Apple iPad Air M2 (2024) release date, pricing, features and specs
The iPad Air M2 (2024): it lacks a 'Pro' stamp in its name, but this Apple tablet is an amazing and powerful tool, period.
The iPad Air M2 (2024) slate is the sixth generation in the Apple's lineup. Apple unveiled it in two variants at the May 7th Let Loose event. First, there's an all-new 13-inch iPad Air M2 that joins the more compact 11-inch version.
That's not the only positive development. As the name suggests, both devices have been refreshed in one very important way. The iPad Air M2 (2024) gets more powerful silicon – the M2 chip. It's important to state that this M2 chip is slighlty downgraded by Apple – instead of 10 GPU cores, there are 9 GPU cores.
The iPad Air lineup has received another major and long-awaited upgrade, specifically in terms of base storage. The 64GB models are now a thing of the past, as both the 13-inch and 11-inch iPad Air versions start with 128GB of storage, extending up to a maximum of 1TB.
The iPad Air M2 also sees some minor enhancements due to the new silicon chip. This lineup now includes support for Pencil Hover, Live Text Capture, Lift Object, and other AI-powered features, with the new chip contributing to improved efficiency. The great news is that the 11-inch model continues to be priced at $599, while the 13-inch version starts at $799.
Now, let's dive deeper!
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iPad Air М2 (2024) release date
Apple announced its new iPad Air М2 (2024) on May 7 during the Let Loose event.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad Air М2 (6th Gen) | May 7, 2024 | May 15, 2024 |
| Apple iPad Air 5th Gen | March 8, 2022 | March 18, 2022 |
| Apple iPad Air 4th Gen | September 15, 2020 | October 23, 2020 |
| Apple iPad Air 3rd Gen | March 18, 2019 | March 18, 2019 |
iPad Air M2 (2024) price
The 11-inch model maintains the same starting price as its predecessor, even with increased base storage. The 128GB version is available for $599, while the brand-new 13-inch model starts at $799 for the same storage capacity. Below is a detailed table listing all models and prices based on their storage options.
This is great news: you're getting the M2 chip and an insanely capable performance for the same price!
| iPad Model/Storage | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air М2 (2024) 11-inch | $599 | $699 | $899 | $1099 |
| iPad Air М2 (2024) 13-inch | $799 | $899 | $1099 | $1299 |
iPad Air M2 (2024) name, models, and variants
The iPad Air 6th generation, now referred to by Apple as the iPad Air M2 to highlight its powerful new M2 chip, comes in two versions: a 10.9-inch standard Air and a larger 12.9-inch model, matching the screen real estate of the iPad Pro. Apple rounds these sizes up to 11 and 13 inches, respectively.
There are two options when it comes to connectivity, the first one relies on Wi-Fi only (Wi-Fi 6E, to be precise), and the second one adds a Cellular option to the mix.
Both the 11-inch and the 13-inch iPad Air M2 are available with those two options on every memory configuration.
iPad Air M2 (2024) camera specs and features
There's no hardware changes to the camera system on the new iPad Air models, compared to the previous generation. The only change is in the position of the front facing camera, it's now located on the longer bezel and it's called Landscape front camera.
This comes particularly handy when you're using the tablet for online meetings in horizontal. Honestly, I don't know how come Apple didn't reposition it way sooner, instead of waiting until 2024.
The iPad Air M2 features a single 12MP wide camera on its back, with ƒ/1.8 aperture, up to 5x digital zoom, image stabilization, and Smart HDR 4. The iPad Air M2 supports video recording at 4K with up to 60fps on the main camera. The front camera is also 12MP, sporting ƒ/2.4 aperture, 1080p video recording, Smart HDR 4, and Retina Flash with True Tone.
iPad Air М2 (2024) storage versions
Since the iPad Air 3rd Gen, the series has consistently offered just two storage options: 64GB and 256GB. However, the new iPad Air M2 breaks this trend by starting with 128GB of base storage and offering options up to 1TB. These expanded storage choices are available for both the 11-inch and 13-inch models.
iPad Air М2 storage versions:
- 128 GB
- 256 GB
- 512 GB
- 1TB
iPad Air М2 (2024) design features
Apple has largely maintained the iPad Air's design, consistent with the company's approach over several generations. However, there is one notable enhancement: the repositioning of the front-facing camera.
