We’ve compiled all of the news and rumors you need to know about the iPad Air 6, including possible pricing, anticipated release date, and more. The device may arrive sooner than you think.
Apple hasn’t shown much love for iPads recently. Last year, not a single new iPad was released; however, that might change in 2024. There are a number of new iPads supposedly under development, and at least a few of them may be revealed very soon.
It’s probable that the iPad Air will get updated. The fifth-generation iPad Air was the device that came out last, back in 2022. This year, Apple could release two iPad Air versions with distinct screen sizes instead of just one.
There may be a chipset update coming for the iPad Air 6. Additionally, there can be modifications to the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi systems. Here’s all the information you need to know about the impending iPad Air 6, including its estimated release date, price, and specifications.
iPad Air 6: Rumored release timeline
Although Apple hasn’t officially announced the debut date, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg predicts that the iPad Air 6 will be on sale in the second week of May 2024.Given that Apple did not update the iPad Air in 2023, an announcement of the new device is probably imminent.
The iPad Air 6 was scheduled to be unveiled by Apple during an event in March, but that never happened. The most recent M3 MacBook Air was revealed by the Cupertino corporation via a press release. We anticipate the iPad Air 6 suffering a same fate.
The introduction of the iPad Air was also alluded at in a MacRumors article that stated Apple had modified its internal “Unreleased Products” document, perhaps in advance of the big reveal.
iPad Air 6: Expected Price
The price of the upcoming iPad Air 6 is still anyone’s guess. It’s expected that at least one of the two models will cost the same as the iPad Air 5. For reference, the 2022 iPad Air starts at $599. The rumored large-screen iPad Air may cost slightly more.
iPad Air 6: News and spec rumors
iPad Air comes in a single 10.9-inch screen size, while the iPad Pro models are offered either with an 10.9-inch or 12.9-inch screen. However, Apple might change this with the upcoming iPad Air 6. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will also introduce a new 12.9-inch iPad Air model this year. This means the Air may now have the same screen sizes as the iPad Pro lineup.
Apple is expected to pack the iPad Air 6 with a new chipset. While the existing model features the M1 chip, the iPad Air 6 could feature an M2 chip. There’s a solid performance difference between M1 and M2 chips. The M2 CPU is 18% faster than the M1, the GPU is 35% faster, and the neural engine is 40% faster.
A 91Mobiles report revealed the design of Apple’s upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Air model will be slightly different. The overall appearance is very similar to the iPad Air design used for the fourth- and fifth-generation models, but it’s scaled up to accommodate a larger display.
The standout change is in the rear camera setup, which now sticks out from the back in a longer, pill-shaped design, unlike the single, round protrusion seen on the current iPad Air. On the front, the new iPad Air features a design like the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but with thicker borders around the display.
Apple is reserving OLED displays for the iPad Pros. However, the rumored 12.9-inch iPad Air may get a mini-LED display like the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro, according to Ross Young, CEO of research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants. Apple is apparently using left-over iPad Pro mini-LED panels on the iPad Air.
The 10.9-inch model is expected keep using an LCD panel since Apple does not have existing inventory of 10.9-inch mini-LED panels. In comparsion, mini-LED panels are more efficient than LCD ones.
Apple may equip the iPad Airs with newer Wi-Fi 6 (or even 6E) and Bluetooth 5.3 technology. Mark Gurman revealed in his newsletter on March 10 that Apple is also preparing a dedicated or specialized version of iPadOS 17.4 for the forthcoming iPad models. Gurman didn’t specify how this version will be different from the one on other iPads.
Should you wait for the iPad Air 6?
There’s no harm in waiting for the iPad Air 6, considering Apple could announce it as early as May 2024. Plus, the iPad is anticipated to sport a similar price tag to its predecessor. Opting for the newer model means you’ll enjoy software updates for a longer period and access to the latest hardware features.
But if you spot a heavily discounted iPad Air 5, it’s worth grabbing. The current Air model packs decent specs for most users.
