A recent report confirms that a bigger iPad Air model is being developed. This time, Apple is reportedly working on a 12.9-inch iPad Air, according to DigiTimes (via MacRumors) in its Before Going to Press section. This larger tablet would use the same LCD technology seen in the existing Air lineup instead of a miniLED or OLED display, unlike the iPad Pro.
Nevertheless, ProMotion, a feature only seen on iPad Pro devices, would not be available on this larger iPad Air. According to DigiTimes, Apple is working on newer models with panels measuring 10.9 and 12.9 inches.
Here s what we know about the upcoming iPad Air
It was revealed by 9to5Mac’s Filipe Esp sito earlier this month that Apple was developing not one, not two, but four distinct Air versions. The journalist claims that Apple is developing larger devices with codenames J537 and J538 in addition to the standard models designated as J507 and J508 (Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular variants). He stated:
( ) Apple has also been working on other iPads identified as J537 and J538 that are based on the iPad Air. For instance, the only iPad that currently has more than one version is the iPad Pro, as it comes in 11 and 12.9 inches, so there are two models for each version.
Details are vague at this point, but this suggests that Apple may be considering introducing a larger version of the iPad Air, or a more expensive model with better specs. Of course, Apple s plans may change and this second version of the new iPad Air may never see the light of day.
Rumor has it that this tablet will come with an upgraded camera and the M2 chip, in addition to being a larger model. However, given that the iPad Pro starts at $799 and the current Air at $599, a larger version of the Air would need to cost at least $699. In order to avoid eating into its own market, a more expensive model would indicate that Apple intends to increase the price of the iPad Pro in the future.
Because of the miniLED display, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro model currently costs $300 less than the 11-inch model. Given that OLED screens are anticipated in the upcoming generation, it is possible that Apple intends to raise the cost of the 11-inch model.
Although it’s difficult to rationalize an iPad Pro now, it doesn’t seem like a larger iPad Air would be worth the cost. In my opinion, Apple should prioritize increasing the entry-level models’ storage capacity over adding a larger display.
Nevertheless, Apple may reveal these iPads as early as 2024, though it’s more likely that Cupertino would save these announcements until the beginning of the following year along with the release of the new M3 Macs.