Apple has officially announced the next generation of the iPad Air. As expected, the new iPad Air lineup features an all-new 13-inch display size option joined by the existing 11-inch size.
Both iPad Air models now feature the M2 processor from the previous generation iPad Pro, enabling a 50 percent CPU performance increase over the previous generation iPad Air with the M1 chip. Apple also says the new models are three times faster than the model with the A14 Bionic chip. The updated 16-core Neural Engine is 40 percent faster than that of the M1.
The iPad Air now comes in an expansive 13-inch display option for the first time, which Apple says offers 30 percent more screen real estate compared to the smaller 11-inch model. Both sizes feature a Liquid Retina display with high brightness and support for the P3 color space. The front-facing Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage is now placed on the iPad’s landscape edge. The new iPad Air lineup also comes with landscape stereo speakers with Spatial Audio support. The 13-inch model’s bigger size allows it to deliver double the bass performance of the smaller model.
The new iPad Air supports advanced wireless connectivity in the form of WiFi 6E and 5G, delivering double the WiFi performance compared to the previous generation. The iPad Air also supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, with support for the all-new Apple Pencil Pro with a new squeeze gesture and Find My support.
The new iPad Air lineup is available in four colors – Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray. The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599, whereas the 13-inch model is available from $799. The new iPad Air is available to order beginning today, with availability commencing on Wednesday, May 15.
