Business and creative professionals looking to purchase an iPad Air or iPad Pro should find a lot to like in the new 2024 models. Announced by Apple at its “Let Loose” event on May 7, the latest iPads offer new sizes, new processors , more storage options and new places for the front camera. Although the standard iPad and iPad mini were left out of the event, Apple had a lot to highlight about the iPad Air and the sixth-generation iPad Pro.
iPad air
The iPad Air 2024 now comes in two sizes, just like the iPad Pro. The smaller 11-inch is designed for greater portability, while the new 13-inch adopts the larger screen size of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro basic level. According to Apple, the 13-inch model offers 30% more screen space than its 11-inch cousin. The display on the high-end 1TB and 2TB iPad Air models includes Apple's new nano-texture glass, which aims to minimize glare.
On the CPU side, the 2024 Air is powered by Apple's M2 chip, an upgrade from the previous model's M1 chip. Equipped with a faster CPU, GPU and neural engine, the sixth-generation Air promises three times faster performance than the fifth-generation model starting in 2022. The faster processor also dedicates resources to artificial intelligence and machine learning , which offer advantages in intensive applications. like Adobe Photoshop.
The new iPad Air switches the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera from the vertical side to the horizontal edge. This long-awaited transition should make it easier for people to see you during a video conference.
Apple has changed the storage options on the Air. Base capacity is now 128GB, up from 64GB previously. If you need more, you can choose between 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB.
The new iPad Air is available in four colors: Blue, Purple, Starlight and Space Gray. The 11-inch Air starts at $599, while the 13-inch model starts at $799. You can order either model starting May 7 and availability will begin May 15.
iPad Pro
Offered in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, the 2024 seventh-generation iPad Pro models focus on being thin and light. The new 11-inch version is just 5.3mm thick and weighs less than a pound, while the 13-inch version is 5.1mm thick and weighs 1.28 pounds. Apple boasts that the new iPad Pro is the thinnest product ever created.
The biggest update to the new iPad Pro may be on the screen. By 2024, Apple's Pro tablet goes from Mini-LED to OLED. Combining light from two separate OLED panels, the new display promises deeper blacks, more detail in shadows and low-light conditions, and better power consumption. However, the display still aims to be bright and vibrant, providing 1000 nits for SDR and HDR content and up to 1600 nits at maximum brightness.
The screen itself is thinner and lighter than the previous iPad Pro. Like the new iPad Air, the 2024 Pro offers Apple's new nano-textured screen glass on the 1TB and 2TB models.
In addition to a new screen, the 2024 iPad Pros come with a completely new processor and it is the latest from Apple. Skipping a generation from the M2 in previous Pro models, the new Pro tablets are powered by an M4 chip. The M4 promises 50% faster CPU performance than the M2 and uses half the power. The M4 also features a new neural engine, which Apple called the most powerful neural engine ever created, 60 times faster than the first.
Touting the new engine's focus on AI-oriented tasks, Apple highlighted faster, smoother AI performance in programs like Final Cut Pro for video editing and Logic Pro for audio. For consumers and business professionals, AI will help detect and remove shadows and other obstructions when scanning documents in the Files and Notes applications.
Like the new iPad Air, the 2024 Pro sees its front camera move from the vertical edge to the horizontal side. The benefits here are twofold: you'll look better in a video chat, and you'll be able to authenticate more easily using Face ID when you hold the tablet in landscape mode.
Storage capacity now starts at 256GB, with options for 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Available colors include Space Black and Silver. The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $899, while the 13-inch model starts at $1,299. You can order the model of your preference starting May 7, with availability starting May 15.
magic keyboard
There's a new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. Designed to be thinner and lighter than previous models, the new version offers a dedicated feature row, a palm rest, and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback.
Starting at $299, the new Magic Keyboard is available to order now and will be available starting May 15.
apple pencil pro
Finally, a new Apple Pencil, called Apple Pencil Pro, will work with the iPad Air and iPad Pro 2024. The new pencil offers haptic feedback, so you can feel and feel your actions. Taking advantage of a new sensor in the barrel, you can squeeze the Pencil Pro to perform certain tasks. Additionally, you can rotate the pen to activate specific functions, such as changing brushes, activating shortcuts, and recording actions.
Priced at $129, the Apple Pencil Pro can be ordered now and will be available starting May 15.
