The iPad Air has always occupied a unique space in Apple’s tablet lineup, offering a balance between performance and affordability. With the fifth-generation iPad Air introduced in March last year, Apple brought the power of the M1 chip, Center Stage technology, a faster USB-C port, and a spectrum of vibrant colors to the table. Yet, as we approach a year and a half since the last update, Apple enthusiasts are eagerly speculating about the sixth-generation iPad Air. What can users anticipate in terms of new features, and when can we expect this much-anticipated device to hit the market?
The Mystery Surrounding iPad Air 6:
Considering the iPad Air’s position between the entry-level iPad and the more premium iPad Pro, it’s not immediately clear what new features the iPad Air 6 will bring without encroaching on the iPad Pro’s territory.
As of now, there have been only a few concrete rumors about the forthcoming iPad Air, leaving room for speculation. According to renowned Apple analyst Mark Gurman, an “iPad Air spec bump” isn’t out of the question for this year, suggesting incremental improvements in various areas.
The Most Likely Upgrade: Chip:
One feature that seems almost certain for the iPad Air 6 is a chip upgrade. The current iPad Air is powered by the M1 chip, and while there have been no official reports about the chip in the next generation, the M2 chip has been residing in the iPad Pro for almost a year. It’s highly likely that the iPad Air could follow suit with the M2 or possibly even leapfrog to the M3 chip, depending on the timing of its release.
Camera and Connectivity Enhancements:
A minor spec bump might also include improvements to the front and rear cameras. Features like Photonic Engine, ProRes video recording, Audio zoom, stereo audio recording, Portrait mode, and Portrait Lighting support could be on the horizon.
Additionally, an iPad Air with a horizontally oriented front-facing camera and a Thunderbolt port could be in the works. It’s high time that the Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities, introduced in the latest iPad Pro models, find their way into the iPad Air. Apple Pencil hover, a feature previously exclusive to the iPad Pro, might also make its debut in the next iPad Air.
Release Timing:
The release timing of the iPad Air 6 remains a subject of debate. Apple typically updates the device every two years, but there’s a possibility of a 2023 refresh, primarily to incorporate the M2 chip. However, a more substantial update might be reserved for 2024.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that new iPad models may not launch this year, hinting at a 2024 release for the next-gen iPad Air. However, a reliable Weibo leaker contradicts this, claiming that the sixth-generation iPad Air will launch in October 2023, making it the sole iPad refresh of the year.
Intriguingly, renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman mentioned a new iPad Air with enhanced specifications “coming soonish,” potentially within the current month. If this holds true, the iPad Air 6 might be just around the corner. If not, the first half of 2024 becomes the most plausible release window.
Update: Recent reports suggest that Apple may be working on two distinct sixth-generation iPad Air models, raising questions about size options or other potential differentiators.
