It’s a great time to score an M1 iPad Air at a super-low price. Photo: Apple
Savvy, bargain-conscious Apple shoppers know new model releases can also herald the lowest-ever prices on recent, not-actually-new but new-to-them products. And with the recent roll out of M2 iPad Air, great deals on M1 iPad Air abound.
Today’s limited-time deals on Amazon are great examples, below.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
With new model out, now’s the time to score great deals on M1 iPad Air
The new M2 iPad Air in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes looks like a great tablet. But not everyone wants to throw down a minimum of $600. That’s why it’s so great that steep discounts on slightly older gear often come around the time of new Apple product releases.
So for many, now’s not the time to invest in brand-new iPad Air. Now’s the time to snap up a discontinued M1 iPad Air from 2022 with a heavy discount. It’s still a great tablet for many users.
I own and love a blue M1 iPad Air with 256GB unified memory. Getting it for $150 less than I paid would have been sweet. Especially because other purchases creep in, like a keyboard (I’ve tried a couple third-party ones but don’t use an external keyboard often), a stylus (ditto; settled on Apple Pencil 2) and a case or folio (love my Zugu).
Why buy M1 iPad Air now?
If you don’t require the latest and greatest iPads, 2022’s iPad Air offers serious performance in a thin and light design. It’s great for consuming media, taking notes, creative work with Apple Pencil or playing loads of games.
You get an immersive 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the snappy performance of the M1 chip, plus Touch ID, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and a USB-C connector.
iPad Air comes not only with intuitive iPadOS, it packs essential apps like Safari, Messages and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
Other features:You can choose from 64GB or 256GB storage options depending on the room you need for apps, music, movies and more.
The tablet’s magnificent Liquid Retina display features tech like True Tone, P3 wide color and ultralow reflectivity.
Touch ID is built into the top button, so you can use your fingerprint to unlock your iPad Air, sign in to apps and make payments securely with Apple Pay.
iPad Air features a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera that supports Center Stage for videoconferencing and selfies. The 12MP Wide back camera with True Tone flash is great for capturing photos and 4K videos.
Comes in blue, pink, purple, space gray and starlight colors.
Shop M1 iPad Air at Amazon:
M1 iPad Air (5th Generation) with M1 chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — $599.00 $449.00 (25% off)
M1 iPad Air (5th Generation): with M1 chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — $749.00 $599.00 (20% off)
M1 iPad Air (5th Generation): with M1 chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6 + 5G Cellular, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — $749.00 $599.00 (20% off)
M1 iPad Air (5th Generation): with M1 chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB, Wi-Fi 6 + 5G Cellular, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — $899.00 $749.00 (17% off)
The new 13-inch iPad Air has a max display brightness of 600 nits, which is 20% higher than the 11-inch iPad Air, according to Apple’s tech specs for the devices.
This means the 13-inch iPad Air’s peak brightness is equal to the previous-generation iPad Pro models with the M2 chip for standard dynamic range (SDR) content, but the new iPad Pro models have brighter OLED displays that can reach up to 1,000 nits for SDR content, and up to 1,600 nits for high dynamic range (HDR) content.
Peak brightness levels (SDR) for recent iPad Pro and iPad Air models:
The new iPad Air models are available to order now and launch May 15. Key new features include the M2 chip, the front camera moved to the landscape edge, Wi-Fi 6E support, Apple Pencil Pro support, and new color options.