The new 13-inch iPad Air is similar in size to the 2022 iPad Pro, while the 11-inch model continues the design of its predecessor. To add a fresh touch to the series, Apple has introduced new color options for the iPad Air M2, which are listed below.
iPad Air М2 (2024) colors:
- Starlight
- Space Gray
- Blue (new)
- Purple (new)
iPad Air М2 (2024) display specs and features
The iPad Air M2 (2024) features a Liquid Retina Display with a 60Hz refresh rate, as ProMotion technology is still reserved for the iPad Pro series. The two sizes offer different resolutions: the 11-inch iPad Air has a resolution of 2360 x 1640, giving it a pixel density of around 264 PPI, while the 13-inch model comes with a resolution of 2732 x 2048, also resulting in a pixel density of 264 PPI.
There is a slight difference in brightness between the models. The 13-inch iPad Air can reach up to 600 nits, while the 11-inch model peaks at 500 nits. Both versions support the P3 color gamut and are compatible with the Apple Pencil, including the Pencil Hover feature.
There is a slight difference in brightness between the models. The 13-inch iPad Air can reach up to 600 nits, while the 11-inch model peaks at 500 nits. Both versions support the P3 color gamut and are compatible with the Apple Pencil, including the Pencil Hover feature.
iPad Air М2 (2024) battery and charging features
The iPad Air M2 offers different battery capacities based on the model size. The 11-inch version is equipped with a built-in 28.93 Wh battery, roughly equivalent to 8,300 mAh, providing substantial power for daily tasks. In contrast, the larger 13-inch iPad Air M2 includes a more robust 36.59 Wh battery, approximately 10,340 mAh, designed to support the demands of its bigger screen and potentially more intensive usage.
Apple states that both models deliver up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi or video playback, ensuring all-day battery life for typical activities. When using the tablets with Wi-Fi + Cellular connectivity, the battery life decreases slightly to around 9 hours, accommodating more versatile usage on the go.
Charging for both the 11-inch and 13-inch models is accomplished through a USB-C port. Users can recharge the devices using the included 20W power adapter or connect them to a PC system for charging, offering flexibility depending on the user’s needs and available power sources.
Apple states that both models deliver up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi or video playback, ensuring all-day battery life for typical activities. When using the tablets with Wi-Fi + Cellular connectivity, the battery life decreases slightly to around 9 hours, accommodating more versatile usage on the go.
iPad Air М2 (2024) software specs
The iPad Air M2 (2024) devices come with iPadOS 17 out of the box, and unsurprisingly, both models come packed with features, including lock screen customization, alongside the Health app, adapted for iPads. There are new interactive widgets as well, and some iOS 17 features are also onboard, such as the AirDrop over the internet, offline maps, and more.
In a few months time, iPadOS 18 will arrive with a dedicated Calculator app – finally!
Apart from that, iPadOS 18 will include new Home Screen customization options akin to iOS 18, and the integration of the iOS 18 Photos app for improved photo management.
iPadOS 18 introduces several new features designed to enhance usability and performance. A notable addition is the floating tab bar, which provides improved app organization by adapting dynamically to either horizontal or vertical orientations, depending on how the app is being used. This allows for a more intuitive multitasking experience, as the layout adjusts to fit the user’s activity seamlessly.
The operating system also includes smoother animations, thanks to a new API that developers can use to create more fluid and responsive app interactions. This improvement aims to make navigating and using apps on the iPad feel even more natural and engaging.
Additionally, the new Calculator app now features Math Notes, which allows users to solve math problems using Apple Pencil input, making it easier to perform calculations and take notes simultaneously. Another exciting feature, Smart Script, utilizes machine learning to improve handwriting, generate personalized fonts, and enhance writing consistency, offering a more personalized and efficient writing experience on the iPad.
