. It's got the potent M2 chip, but it doesn't have the ProMotion OLED display of the Pro. It's much more capable than the base-model 10th generation, but it's not nearly as cheap. 

If you want a budget iPad, or the best value for money, the 2022 iPad 10 is an easy winner thanks to its new price tag for 2024. The iPad mini 6 remains the only choice for those who want a small tablet, despite a potential looming iPad mini 7 on the horizon. 

The Pro lineup is more powerful than ever thanks to the M4 iPad Pro, and the choice between the two sizes is much more straightforward now that there's no display divide between them. The only consideration you have to make is price and size. 

Remember, the best iPad is almost always the one that suits you best, so think about your needs and what you'll be using your iPad for on a day-to-day basis. Better yet, get into your nearest Apple store and go hands-on with one so you can see for yourself the differences in size, weight, display, and responsiveness. 

Q&A

• iPad Pro M4 hands-on review

As the new college year fast approaches, there's never been a better time to get your hands on the best iPad for students. But in 2024 which iPad is actually best for a student? As you might imagine, that depends on what exactly you're planning on using it for, and of course your budget. 

With the M4 iPad Pro now part of the lineup, the top-end choice is clear for anyone who wants a powerful iPad for engineering, design, editing, productivity, or anything else. But what about note-taking or the best all-rounder?

Here are our top Back to School picks for the best iPad for students. 

Quick list

Best overall

Should you upgrade to or buy a 10th-generation iPad now?

The 2022 iPad 10th generation is starting to show its age now and we could see the 11th generation launching before the end of 2024, but a recent price reduction still makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for an iPad. 

We love this colorful tablet. We also reckon that it's the best iPad for students, with all the features you could ever need for a great price. For $250 less than the iPad Air, the only thing you’re really going to miss out on is the M2 chip and perhaps Apple Pencil Pro support. For $349, however, you’re going to get everything you need out of an iPad, wanting for nothing.

The screen is a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina piece with a healthy 2360x1640 resolution. It’ll make pretty much everything you do with it look great, and it's fantastic for reading digital texts for school, taking notes during class, and watching prerecorded lectures. It features true tone too, making everything look warm and rich, and there’s a nice oleophobic coating over the top to stop fingerprints from making the surface of the screen an oily mess.

On the inside, there’s now the A14 Bionic — which may not be the M2 but is plenty powerful enough for pretty much everything a student could be doing. There’s a new Magic keyboard accessory, and you can hook up a first-generation Apple Pencil or USB-C Apple Pencil to take those handwritten notes. It charges over USB-C now, which also means you can hook in dongles to get more ports and even plug in external drives. Helpfully, the front camera has been shifted to the side of the device to make those weekly Facetime calls to home in landscape mode a lot easier to hold. 

There have been some cost-cutting measures here — there’s no lamination to the screen, so it can sound a little hollow when you’re tapping around, and there’s only Touch ID instead of Face ID. No matter what, however, you’re getting an experience close to the iPad Air for a lot less money.

Best for drawing

Should you upgrade or buy an iPad Air now?

Given this has just recently replaced the older iPad Air, this is the perfect time to get one if you're looking to buy one new as it will likely last you a few years before the next upgrade.

It’s undeniable that the iPad Air 2024 is one of the best iPads of all time. It continued the edge-to-edge display found in the previous iPad Air and has a beefy M2 chip to go alongside it. If it wasn't for the price, it would be the absolute best iPad for students. It comes second to the iPad 2022 in our estimation, but that doesn’t mean that it's still not a great option for students who might need a little extra from their tablet.

The 2732x2048 display is very similar to the display on the new iPad 10th-gen, with great color reproduction and stellar display angles. It is glossy, so it will suffer in direct sunlight, but it is still great for work, research, and relaxation. It also features P3 and True Tone, so everything will look vibrant and colorful, while the oleophobic coating negates finger smudges.

The biggest thing is going to be that M2 chip. It’s the same as you’ll find in the far more expensive (and now outdated) iPad Pro from 2022, and it’ll power everything more than you could ever need in a student tablet. That will mean that with the latest version of iPadOS, you’ll be able to make use of stage manager, making the iPad a little more laptop-like. You’ll also be able to use Apple Pencil Pro, as well as the associated Magic Keyboard accessory that you can get separately. Opt for the 5G model, and you’ll be able to use the internet on the go — but you’ll also have to pay a fairly hefty premium.

