It has been a couple of years since Apple last launched an iPad Air, but we knew another was on the way for a few months now – and Apple’s “Let Loose” event has finally let the cat out of the bag. Today we’re going to be running through what now we know about the Apple iPad Air 2024 release date, as well as the specs and price. It’s the 6th generation of the iPad Air, and Apple hasn’t been shy with the upgrades it’s given to its more affordable tablet range – a new size is even on the cards.
The new iPad Pro is also slated for launch around the same time, so check out our dedicated Apple iPad Pro OLED 2024 release date page if you’re interested in the flagship models. Back on topic with the iPad Air though, let’s jump straight into everything there is to know about it.
Apple iPad Air 2024 release date
As ever with new Apple hardware launches, Mark Gurman at Bloomberg is a reliable source, and his guesses have been fairly on the money this time too. He recently suggested that the new iPad Air will be launched in May 2024 if all goes to plan: and it was spot on. To be a little more specific, Mark’s recent Power On newsletter predicted a May 6th launch, and not long after, Apple posted on its Events page announcing a spring event on May 7th, dubbed ‘Let Loose’. Of course, just as predicted, this event saw the new iPad Pro and iPad Air lineups announced by Apple.
Pre-orders for the iPad Air 2024 went live on the 7th of May following the launch event, and shipping and in-store availability is set to kick off on the 15th of May. Alongside this lineup of new iPads is a set of upgraded accessories too, including an Apple Pencil Pro, and an iPad Pro exclusive Magic Keyboard too.
Apple iPad Air 2024 specs
| Specification | Details (rumored) |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 11″ and 13″ |
| Screen technology | Liquid Retina display, IPS panel |
| Front camera | 12MP Ultra Wide, ƒ/2.4 aperture (moved from top bezel to side) |
| Rear camera | 12MP Wide camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture |
| Processor | Apple M2 Chip |
| Operating system | iPadOS 17 |
| Network connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Cellular |
| Colors | Blue, Purple, Starlight, Space Grey |
This time around, rumored specs for both the iPad Air and the iPad Pro were fairly on the money, including the wild cards in addition to the generational upgrades. To start with the obvious, Apple has given large tablet lovers exactly what they want with a new 13″ iPad Air model with 30% more screen real estate. Other design changes come in the form of the front camera moving to the right-hand long edge, so the device is more suited to being used in landscape orientation – this is further supported by the new landscape stereo speakers, with the 13-inch iPad Air getting twice the bass as the 11-inch model.
Internally, the iPad Air moves up a logical next step to the newer M2 chip; it’s a lower spec than the M4 of the iPad Pro, but that’s to be expected for the more affordable-focused model. The current 2022 iPad Air instead uses their old M1 chip, so this is still an obvious generational upgrade. Professionals and creatives using the iPad Air for visual work and multi-tasking will feel the biggest difference, but on the whole, there’s not going to be much of a noticeable change for basic use such as streaming, scrolling, or gaming. There’s also a boost in base storage, jumping up from 64GB to 128GB.
Apple iPad Air 2024 price
| iPad Air (2024) model | US price | UK price | CA price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128GB (11-inch) | $599 | £599 | $799 |
| 256GB (11-inch) | $699 | £699 | $949 |
| 512GB (11-inch) | $899 | £899 | $1,229 |
| 1TB (11-inch) | $1,099 | £1,099 | $1,509 |
| 128GB (13-inch) | $799 | £799 | $1,099 |
| 256GB (13-inch) | $899 | £899 | $1,249 |
| 512GB (13-inch) | $1,099 | £1,099 | $1,529 |
| 1TB (13-inch) | $1,299 | £1,299 | $1,809 |
When it comes to the price tag, the new 11″ model has stayed true to that of the last-gen 11″ iPad Air, with the 5th-gen model (10.9-inch) costing you $599/£599. However, there’s an expected price boost when it comes to the larger of the two models, and Apple has added on an extra $200 for the two inches of screen real estate, giving the 13″ iPad Air a starting price of $799/£799.
Is the 2024 Apple iPad Air going to be OLED?
While Apple has been investing more into OLED panel technology, even partnering with brands such as LG and Samsung in order to do so, only the flagship lineup of iPads will be getting a new screen this time around. So, while the iPad Pro will get the “Ultra Retina XDR” display, the Air will be sticking with LCD. However, it is getting a new screen size, which will make getting a big iPad even more affordable.
Will the new iPad Air come out at the same time as the Pro?
Yes, Apple is launching the iPad Air and iPad Pro in tandem early this May, and revealed the two at the launch event on the 7th. Pre-orders for both tablets have now started, and general availability will start rolling out from the 15th of May. Like we’ve said, it has been a couple of years since we last saw new generations for both the Air and Pro, so it makes a lot of sense to launch them together, showcasing the best of the flagship iPad and its affordable sibling.
