iPad Air 6 (2024) VS iPad Air 5 (2022)

Introduction

This year, however, there's a twist, as leaks point to two iPad Air models in 2024, the standard 11-inch iPad Air and a larger iPad Air Plus variant. The likelihood of this rumor being true is quite high, as the mid-range iPad series would sit nicely next to the more expensive, high-end iPad Pro models, which are also rumored to see a new generation in 2024.

So, without further ado, let's see what exactly will be different with the iPad Air (2024) and how it will compare to the 5th generation iPad Air from 2022.

Design and size

Some minor design changes and a new size option

Design and size are two of the main areas where Apple is expected to introduce changes with the new generation of iPad Air (2024). For starters, there's the aforementioned iPad Air Plus, which will measure around 12.9 inches, a similar size to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

The dimensions of the iPad Plus, on the other hand, are expected to be around 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches), which is about the size of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2022. That being said, we expect it to weigh less than the Pro model. Since the 11-inch iPad Air weighs about 5g less than the 11-inch Pro model, we expect the iPad Air Plus to weigh around 677g.

In terms of design, rumors have suggested that Apple could finally move the front camera to one of the sides, instead of placing it on the top bezel as was the case with previous generations. This should make it more comfortable to video call while holding the tablet horizontally, which is the orientation in which most people tend to use their tablet.

Display differences

Speaking of screens, we don't expect Apple to include anything crazy like the Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD panel found on the Pro models. There hasn't even been any news about a higher display refresh rate, so it's safe to say we'll see the same 60Hz on the iPad Air (2024) and iPad Air Plus.

In other words, the only difference between the new iPad Air and the 2022 model would be the iPad Air Plus' larger screen. This may seem insignificant since there would be no real upgrade in display technology, but having the option to get a larger iPad without having to pay full price for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is welcome to our book.

Performance and software

Better connectivity and a more efficient chipset

Besides design and size, performance is the other aspect of the iPad Air (2024) that we think will be a major upgrade over the iPad Air (2022). Indeed, at least according to the leaks, the new models will receive Apple's M2 chipset, announced to have an 18% faster CPU and a 35% faster GPU.

On the software side, you can expect the same minimum of 6 years of updates and security patches for iPadOS. The iPad Air (2024) and iPad Air Plus will almost surely ship with the latest version of iPadOS 17. We are currently on iPadOS 17.4.

The 2024 iPad Air tablets will also most likely come with updated hardware for better connectivity. We expect support for Bluetooth 5.3 compared to 5.0, which means that connections to Bluetooth devices will be more stable (especially over long distances), and using Bluetooth will consume less battery as version 5.3 is more energy efficient.

Camera

From vertical to horizontal

The iPad Air (2022) comes with a single camera on the back, it has 12MP and an aperture of /1.8. It's nothing impressive, especially when placed in front of recent iPhone cameras, but it does the job for quick snapshots. So far, we expect the iPad Air (2024) and iPad Air Plus to feature the same camera.

The iPad Air 2022's 12MP ultra-wide front camera is arguably the most important, considering we're talking about a tablet here. Apple intends to make some changes to this one, as we mentioned above, by moving it from the top bezel to one of the side bezels. In addition to making it more comfortable to video call while holding the tablet horizontally, it will also help you stay centered in the frame.

Aside from the placement of the selfie snapper, no other upgrades have been announced for either of the iPad Air (2024)'s two cameras. In other words, the main camera should be able to record 4K video at 60 FPS and 1080p video at 240 FPS, just like with the 2022 iPad Air. The same goes for the front camera, which can record videos at 1080p at 60 FPS, and comes with Face Detection.

Audio and haptic quality

Haptics aren't that important with iPads, so Apple doesn't pay too much attention to the vibration motor inside or software features related to haptic feedback. That being said, the speakers inside a tablet are extremely important, as most users purchase one specifically for watching movies, TV shows, and videos.

The iPad Air 2022 has very good speakers, but unlike the Pro models which have four, it only comes with two. This isn't expected to change with the iPad Air (2024) and iPad Air Plus, but it's possible that Apple will upgrade the drivers with more powerful drivers, hopefully with those with a bit more punch than those of the last generation.

Battery life and charging

Bigger body = bigger battery

The iPad Air 11″ (2024) will likely retain the same 7,606 mAh battery size as the 2022 iPad Air, but the new iPad Plus model will almost certainly have a larger battery capacity. If the logic is correct, we'd hazard a guess that the Plus model's battery will be close to that of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, at 10,758 mAh.

As for charging, no upgrades have been announced, but we're keeping our fingers crossed that Apple at least decides to give the iPad Air Plus faster charging to alleviate some of the extra charging time which comes with a larger battery.

Specification Comparison

Summary

In short, the main difference between the 2024 edition of the iPad Air and the previous 2022 generation is the new iPad Air Plus with its larger screen and battery. There's also a performance boost in the form of Apple's M2 chip, which will replace the M1 that comes with the 2022 iPad Air.

What would make the new iPad Air models even more exciting would be updates to the screen or speakers, as both of these are integral to a great tablet user experience. Stay tuned for more information while we wait for Apple's official announcement.