The MacRumors Show: Will the New iPad Air Be a Big Enough Upgrade?

[MacRumors]

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's upcoming iPad Air models, which are expected to be announced in just a matter of weeks.

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The sixth-generation iPad Air is rumored to feature the M2 chip, a redesigned rear camera, and specification upgrades like Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E. Most significantly, the iPad Air is expected to come in two sizes for the first time, just like the Apple Watch, iPad Pro, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. One of the size options will be the same as the previous two generations at 10.9-inches, while the new addition to the lineup will mirror the iPad Pro's 12.9-inch model. The new devices should be announced alongside new iPad Pro models in late March or April. We also discuss iPad workflows, the new MacBook Air, and the positioning of each of the models in the current iPad lineup.

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Article Link: The MacRumors Show: Will the New iPad Air Be a Big Enough Upgrade?

 

[dannyyankou]

If you want the same screen size, no, not worth it unless your iPad is very ancient. But if you have at least an iPad Air 4, I wouldn't get it. If you want a larger screen without the "Pro" price, it is worth it I think.

 

[jonnyb098]

“Will the new iPads ever get released?”

 

[rishey]

My iPad has become my favorite device, so I want the best one.

 

[Samuel MacBird]

if you're two generations behind...

 

[joecomo]

Well nice to here about the iPad Air - but what about the new iPad Pro?

 

[jwsf28]

Out of curiosity, what upgrades are people hoping for?

 

[Darren.h]

NO. Ipad OS needs a major overhaul. To be like macOS. Then it becomes a laptop replacement.

Dam. it costs just as much as a Mac. why not.

 

[TimTheSheriff]

NO. Ipad OS needs a major overhaul. To be like macOS. Then it becomes a laptop replacement.

Dam. it costs just as much as a Mac. why not.

100%. It also needs multiuser support. I can understand why Apple wouldn’t add multiuser support (so that they can sell more devices) but, if a Chromebook can handle multiple user accounts on a single device, why can’t iPads — at last the Pros?

 

[applepotato666]

Unless your iPad is ancient, I guess not 🤔 I don't notice a huge difference between the M1 iPad and the 8th gen iPad with the home button when it comes to performance. I think I'm going to go for an iPad mini if that ever gets updated, or not upgrade the iPad at all. Currently I don't see any value in the product category of iPads in general, just one more thing to charge. But I draw sometimes and it's great for that. Not that I need the M1 let alone the M3 to do that. It's just a big iPhone and I've never felt my iPhone is small.

 

[Realityck]

Out of curiosity, what upgrades are people hoping for?

• M3 with OLED for iPad Pro both sizes.
• Larger iPad Air with standard display, likely using a M3.
• iPad mini with a different display that is slightly larger w/new controller. Maybe M3 based rather than A17. A16 is too old to use on a update.

 

[Realityck]

NO. Ipad OS needs a major overhaul. To be like macOS. Then it becomes a laptop replacement.

Dam. it costs just as much as a Mac. why not.

You know you can buy an older 13.3 M1 MBA now for $649 (BB) here in the states. That is very much in iPad pricing territory.

 

[adamlbiscuit]

Hartley looks like they mean business on that thumbnail!

 

[LoveToMacRumors]

• M3 with OLED for iPad Pro both sizes.
• Larger iPad Air with standard display, likely using a M3.
• iPad mini with a different display that is slightly larger w/new controller. Maybe M3 based rather than A17. A16 is too old to use on a update.

There’s rumors of an ipad mini this month??

 

[Realityck]

There’s rumors of an ipad mini this month??

The iPad Air was last updated in March 2022, The iPad mini was last updated September 2021. Gurman thinks that because of the larger Air rumor will mean all Airs see an update in March/April. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple just did the iPad Pros before that. BTW he said the 15" MBA was first coming late 2021, then it took until WWDC 2023 for it to show. I tend to believe that iPad mini is just as likely to see an update this time of year in spite of Gurman ignoring it, while others have. MacWorld example

It’s been more than two years since the 6th generation iPad mini launched in September 2021, and, based on the dates when other iPad mini models have launched, a fall 2023 update for the iPad mini would have made sense. However, there was no new iPad mini in 2023 so a spring launch at an Apple Event in March or April is conceivable, but we could have an even longer wait.

 

[emlarsen]

I have a 2020 ipad pro and don't need pro anymore so the air will be my next one. As long as it supports the current folio and pencil I'll probably upgrade.

 

[bodonnell202]

If you have an Air 5 probably not, but I don’t think many people upgrade their iPad every time a new one comes out anyway. Most people seem to hold onto them for 5 or more years. My father still uses his Air 2 that he got in 2015, which was a replacement for his iPad 2…

 

[AeroEd]

are iPads still a thing

 

[Lukelyke765]

NO. Ipad OS needs a major overhaul. To be like macOS. Then it becomes a laptop replacement.

Dam. it costs just as much as a Mac. why not.

The whole point is that iPad does not become Mac. The same as MacBook will not have touch screen. Any of these scenarios would be eating the other product. This way you have a need for both products.

 

[Realityck]

The whole point is that iPad does not become Mac. The same as MacBook will not have touch screen. Any of these scenarios would be eating the other product. This way you have a need for both products.

Apple chose to be different with all their devices. The iPhone vs iPad vs Mac all are honed for different usages. It's not like you can use just one for everything or not feel the benefit of using all three.

 

[JLOAKS]

• iPadOS needs a dedicated "desktop" mode when mouse and keyboard is connected.
• It also needs a Safari overhaul as it's just not as well optimized on iPad versus its macOS counterpart.
• Also needs the ability to create web apps like macOS as the "iPad" app variants are just blown up iPhone apps which feel terrible to use both through touch and KB&M.

 

[darngooddesign]

are iPads still a thing

Obviously they are.

 

[jole]

The whole point is that iPad does not become Mac. The same as MacBook will not have touch screen. Any of these scenarios would be eating the other product. This way you have a need for both products.

I think you are right, unfortunately.

Instead, Apple should think what is best for the user and put the price tag that is best for them to that.

(After 10+ years of having iPad and Mac, I replaced iPad with Apple Vision Pro. There just is no need for iPad any more.)

 

[Fuzzball84]

They really need to make the dimensions of the smaller iPad different... so that the new iPad Air is not compatible with the old Magic Keyboard for iPad... so they can sell you the new Magic Keyboard for iPad and make more money 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰

Re-flow my work flow, increasing cash flow for the show show... scarily fast, M2 or I walk past...

I do hope the new iPad is compatible with my current Magic Keyboard for iPad... its still in such good condition

 

[snipr125]

Will the Ipad Air 12.9 get the mini LED display (non Promotion) from the current IPP 12.9 though? Probably not, but could be a surprise from Apple.