In the fall of 2020, Apple provided the iPad Air with a major update with a new 10.9-inch design, thinner screen edges and Touch ID in the power button. In the meantime, Apple has equipped the Air with an M1 chip and we may be able to expect not one but two new versions soon.
The iPad Air is the ‘cheaper’ brother of the 11-inch iPad Pro and has a similar design, but in happier colors and a single camera. Apple may want to expand the iPad Air with a new screen size for the 6th generation. In addition to 10.9-inch, the company also wants to offer a 12.9-inch version, an alternative to the large iPad Pro.
Old yet new
The sixth-generation iPad Air may retain the same design as its predecessor and include a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with the same screen edges. The brightness of the LCD display can possibly be increased to 600 nits compared to 500 nits. On the back there is a single 12-MP wide-angle camera with an aperture of ƒ/1.8 and a Smart Connector.
iPad Air 12.9-inch screen
In addition to the 10.9-inch version, Apple may also want to launch a larger iPad Air. This will reportedly feature a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina LCD display with 600 nits of brightness. The design is the same as the smaller model. Apart from the large screen and battery life, both iPads are identical.
The image above from 91mobiles shows a schematic of the new iPad Air. This is the model with a larger 12.9-inch screen. In the larger size, there are few innovations on the outside, except for the camera island. This is a single camera without flash.
Fast processor, 5G and USB-C
The iPad Air 6th generation will probably be equipped with the super-fast M2 processor and promises sky-high performance. This is thanks to the 8-core CPU, 10-core graphics and 16-core Neural Engine. This not only makes the Air faster, but it can also perform more complex tasks.
As with all iPad models, you can choose an iPad Air 6th generation with WiFi only or a version with WiFi and cellular including 5G support.
You can use a USB-C connection to charge the iPad. In addition to charging, you can also use external screens, hard drives and peripherals on the iPad with this port. At the back we find a smart connector so that you can also use cases and accessories with the mini.
Optimally secured thanks to Touch ID
A fingerprint scanner is used to secure the iPad. Just like in the previous version, Apple has equipped the on/off button with Touch ID. By placing your finger on the button, your fingerprint is scanned and you can unlock the iPad Air or make payments.
Apple Pencil hover
Whether the iPad Air will get Apple Pencil hover is currently unknown. The hover function shows you in advance exactly where your Apple Pencil will end up on the display. You can write, sketch and illustrate with even more precision. Apps and widgets on the home screen expand when you hover over them. You can see how thick your line will be, or how colors will mix before you start painting. With Apple Pencil hover it’s all even easier.
If you hold the Apple Pencil above the display, the electromagnetic signals from the tip are captured up to 12 mm above the screen. M2 immediately registers these signals and recognizes the position of the Apple Pencil in three dimensions.
Other innovations
- FaceTime camera in landscape view instead of the top of the screen in portrait orientation
- Smart HDR 4 for photos
- Support for WiFi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.3 technology
- Choice between 64 GB or 256 GB of storage space
Buy iPad Air 6th generation
It is currently unclear when exactly we can expect the new iPad Air 6th generation. Apple will probably unveil the new iPad Air later this month. The starting price of € 789 will probably remain more or less the same for the 10.9-inch model and the larger 12.9-inch iPad will be available from € 989. If you want 5G support, you pay €200 extra.