The curtain is about to fall on 2023, greatly reducing the chance of any new iPad or iPad Pro launch. This does not mean the Cupertino tech company has remained dormant with word that a complete refresh of its entire tablet range might happen in 2024. Among the highlights could include a new 12.9-inch iPad Air model. Today, another rumor points to the existence of such a tablet and several of its features.
Apple iPad Air 12.9-inch release date
Following the report by news outlet Digitimes about Apple’s larger iPad Air model, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is doubling down on the same idea. In his report that was published on Medium, Kuo mentioned that Apple has plans to launch a 12.9-inch iPad Air in 2024 alongside the 10.9-inch iPad Air model. He believes this is Apple’s way of making up for the lack of any iPad entries this year.
The source also speculated the possible release date of the two iPad Air models. Apparently Apple will begin to produce the tablets in the first quarter of 2024, which would translate to a product announcement and availability some time in the second quarter. The upcoming WWDC might be a great platform for Apple to debut the new iPad Air catalog, which will most likely happen in June.
Apple iPad Air 12.9-inch display and processor
Interestingly, selected hardware details about the 12.9-inch iPad Air were mentioned as well. Kuo iterated that Apple will equip the model with an IPS LCD panel rather than having a mini-LED similar to the iPad Pros. This is said to lower the entry barrier for consumers.
The display will also use the oxide backplane technology and not the amorphous silicon or a-Si that is found on the current 5th gen iPad Air (review). Such technology may enable Apple to cram more pixels and consequently, feature a higher resolution count on the 12.9-inch iPad Air despite the larger screen estate.
In addition, it is expected that two iPad Air models will be powered by a new custom Apple chipset. While this has not yet been confirmed, it is likely the base M3 SoC that debuted on the MacBook Pro and iMac will power the slabs. Assuming that is not the case, last year’s M2 chipset will get the job done.
Apple OLED iPad Pro M3, iPad 11, and iPad Mini 7
Lastly, Kuo also highlighted the other iPad tablets from the 2024 lineup of the iPhone manufacturer. He primarily sees the iPad Pro models (review) updated with an OLED screen, new chassis, and M3 chipset making a splash.
Furthermore, Apple is also tipped to introduce the iPad 11th gen and iPad Mini 7th gen. This could result in the company discontinuing the iPad 9 (2021) and allow the current iPad 10th gen to co-exist with the new budget iPad tablets. As usual, these devices should also feature new processors.
Are you waiting in particular for the 12.9-inch iPad Air? Which chipset do you think Apple should equip this slate with? Shoot us with your answers in the comments.
