It’s been greater than a 12 months since we received a brand new iPad Air mannequin, with the M1 revision of Apple’s premium-but-not-Professional pill choice touchdown in March 2022. The lengthy wait could quickly be over although — Apple is alleged to be planning not one, however two new iPad Air fashions.
That’s in line with a report from 9to5Mac, whose sources counsel a bigger mannequin might be part of the ten.9-inch construct Apple already makes. In reality, there’d be 4 new fashions, for those who’re counting the Wi-Fi and Mobile+Wi-Fi designations as separate.
The iPad Air 6 (if you wish to name it that, being the sixth-generation of the iPad variant) might introduce “a dearer mannequin with higher specs” in line with the report.
Whereas 9to5Mac concedes Apple’s plans might change, we will’t assist however really feel that’d be a smart transfer. Apple’s iPad line-up, consisting of an entry-level iPad, the iPad Mini 6, an iPad Air fifth era and two different-sized iPad Professional fashions is already fractured sufficient. Points like variations in keyboard circumstances, Pencil compatibility and extra make it already straightforward for customers to really feel alternative paralysis for Apple’s pill vary, and this transfer wouldn’t assist that.
What’s a worthy query to ask although is whether or not or not the proposed new iPad Air will land this aspect of 2024 or not — if it slips again to a launch window early subsequent 12 months, you’d think about consumers may surprise if the M3 chipsets will likely be ready simply over the horizon. If Apple can get an iPad Air out earlier than the tip of the 12 months, it’d signify one final hurrah for the M2 silicon. The report places a launch window of “between now and WWDC 2024 in June”, so it’s anybody’s guess…
iPad Mini and a brand new keyboard too
Along with the brand new iPad Air fashions, the identical supply states that the long-awaited iPad Mini 7 remains to be on its manner, set to launch ‘quickly’ too. It’s by far the iPad most in want of an replace at this level, having not been refreshed since September 2021 and packing an underclocked A15 Bionic chip.
Lastly, a earlier rumor of a revised Magic Keyboard for iPad is additional strengthened, with the supply pointing to a brand new ‘R219’ codename keyboard case. It’s mentioned to have an aluminum shell, a bigger trackpad and inbuilt sensors together with an accelerometer, with the expectation being it’s going to be offered as an accompaniment to iPad Professional.
Apple historically hosts a Fall occasion the place new entries within the iPad and desktop Mac ranges are revealed, however iPad and Mac product launches appear to have fallen out of step with their conventional home windows. Fingers crossed we’ll nonetheless see some new gear earlier than the tip of the 12 months.