The main differences between the Air and the new Pro are the lack of ProMotion on the display, no Face ID, and the M4 chip, which is a decent bit more powerful than the M2. These are by no means completely necessary for students, and you’ll still be getting more power than the standard iPad 2022, so it's great for students who need something a little beefier.

Best for taking notes

Should you upgrade or buy an iPad mini now?

The iPad mini is ready for an upgrade, and we might see it this year — worth holding out on this one for now.

If the rest of the iPad line is a little too big for you, then you should take a look at the iPad Mini 6. It looks an awful lot like a smaller iPad Air and shares a good few similarities and features with the new iPad 10th gen. If you need an iPad that will fit easily in any bag, then this is the one for you. It's perfect for taking notes too — you don't need a massive screen to jot down some comments while in a lecture, and it will fit in small bags for the ultimate portable companion.

The iPad Mini features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a body that looks like a smaller version of the iPad Air or the iPad 10th generation. There’s no home button, instead relying on the touch screen for home screen navigation. This also means no Touch ID on the front — but worry not, for Apple has simply shifted it to the top edge on the power/lock button. There’s also a USB-C charging port on the bottom, so if you’ve got a MacBook or you have an iPhone 15, then you’ll never have to worry about not having a cable. The data speeds offered by that port aren’t quite as speedy as those on the iPad Air, but they’ll be plenty speedy enough for most people.

The A15 Bionic in the iPad Mini 6 is a very powerful little chip, capable of some impressive performance. It's one thing to look at Apple’s claims of "40% faster than the last model" with "80% more graphics performance", but it's also important to think about what this means for students and their workloads. Whatever happens, the iPad Mini is going to smash through pretty much all but the heaviest workloads, dealing with paper writing, video watching, and even some light photo editing.

Those photos you’ll be editing could well be from the little 12MP rear camera, which is more than capable of taking some fantastic shots. The front camera is also 12MP and has a larger field of view for Center Stage, making those class meetings a little more visually appealing for everyone you’re talking to. There’s also support for Apple Pencil 2, so art students rejoice, and there are some really solid landscape speakers for when you fancy listening to some tunes or watching a spot of Severance.

The biggest issue with the iPad Mini 6 is the price — it now sits just between the iPad 10th-gen and the iPad Air, costing around $499 full price. It is frequently reduced, though, so make sure you check out the best iPad deals to find the best price for you. With the iPad mini 7 on the horizon, finding one cheap shouldn't be difficult. 

Best for engineering students

Should you upgrade or buy an iPad Pro 11-inch now?

Given the new iPad Pro has just recently launched, now is the perfect time to make that upgrade. It comes with a beefy new M4 chip and is the first iPad with an OLED screen. 

If you have money to spare, then you can’t go wrong with the iPad Pro. It’s available in two large sizes, in the form of an 11-inch version and the 13-inch option, so you can pick a size that's good for you. If you want the cheapest way to get an OLED iPad then the 11-inch version is the option you want. If it's a full laptop replacement, then the much larger 13-inch is the one you wanna go with. Either way, you’re going to get Apple's new Ultra Liquid XDR OLED display with ProMotion, which not only looks excellent but ups the response to 120HZ, smoothening your experience even further.

The iPad Pro has also got a pretty cool upgrade up its sleeve — an M4 chip. That chip is super duper impressive in testing, and for students, it's mostly going to be overkill — unless you’re going to be doing loads and loads of video editing, or other strenuous tasks. There are loads of storage options, too, going all the way up to 2TB. For doing normal, everyday college or school work, this is a lot, but it's also going to last a long time, so you might not have to upgrade quite as much — spending more now may save you some money in the future.

The rear cameras remain the same as from the previous model, with wide and ultrawide options, so you can take photos of all your documents, presentations, and other school work. The camera on the front of the device features Center Stage, so you’ll always be in the picture when you’re chatting with coursemates or watching online lectures and remotely joining study groups but has lost the Ultra Wide rear camera of the previous iPad Pro. 