Apple today unveiled redesigned iPad Pro models featuring the M4 chip, Ultra Retina XDR OLED displays, a nano-texture display option, and more. The new iPad Pro offers a considerably thinner design and slightly larger 11- and 13-inch display size options. The 11-inch model is 5.3mm thick and weighs less than a pound, while the 13-inch model is just 5.1mm thick and weighs a quarter pound less …
Apple’s “Let Loose” event kicks off today at the unusual time of 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time, and we’re expecting to see an iPad-focused event with new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, updated Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard accessories, and perhaps some other announcements. Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company’s TV app across various platforms. We…
Apple today held the first event of 2024, debuting new iPad Air and iPad Pro models and accompanying accessories. While the event was faster than normal and took 40 minutes, we’ve condensed it down even further for those who want a quick overview of everything that was announced. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. We’ve also got a full recap of all of the coverage…
Apple at its “Let Loose” event today announced a new Magic Keyboard for the latest iPad Pro models, with a thinner, lighter design. Apple says the Magic Keyboard has been redesigned to be thinner and lighter, while maintaing the same floating design. Two colors are available that match the new iPad Pro. New features include a function row with screen brightness controls, an aluminum…
Apple today announced that iOS 17.5 will be released to the public “soon,” following over a month of beta testing. While the software update is relatively minor, it does have a few new features and changes, as outlined in the list below. “The new Pride Radiance watch face and iPhone and iPad wallpapers will be available soon with watchOS 10.5, iOS 17.5, and iPadOS 17.5,” said Apple, in its…
The new M4 iPad Pro brings big technological leaps to Apple’s high-end tablet. It packs a cutting-edge OLED display and a fast M4 chip inside the “thinnest Apple product ever.” Upgrades in the M2 iPad Air, unveiled Tuesday alongside the Pro model during Apple’s “Let Loose” event, aren’t as impressive. An in-depth M4 iPad Pro vs. M2 iPad Air comparison, however, shows that the midrange Apple tablet likely makes a better choice for many users.
So, are you confused about buying the M4 iPad Pro versus the M2 iPad Air? This comparison will help you decide.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
M4 iPad Pro vs. M2 iPad Air: A comparison of new 2024 iPads
Apple went all out with the M4 iPad Pro, giving it the biggest upgrade since its inception. The changes are massive. And if you use your iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, you will benefit from them. But that does not mean the new M2 iPad Air is a bad choice. For one thing, it costs $400 less than the Pro, making it a much more attractive choice.
Find out the differences between the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air in our comparison below to find out which one is better for you.
Table of contents: M4 iPad Pro vs. M2 iPad Air
Design: M4 iPad Pro vs. M2 iPad Air
M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air look similar. Photo: Apple
M4 11-inch iPad Pro: 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.3 mm, 444 grams (Wi-Fi)/446 grams (cellular), Face ID, four-speaker audio, four studio-quality microphones
M2 11-inch iPad Air: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm, 462 grams (Wi-Fi)/462 grams (cellular), Touch ID, landscape stereo speakers, two microphones
M4 13-inch iPad Pro: 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm, 579 grams (Wi-Fi)/582 grams (cellular), Face ID, four-speaker audio, four studio-quality microphones
M2 13-inch iPad Air: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1 mm, 617 grams (Wi-Fi)/618 grams (cellular), Touch ID, landscape stereo speakers, two microphones
The new iPad Pro and iPad Air look practically the same as their predecessors, though there are some minor changes. The M4 iPad Pro is thinner and lighter than its predecessor. Plus, it features a redesigned camera hump, with a single rear camera, a True Tone flash and a LiDAR scanner.
You can’t tell the 2024 iPad Pro and the iPad Air apart from the front unless you look closely. The 11-inch iPad Pro is a wee bit taller and narrower than the 11-inch Air, while the 13-inch Pro is both taller and wider than the 13-inch Air. Surprisingly, despite the “Air” branding, the M4 iPad Pros are lighter and slimmer than this year’s midrange tablets.
The M4 iPad Pro has two key design advantages over the 2024 iPad Air. First, it ships with a louder four-speaker audio setup. With the Air, you get stereo landscape speakers. Second, the Pro comes with Face ID for secure authentication, while the iPad Air integrates a Touch ID sensor into its side key.
Apple offers four color options for the iPad Air, including new purple and blue shades. As for the iPad Pro, it is available in space black and silver.
