Today, Apple held its first event of the year, “Let Loose”. During the event, the company introduced new iPad Air models featuring the M2 chip and 11- and 13-inch sizes. The models include AI features, better sound quality and a new landscape-oriented FaceTime camera. According to Apple Inc., the iPad Air was designed “to bring groundbreaking iPad Pro features to a more affordable price point,” and the new 13-inch version offers 30% more screen area than the previous 11-inch version.
M2 chip: almost 50% faster
performance than the M1 iPad Air
The M2 chip has a faster 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. Apple says the new iPad Air is nearly 50% faster than the previous M1 iPad Air in a range of productivity and creativity tasks. The new M2 model also delivers up to three times the performance of the iPad Air with the A12 Bionic.
Landscape FaceTime camera
better for video calls
For video calls, the devices have a 12 MP Ultra Wide FaceTime camera positioned along the longer edge, which sets them apart from the previous generation. The camera also supports Center Stage, which uses machine learning to keep everyone in the frame.
Support for Apple Pencil Pro and Magic
Keyboard more precision and versatility
Apple says the new iPad Air is compatible with the new Apple Pencil Pro. The Pencil Pro includes a new sensor in the barrel that can detect the user’s squeeze, along with a range of tools that allow quick switching between functions, line weights and colours “all without interrupting the creative process.” The new iPad Air supports the Magic Keyboard and also supports Apple Pencil Hover for added precision.
Colourful, portable design: new
colours and recycled finish
The new iPad Air models feature a Liquid Retina LCD display, a range of colours (blue, purple, Starlight and Space Grey) and an enclosure made from 100% recycled aluminium. Many users, including students, content creators, small businesses and others, love iPad Air for its performance, portability and versatility at a reasonable price. Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing, said that iPad Air just got even better today.
iPad Air is more powerful and more versatile than ever, with its colourful, portable design, support for new accessories, a brilliant Liquid Retina display and impressive AI features.
The iPad Air comes with 128 GB of storage, with additional options of 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB. It starts at $729 for the 11-inch model, while the 13-inch model costs $979. They are available to order today, and shipping begins next week.