The M4 chip will also let you play with one of the coolest of iPadOS 16 from last year — Stage Manager. Stage manager only works on M-chip-equipped iPads, and organizes your apps and windows as tiny screenshots along the left side of the screen, becoming more like a Mac or laptop than ever.

You’re also going to want some of the best iPad Pro accessories to with it, such as the Apple Pencil Pro or Magic keyboard. The biggest drawback of the iPad Pro (2024) is the price — the iPad Pro (2024) 11-inch starts at $999, and the iPad Pro (2024) 13-inch will cost you upwards of $1299 — that’s a lot to ask from any student.

Best for editing students

Should you upgrade or buy an iPad Pro 13-inch now?

Not only is the M4 iPad Pro 13-inch model very new but it's so powerful that you likely won't want to replace it when the next model launches anyway. This is an expensive commitment but well worth the money in the long run. 

The iPad Pro 13-inch is the no-holds-barred iPad. It's big, with the largest screen of the whole range, powerful, with the laptop grade M4 chip, and portable with a very slim chassis. For those looking for the best of the best, then the iPad Pro 13-inch is, in essence, the last word in tablet computing. Not much comes close to what many might consider a very solid laptop replacement when you equip it with a magic keyboard accessory.

The main upgrade from the previous version is the M4 chip on the inside and that fantastic new OLED screen, which looks even better in the 13-inch model. 

Q&A — The best student iPad

What is the best iPad for students?

Every single iPad has something for a student, but our pick is the iPad (2022). It’s got almost all of the best features of the line for a great price, such as the new screen and form factor, along with some great colors. It may not be the powerhouse of the iPad Pro or the iPad Air, but you’ll get everything you need.

The new design and edge-to-edge display gives you tonnes of room for reading and taking notes, and the storage options give you plenty of room for all your work. Support for Apple Pencil lets you take handwritten notes, and the smart connector will let you hook up a keyboard case. The chip may not be cutting-edge, but it is plenty for almost everyone. 

The rest of the range has highlights for students too. Space savers will find plenty to love with the iPad Mini 6. Those who want a little more power will find exactly what they want in the iPad Air, while students who need the most power will be very happy with the iPad Pro. There really is an iPad for everyone.

How we test

We test iPads with loads of different use cases in mind, taking them to task and running them through their paces to make sure that we feel good about telling you to buy one. In the case of student use cases, we look at a couple of different things to make sure we know who to recommend it to, but also how good it will be.

The simplest part is testing the power of the iPad — that can tell us what tasks it's going to be good at. We do benchmarks of iPads we test so that we can compare them with the other models in the line, as well as stack them up against the competition from outside the Apple camp. This gives us an idea of what you'll be able to do with the iPad, from taking notes and writing papers to doing more complex computational tasks like programming and media editing.

We test the screens as well, checking them in differing light levels. This tells us where you're going to be able to use the iPad with outside lighting taken into account, but also whether the screen is up to tasks that an art student might want.

We also thoroughly check the battery life of the iPad so that we know whether it's going to last you through the day. You want something that you're not going to be constantly reaching for a charger for, after all.

There are other testing criteria that we use when testing iPads, but these are the most relevant to those looking for the best iPad for students.

If you’ve come out of last week being utterly confused about which iPad is made for you, you’re not alone.

Last week, Apple revealed a brand new base model iPad and some updates for the iPad Pro lineup. With the introduction of the new 10th-generation iPad, the iPad lineup has turned into a confusing mess, especially since the company decided to keep the 9th-generation iPad in the lineup. 

Figuring out which iPad is right for you has never been as confusing as it is today. So, let's break down every iPad in the newly formed lineup so you can try and make an educated purchasing decision. 

9th generation iPad (2021)

Keeping the 9th generation iPad in the lineup is basically an admission from Apple that the new iPad is creating some problems. With a $449 base price point, the 10th generation iPad necessitates the continued existence of the 9th generation iPad.

The 9th generation is the “I just need an iPad…iPad.” It still costs $329, it works with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, and the Smart Keyboard Folio. It features an older processor, an older screen, and an older design, but it does the job. The only prominent feature that the 9th generation iPad doesn't currently doesn’t support like the newer iPads is Stage Manager but, if you're using the 9th generation iPad, there's a good chance you don't care about that.