From a design standpoint, there’s no single reason why you should get the Pro over the Air. That is unless you want the slimmest or lightest tablet possible. Otherwise, the 11-inch or 13-inch iPad Air won’t disappoint you.
Display: iPad Pro is the first Apple tablet with OLED
The M4 iPad Pro stands out with its tandem OLED display. Photo: Apple
M4 11-inch iPad Pro: 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR display, tandem OLED, ProMotion, 2420 x 1668 resolution, 1,000 nits SDR brightness, optional nano-texture glass, Apple Pencil hover support, works with Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C
M2 11-inch iPad Air: 11-inch Liquid Retina display, 2360 x 1640 resolution, 500 nits SDR brightness, Apple Pencil hover support, works with Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C
M4 13-inch iPad Pro: 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display, Tandem OLED, ProMotion, 2752 x 2064 resolution, 1000 nits SDR brightness, optional Nano-texture glass, Apple Pencil hover support, works with Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C
M2 13-inch iPad Air 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 2732 x 2048 resolution, 600 nits SDR brightness, Apple Pencil hover support, works with Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C
The display is an area where the M4 iPad Pro differs greatly from the M2 iPad Air. While there’s no screen size difference, the Pro and Air use vastly different display technologies. With the 2024 iPad Pro, you get Apple’s newest Ultra Retina XDR display. Apple calls this a “tandem OLED” panel. It comes with 120Hz ProMotion support, and can hit a claimed peak brightness of 1,600 nits when viewing HDR content. Being an OLED panel, the colors and contrast are superior to other screens, even when viewed at an 0ff angle.
While you can get the iPad Pro with an optional nano-texture glass treatment, you should avoid it. Firstly, it is only available with the 1TB or 2TB storage variants, and costs an additional $100. But more importantly, the Pro Display XDR’s nano-texture coating is delicate and requires careful maintenance. If the iPad Pro’s matte glass is similar, it is unlikely to retain its antireflective properties for long.
In comparison, the iPad Air uses a traditional LCD panel with an SDR brightness of 500 nits — 50% lower than the iPad Pro. It also lacks ProMotion support, meaning the display refreshes at a constant 60Hz.
Both tablets use a fingerprint-resistant, oleophobic and antireflective coating and support True Tone and Wide Color (P3). The panels are fully laminated to eliminate gaps between the cover glass and the display itself. And irrespective of which iPad you pick, they both support the new Apple Pencil Pro, which offers a new “squeeze” gesture and other advances.
If you are a digital creator or artist, the iPad Pro is the superior choice for your professional work. Its OLED panel is better than the iPad Air’s Liquid Retina display in every aspect. But for regular use, stick to the iPad Air, as the OLED screen won’t significantly benefit you.
Performance: Apple M4 vs. M2
Apple’s M4 chip is fast, really fast. Image: Apple
M4 11-inch iPad Pro: M4 chip, 10-core CPU with three performance cores and six efficiency cores, next-gen 10-core GPU, new 16-core Neural Engine, 8 or 16GB RAM, 256GB to 2TB storage options, 8K H.264, HEVC, ProRes and ProRAW video encode/decode engine, AV1 decode
M2 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air: M2 chip, eight-core CPU with four performance cores and four efficiency cores, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, 8GB RAM, 128GB to 1TB storage options, H.264 and HEVC video encode/decode engine
Performance is another area where the iPad Pro packs a big advantage over the iPad Air. The 2024 iPad Pro features Apple’s fastest chip yet, the M4. Based on TSMC’s second-gen 3nm node, Apple says the M4 packs 28 billion transistors. It sports next-generation CPU cores with improved branch prediction and wider decode and execution engines. Apple claims the M4’s CPU is 1.5x faster than the M2.
By comparison, the 2024 iPad Air uses the M2 chip fabricated on the second-gen 5nm node.
