Apple’s iPad Air is becoming more appealing to most people who want an iPad. The company announced today that it is refreshing the line with the new M2 series of processors, which now comes in two sizes. It’s available for preorder now.
As part of its Let Loose eventApple unveiled that the iPad Air will now come in two sizes: 11 inches, which is the current size, and a larger model at 13 inches. This change will make the iPad Air more like the Pro in size options, but the iPad Pro will still be a tablet targeted at creative professionals as the latest iPad Air models will not include ProMotion or an OLED display.
The sixth-generation iPad Air is powered by the M2 chip, which Apple claims makes it 50 percent faster than the fifth-generation iPad Air, the first in the iPad series to switch from the A-Bionic series to the Apple M-series system on a chip.
M2 chip and two size configurations aside, the new iPad Air also includes four storage configurations: 128Gb, 256Gb, 512GB, and 1TB. Offering more storage options than its predecessor, which only offered 64Gb and 256GB.
Regarding accessories, Apple confirmed that the sixth-generation iPad Air will support the newly unveiled Apple Pencil Pro. This high-end stylus will retail for $129 and include haptic feedback support. Apple has also adjusted the front camera placement on the iPad Air. Instead of being in portrait mode, the latest iPad Air has a 12MP camera at the center when placing the tablet in landscape mode or using an accessory like the Magic Keyboard.
The iPad Air is often regarded as the best Apple tablet for most users. It’s a midrange product with a bright, high-resolution display ideal for streaming shows or browsing apps. The iPad Air’s bezels around the screen provide a more contemporary look, making it sleek.
The iPad Air will come in four colors: Blue, Purple, Starlight (which looks goldish), and Space Gray. Pre-ordering begins today, and shipping will begin next week. The iPad Air 11-inch pricing starts at $599 and $799 for the 13-inch model.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.