In fact, there's a good chance you don't care about most of the things that the other iPads do. As I said, the 9th generation iPad is the iPad for people who just need an iPad.

10th generation iPad (2022)

Apple introduced the 10th generation iPad this month and it has singlehandedly created the entire mess that we are experiencing right now. The 10th-generation iPad has been completely redesigned to match the design language of the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. This is one of Apple's great moves with the new generation.

However, there are other decisions made here that make this product a confusing choice for customers. The new iPad, like the 9th generation iPad, only works with the 1st generation Apple Pencil. But, since it features a USB-C port instead of Lightning, you need an adapter to charge it with the new iPad. With the new base model iPad, Apple took an already horrible experience and made it even worse. 

The new iPad also doesn't work with the Magic Keyboard. Instead, Apple has released the Magic Keyboard Folio, a completely new keyboard accessory exclusive to the 10th-generation iPad. Even the iPad Air and iPad Pro can't use this new keyboard.

Admittedly, there are some good things about the 10th-generation iPad. One is obviously the redesign and upgrades to USB-C, despite the quirks it created with the pencil and keyboard situation. Apple has also upgraded the processor to the A14 Bionic and the quality of the cameras. It has also moved the front-facing camera to be located at the top of your screen when you are using the iPad horizontally, as all iPads should be.

The 10th-generation iPad seems to be positioned as the iPad you want if you appreciate a better design, support for a better keyboard and trackpad, and need to use it for some basic productivity.

iPad mini

The iPad Mini, at least for me, has always sat between the base model iPad and the iPad Air. The first reason that you buy an iPad mini is pretty obvious: you want a mini iPad! You don't need or want a bigger screen; you just want an iPad to use for reading, some basic gaming, and entertainment.

Since it does support the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, it's also an excellent notepad for people who want to make quick sketches or take quick notes. It is not, however, an iPad that you use for more serious productivity. This is mostly due to the fact that, because of its size, it is too small to support any of Apple's keyboards for the iPad. While some third-party options exist, the screen size alone makes it an unlikely candidate for serious productivity.

The iPad Mini, like the iPhone mini, has always been the iPad for people who want the core iPad experience but in a smaller form factor.

iPad Air

The introduction of the 10th generation iPad also makes the iPad Air an even more confusing upgrade for people looking for an iPad. However, some critical differences between the two models make the Air a clear choice.

The iPad Air supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil so, for artists, it immediately becomes a better option — especially since it also features a laminated display. It also supports the Magic Keyboard which, depending on your needs and form factor preference, might be a better keyboard accessory than the new Magic Keyboard Folio that’s exclusive for the 10th generation iPad. 

The iPad Air also features Apple's M1 processor so, if you want access to all iPad features like Stage Manager, you're going to need to upgrade to the Air. The M1 chip also enables faster processing for things like photo editing and video editing so, if you’re working on photos and videos as a side project or personal hobby, the Air is a better fit to support those activities.

iPad Pro

Thankfully, the buying decision between the iPad Air and the iPad Pro continues to remain relatively easy. iPad Pro users are and continue to be the customers who want and need all of the features and all of the performance that you can possibly get out of an iPad. 

The new iPad Pro (2022) features apples M2 processor, more and better cameras, a Lidar sensor for augmented reality, a Thunderbolt support for faster transfer speeds through the USB C port. It also features Face ID instead of Touch ID, storage options up to a whopping two terabytes, ProMotion for a 120Hz refresh rate, and the new Apple Pencil hover feature.

You get the idea. It's a truly “pro” iPad that packs in all of the advanced technologies that a serious artist, photographer, videographer, or developer may need in order to complete their work. The feature set that comes with the iPad Pro is critical for the types of users who need those in order to create their best and most efficient work. If any of that sounds like you and your workflow, you can just skip over the rest of the lineup and grab an iPad Pro.

Which one is for you?

Apple's new iPad lineup is the most confusing that the company has ever released. However, if you look closely enough, it starts to become clear which of Apple's best iPads you should go for. So, which iPad are you going to get?

iPad (2022) vs. iPad Air 5 (2022): A very strange comparison

The iPad Air has seen its position in the overall Apple iPad lineup change over time. The first two models arrived as the only regular-sized Apple tablet on the market when Apple (temporarily, it turned out) retired the singular iPad name after four generations. Meanwhile, Apple placed the third iPad Air version, launched five years after its predecessor, between a (revived) singular iPad and iPad Pro, where it continued to sit in the lineup when both the iPad Air 4 (2020) and iPad Air 5 (2022) were released. 