The M4’s GPU performance improvements are even more significant. Compared to the M2, the M4’s 10-core GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. Apple says this boosts rendering performance in apps and games by up to 4x. Professionals will benefit from the M4’s more powerful 8K video encode/decode engine, which supports ProRes and ProRAW. For more efficient video streaming, the 2024 iPad Pro adds a dedicated AV1 decoder.
Power efficiency is also better for the 2024 iPad Pro. “M4 can deliver the same performance as M2 using just half the power,” says Apple’s press release. You can get the M4 iPad Pro with up to 2TB storage. The 1TB and 2TB models add another performance boost: They ship with a whopping 16GB RAM.
For heavy video editing or production work, the iPad Pro’s M4 chip can come in handy. Otherwise, the iPad Air and its M2 SoC will serve you just fine.
Camera: Apple downgraded the iPad Pro
The M4 iPad Pro ships with a single rear camera. Photo: Apple
M4 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro: 12MP Wide camera, f/1.8 aperture, Smart HDR 4, 4K60fps recording, ProRes at 4K30fps, Audio Zoom, LiDAR, Adaptive True Tone Flash; Front – 12MP Landscape Ultra Wide TrueDepth camera, f/2.4 aperture, Center Stage, Retina Flash with True Tone
To be honest, you should not use any iPad for taking pictures or shooting videos. But if you need it for professional work, the M4 iPad Pro should be your pick. The tablet supports ProRes recording, with LiDAR and Adaptive True Tone Flash helping in low-light scenarios. The result won’t be as good as the newest iPhone, but it should work in a pinch.
If you don’t care about the cameras, the M2 iPad Air’s 12MP rear camera should work just fine. It misses out on ProRes recording and Audio Zoom, but you are unlikely to use these features much anyway.
At the front, the M2 iPad Air and M4 iPad Pro both sport a 12MP Ultra Wide camera in landscape orientation. It supports Center Stage, ensuring you are always in focus on video calls.
Connectivity
M4 iPad Pro: Wi-Fi 6E, MIMO, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G, Gigabit LTE (up to 31 bands), Thunderbolt/USB 4, eSIM, Smart Connector
M2 iPad Air: Wi-Fi 6E, MIMO, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G, Gigabit LTE (up to 31 bands), USB-C, eSIM, Smart Connector
The new iPads support all the connectivity standards you can ask for: Wi-Fi 6E, 5G and Smart Connector. They do lack an Ultra Wideband chip, so you cannot get Precision Finding in the Find My app. The only difference is that the iPad Pro supports Thunderbolt 4. So, you can transfer data at up to 40Gbps speeds or connect high-bandwidth accessories to the tablet. In comparison, the iPad Air’s USB-C port tops out at 10Gbps speeds.
Battery life
M4 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro: Up to 10 hours of video playback or Wi-Fi surfing, nine hours of web surfing on mobile data
M2 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air: Up to 10 hours of video playback or Wi-Fi surfing, nine hours of web surfing on mobile data
Despite the size, screen and chip differences, Apple says the M2 iPad Air and M4 iPad Pro lineups offer the same battery life. All tablets will provide up to 10 hours of video playback or Wi-Fi surfing. There could be some real-world differences, but that will only be clear in a few weeks.
Price: M4 iPad Pro vs. M2 iPad Air
The M4 iPad Pros are expensive! Photo: Apple
M4 11-inch iPad Pro: Starts at $999 (Wi-Fi) or $1,199 (cellular)
M2 11-inch iPad Air: Starts at $599 (Wi-Fi) or $749 (cellular)
M4 13-inch iPad Pro: Starts at $1,299 (Wi-Fi) or $1,499 (cellular)
M2 13-inch iPad Air Starts at $799 (Wi-Fi) or $949 (cellular)
The M4 iPad Pro is definitely a superior tablet, packing a cutting-edge display and SoC into a super-slim package. But this cutting-edge technology comes at a cost, with prices starting at $999. That’s a staggering $400 more than the M2 11-inch iPad Air. And if you want the 13-inch model, be prepared to spend $1,300 — $500 more than the 13-inch iPad Air. The price gap will further increase if you opt for a higher storage tier of the iPad Pro or the nano-texture glass.