What's more, Apple is adding two new features to its Weather app with iPadOS 18. The first feature displays both the actual temperature and the "Feels Like" temperature at the top of the app. The "Feels Like" temperature, considering factors like humidity, wind speed, and sunshine, will only appear if it significantly differs from the actual temperature. The second feature integrates home and work addresses from the Contacts app into the Weather app, making it easier to automatically track weather conditions for these locations.
Additional new accessibility features include Music Haptics, which provides tactile feedback to audio in Apple Music, and Vocal Shortcuts, which expands voice commands for people with speech difficulties.
Until that happens, though, the iPad Air M2 comes along with the following iPadOS 17 features:
- Lock Screen customization: Users can customize the Lock Screen to make it more personal, taking advantage of the 11-inch or new, larger 13-inch display on iPad Air. This includes stunning wallpapers, fun ways to showcase users’ favorite photos, and expressive fonts and colors to personalize the look of the date and time.
- Interactive widgets: Interactive widgets take glanceable information further with the ability to get tasks done right at the moment with just a tap.
- Video and audio messages in FaceTime: users can leave an audio or video message when someone doesn’t pick up a call.
- New drawing tools in Freeform: support for hover, tilt, and snap to shape; the ability to add connection lines and new shapes to any object; and Follow Along to guide collaborators around the board.
- Notes: this app gives users new ways to organize, read, annotate, and collaborate on PDFs.
- Stage manager: multitask like a pro with multiple overlapping windows in a single view, resize windows, tap to switch between apps, and more.
- AI capabilities: Visual Look Up, Subject Lift, and Live Text, Live Captions, and Personal Voice.
Besides, Apple has revamped Final Cut Pro for iPad, adding a range of new features and improvements. Additionally, a new Live Multicam feature enables users to connect and preview up to four cameras at once, with manual controls available through the Final Cut Camera app.
Addressing storage limitations, the app now allows for external project support, facilitating work on large files without relying on internal storage. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro, utilizing its barrel roll and squeeze functionalities for precise control over Live Drawing tools and easy access to brushes and settings.
Another novel feature on the iPad is the arrival of Battery Health, which will keep tabs on your battery's condition. This feature has been a staple on iPhones for many years now, but only now graces the iPad range.
iPad Air М2 (2024) hardware specs
The crown jewel in the series is without a shadow of a doubt the M2 chip, offering a ton of power and efficiency. The base memory has been upgraded as well, and both the 11-inch and the 13-inch models start at 128GB. You can find the detailed specs below:
| Specs | 11" iPad Air М2 (2024) | 13" iPad Air М2 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Size and Weight | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm, 462 g | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.6mm, 677g |
| Display | 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD 1640 x 2360 pixels 60Hz display refresh rate | 13-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD 2048 x 2732 pixels 60Hz display refresh rate |
| Processor | Apple M2 | Apple M2 |
| RAM, Storage and Price | 8/128GB $599 8/256GB $699 8/512GB $899 8/1TB $1099 | 8/128GB $799 8/256GB $899 8/512GB $1099 8/1TB $1299 |
| Software | iPadOS 17 | iPadOS 17 |
| Cameras | Main camera: 12MP Selfie camera: 12MP | Main camera: 12MP Selfie camera: 12MP |
| Battery Size | 8,300 | 10,340 |
| Charging Speeds | USB-C 20W | USB-C 20W |
Should I buy the iPad Air M2?
- You should buy the iPad Air M2 if you're coming from an older iPad Air or a regular iPad that's getting a bit long in the tooth, or you need a larger tablet without breaking the bank. The iPad Air 5th Gen is already an excellent tablet that has mostly everything a regular user might need, but if you've abstained from upgrading up until now, you might as well buy the iPad M2 and get all the M2 power available, alongside a bigger 13-inch screen option.
- You should not buy the iPad Air M2 if you've recently upgraded to the iPad Air 5th Gen, or you're coming from an iPad Pro upbringing. If you already own an M2-powered tablet, or you just don't need all that power, you should stick with the device you already have.
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