When it comes to an iPad Air 5 vs. iPad (2021) comparison, you can quickly see the difference between the two. The former is superior, with better specs and a higher price. Replace the iPad (2021) with the new iPad (2022), and things get fuzzy. The new "budget" iPad is vastly different than its predecessor as it offers better specs and a fresh design. For this, you're expected to pay much more than the earlier version. 

Surprisingly, the iPad (2022) is nearly identical to the iPad Air 5 (2022). And although the iPad (2022) is much more expensive than the iPad (2021), it's much cheaper than the iPad Air 5 (2022).

Let's dig into the (few) differences between the iPad Air 5 (2022) and the latest iPad (2022). 

iPad Air 5 (2022) vs iPad (2022): More alike than different

As you can see above, the iPad Air 5 (2022) and iPad (2022) are nearly the same on most points. They both, for example, have a USB-C port and Smart Connector, and each offers Touch ID through a fingerprint identity sensor built into a top button. Both devices offer similar battery life, storage options, and rear camera system. 

The most crucial difference between the two iPads is that the iPad Air 5 (2022) contains an Apple M1 chip, while the iPad (2022) includes an A14 Bionic chip. The M1 offers an 8-core CPU with two performance and two efficiency cores, an 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, and 8GB RAM. The A14 Bionic chip, also available in the iPhone 12 series, comes with a 6-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, a 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. These differences mean the iPad Air 5 handles things like performance, multitasking, and graphics better than the iPad. Does this mean the iPad (2022) is somehow bad at handling all those things? Absolutely not, and for the average iPad user, it will probably mean very little. 

Other differences between the two tablets are more nuanced. For example, both tablets feature a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. And yet, the iPad Air 5 is the only one between the two with a fully laminated display with an anti-reflective coating. This means the tablet screen is better protected from the elements and will look better in bright conditions. The iPad Air 5 also offers a Wide color display (P3), which provides more vibrant greens and reds than the traditional sRGB color gamut that's found on the newer iPad.

Perhaps the most confusing difference between these tablets is that the iPad (2022) only supports the Apple Pencil (1st generation), while the iPad Air 5 is compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation). Apple's decision to only allow the iPad (2022) to support the first Apple Pencil is goofy and annoying at the same time.

On the one hand, the compatibility difference means anyone upgrading to the iPad (2022) can keep their existing Apple Pencil. And yet, those same folks won't be able to charge that Apple Pencil with the tablet since it comes with a USB-C, not a Lightning connector that the first Apple Pencil supports. And this says nothing about the technical advances the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) has over the older model that iPad (2022) users won't be able to appreciate.

There are two other perks iPad Air 5 buyers will get to experience. Of the two tablets, this is the only one that supports Stage Manager, which offers a new way to multitask. The more expensive tablet also includes a media engine, a fancy name for specialized cores within Apple Silicon (in this case, the M1). This engine is dedicated to processing digital media codecs, including hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, and video encoding/decoding.

The only other difference between the iPad Air 5 and the iPad (2022) are the color choices. The former comes in Space Gray, Starlight, pink, purple, and blue. The latter also comes in a pink and blue option, but the hues here are darker. The iPad (2022) is also available in silver and yellow.

iPad (2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022) vs: Which should you buy?

You'll need to decide whether it's worth paying $150 extra for the extras the iPad Air 5 provides. If you're OK with paying more just because you want a better iPad, the iPad Air 5 is your choice. However, if money is a significant concern, understand that the new iPad for 2022 is a terrific device and not that much different than the iPad Air 5. 

The choice really comes down to whether you want better performance, multitasking, and graphics, which may or may not mean so much during everyday use. You'll also need to decide whether an ever-so-slightly better display is high on your list of priorities and whether you're okay with a first-generation Apple Pencil. 

The bottom line: For most folks, I would recommend the iPad (2022). If you're still not convinced, check out our list of the best iPads of the year.