The M2 iPad Air offers a better price-to-performance ratio. The 11-inch model starts at a reasonable $599, while the 13-inch model starts at $799. Since the base storage is now 128GB, most users won’t need to upgrade to a higher storage tier.
M4 iPad Pro vs. M2 iPad Air: Which 2024 iPad should you buy?
If you have the money or your workflow can justify the iPad Pro’s superior hardware, the pro tablet is a no-brainer. But remember that the M2 iPad Air and M4 iPad Pro both run the same iPadOS build. So, you won’t get any additional features by buying the Pro model; you only get extra horsepower and a better display. (This could change with iPadOS 18, as Apple might make some AI features exclusive to the M4 iPad Pro.)
For average users, though, the iPad Air is the smarter choice. It will deliver the same experience as the M4 iPad Pro while saving you hundreds of dollars. You can use that money to buy some useful iPad accessories, like the Apple Pencil Pro, AppleCare+ or unique cases.
Popular accessory maker Logitech this week announced new keyboard case options that are designed for Apple’s iPad Air and iPad Pro models, offering an alternative to the more expensive Magic Keyboard options from Apple.
The Logitech Combo Touch is compatible with both sizes of the iPad Air and the two thin and light iPad Pro models. Logitech says that the Logitech Combo Touch is its lightest keyboard to date, improving portability and limiting the bulk added to a tablet setup.
The Combo Touch comes with a detachable keyboard and flexible kickstand for multiple use modes. It can be used for typing in the standard keyboard mode, or folded in a way that allows for sketching, reading, and Apple Pencil use.
There is a multi-touch trackpad, which Logitech says offers intuitive and precise input and navigation. There are auto-backlit keys in a standard layout with sixteen brightness levels. Shortcut keys allow easy access to volume control, media playback, screenshots, and more, plus there is a Smart Connector for connectivity so there’s no need for Bluetooth.
The Combo Touch for the 11-inch iPad Air is $200, while the Combo Touch for the 13-inch model is $230. The iPad Pro versions are priced at $230 and $260, respectively, for the 11-inch and 13-inch models. The keyboards can be purchased from the Logitech website.
Apple today unveiled redesigned iPad Pro models featuring the M4 chip, Ultra Retina XDR OLED displays, a nano-texture display option, and more. The new iPad Pro offers a considerably thinner design and slightly larger 11- and 13-inch display size options. The 11-inch model is 5.3mm thick and weighs less than a pound, while the 13-inch model is just 5.1mm thick and weighs a quarter pound less …
Apple’s “Let Loose” event kicks off today at the unusual time of 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time, and we’re expecting to see an iPad-focused event with new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, updated Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard accessories, and perhaps some other announcements. Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company’s TV app across various platforms. We…
Apple today announced that iOS 17.5 will be released to the public “soon,” following over a month of beta testing. While the software update is relatively minor, it does have a few new features and changes, as outlined in the list below. “The new Pride Radiance watch face and iPhone and iPad wallpapers will be available soon with watchOS 10.5, iOS 17.5, and iPadOS 17.5,” said Apple, in its…
Apple at its “Let Loose” event today announced a new Magic Keyboard for the latest iPad Pro models, with a thinner, lighter design. Apple says the Magic Keyboard has been redesigned to be thinner and lighter, while maintaing the same floating design. Two colors are available that match the new iPad Pro. New features include a function row with screen brightness controls, an aluminum…
Apple today held the first event of 2024, debuting new iPad Air and iPad Pro models and accompanying accessories. While the event was faster than normal and took 40 minutes, we’ve condensed it down even further for those who want a quick overview of everything that was announced. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. We’ve also got a full recap of all of the coverage…
While the iPhone 16 series is still months away from launching, an early rumor about an all-new iPhone 17 model has now surfaced. In a research note with investment firm Haitong this week, analyst Jeff Pu said Apple is planning a so-called “iPhone 17 Slim” model that would replace the Plus model in the lineup. Pu said this model will feature around a 6.6-inch display, a slimmer design, an…
Apple at its “Let Loose” event today announced new M2-powered iPad Air models in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes with a new landscape FaceTime camera, AI features, and better sound quality with the larger model. Apple says the iPad Air has been designed “to make features pioneered on iPad Pro at a more affordable price,” with the brand new larger 13-inch model offering 30% more screen real estate …
The M2 MacBook Air is perfect for on-the-go and home-office use. Photo: Apple
What looks like the lowest price ever on the entry-level 2022 M2 MacBook Air just popped up on Amazon. That’s $829, or $170 off the current average price.
