Apple is expected to launch two new iPad Air models in 2024, including a larger 12.9-inch version. This forecast comes from industry sources and tech monitoring reports. The shift signals Apple’s ongoing strategy to offer a broader lineup that blends portable ease with higher display sizes for productivity and media consumption.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that the forthcoming iPad Air lineup will include a 10.9-inch model alongside a 12.9-inch variant. The assessments suggest these devices will retain a traditional LCD panel rather than adopting a mini-LED backlight across the entire range. Nevertheless, the 12.9-inch model is expected to feature an oxide back plane, a refinement aimed at improving display performance such as brightness uniformity and color stability under varying lighting conditions. These display choices reflect Apple’s careful balance between cost efficiency and user experience in mid-range tablets. (Source: MacRumors, citing supply chain industry analysis)
Beyond the display, the next-generation iPad Air models are anticipated to receive Apple’s M2 chip, offering meaningful gains in performance and energy efficiency compared with the M1 chip currently powering some iPad configurations. The M2’s presence would align the iPad Air with Apple’s newer Pro line, which adopted the chip in late 2022, and would likely push the Air series closer to the performance envelope of premium tablets while maintaining a more affordable price point for everyday tasks, education, and light creative workloads. (Source: industry commentary on Apple silicon roadmaps)
Connectivity is also a focal point for the updated Air line. Rumors point to support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, delivering faster wireless speeds when paired with compatible routers and more reliable Bluetooth connections for accessories and peripherals. Apple has already integrated Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 into the newest iPad Pro models, recent iPhone iterations, and many of the latest Macs, suggesting a common hardware baseline across the ecosystem that benefits multitasking, online collaboration, and seamless accessory pairing. (Source: product ecosystem updates)
Mass production timelines are said to place the start in the first quarter of 2024, which commonly translates to devices reaching shelves in the first half of the year. If true, consumers would gain access to the refreshed iPad Air lineup in a window that coincides with back-to-school shopping and early-year device refresh cycles, expanding choice for students, professionals, and casual users alike. (Source: supply chain forecasting reports)
Additionally, there has been discussion in industry circles about a potential budget-oriented variant connected to Apple’s wearable lineup. While specifics remain ambiguous, the possibility points to Apple’s broader strategy of offering differentiated options across its wearable and tablet ecosystems, catering to varying budgets without compromising core functionality. (Source: market rumor roundup)