iPad Air: Bigger and Better in 2024!

Apple hasn’t released an updated iPad model all this year, but that could change soon as it’s said to be updating its entire lineup next year. And one update that may be coming to the iPad Air is a larger 12.9-inch model, joining the current 10.9-inch version.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is currently rumored to bring out a larger version of the upcoming iPad Air in 2024. This would launch alongside an updated 10.9-inch model with a next-generation chipset. These models are expected to enter mass production in the first quarter of 2024.

Additionally, Ming-Chi Kuo points out that this 12.9-inch iPad model would not feature mini-LED display technology like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro; instead, it comes with an LCD screen. However, it would look better than the 10.9-inch model because it would use an Oxide backplate (also used in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro) rather than an a-Si backplate.

In addition, Kuo states in his Medium post that Apple will launch new OLED iPad Pro models at the end of the first quarter of 2023 or in the second quarter. Additionally, these OLED models are expected to come with the latest M3 chipset that Apple introduced at its Scary Fast event last month. “The OLED iPad Pro features an M3 processor and improved form factors,” Kuo said.

“The new iPad Pro’s OLED panels adopt Tandem design and LTPO backplates (the same backplates used in the iPhone 15 Pro), which outperforms the current mini-LED iPad Pro display in terms of performance and power consumption,” he added.

When it comes to pricing, the iPad Air 10.9-inch could maintain its price point, but the larger 12.9-inch version would certainly be more expensive. Kuo says that in order to maintain the price difference between the Air and Pro product lines, Apple may raise the iPad Pro’s OLED prices compared to the current LCD and mini-LED models.