Other major retailers are nearly matching that deal at $150 off. So take your pick of your preferred shop, if that matters more to you than grabbing the absolute lowest price.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
Lowest price on M2 MacBook Air: 2022 machine falls $170 to $829 at Amazon; $849 elsewhere
So we’re talking about Apple’s compact and speedy 2022 13.6-inch MacBook Air laptop. It boasts an M2 chip, a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, 8GB unified memory, 256GB SSD storage, a backlit keyboard and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera.
It’s a great machine for college students, remote workers or families. It doesn’t match the same year’s MacBook Pro laptops for performance, but it’s more than enough machine for most users at work and at play.
And if the machine you’re replacing is an older MacBook Pro, you might be pleasantly surprised if the M2 MacBook Air betters its performance by a wide margin.
Peruse M2 MacBook Air characteristics:
Ultra-thin laptop weighs just 2.7 pounds.
Speed up work and play with an 8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU and up to 24GB of unified memory (entry-level machine packs 8GB).
Enjoy up to 18 hours of battery life.
13.6-inch Liquid Retina display features over 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color and support for 1 billion colors.
1080p FaceTime HD camera, three-mic array and four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.
MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt ports and a headphone jack.
Comes in midnight, silver, space gray and starlight colors.
Apple’s lightweight laptop features an M2 chip, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD storage, backlit keyboard and 1080p FaceTime HD Camera. Works with iPhone and iPad.
The iPad Air is now available in two size options, just like the iPad Pro. Yet after a significant update to the iPad Pro that introduces a thinner design and OLED displays, how different are the two product lines and which should you buy?
The introduction of the fourth-generation iPad Air in September 2020 brought the device much closer to the iPad Pro in terms of design, and with the most recent model, the iPad Air gained the same M2 chip and Apple Pencil hover support as the previous iPad Pro, bringing them even closer together. The latest iPad Pro models introduced a large number of significant new changes, such as the M4 chip, OLED displays, and a higher price point, and it means that the high-end iPad models are now further differentiated from the iPad Air than before.
Should you consider purchasing the iPad Air to save money, or do you need the high-end features of the iPad Pro? Our guide answers the question of how to decide which of these two iPads is best for you.
iPad Air (M2, 2024)
iPad Pro (M4, 2024)
Liquid Retina display LED backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
Ultra Retina XDR display Tandem OLED
ProMotion technology for refresh rates up to 120Hz
SDR brightness: 600 nits max
SDR brightness: 1,000 nits max XDR brightness: 1,000 nits max full screen, 1,600 nits peak (HDR content only)
Nano-texture display glass option on 1TB and 2TB models
Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
Portrait Lighting with six effects (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, High-Key Mono)
Animoji and Memoji
LiDAR scanner
Adaptive True Tone flash
Rear ambient light sensor
ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 256GB capacity)
ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60 fps with external recording
Two microphones
Four studio-quality microphones
Audio zoom
Stereo recording
Landscape stereo speakers
Four speaker audio
Weight: 462 grams or 617 grams
Weight 444 grams or 579 grams
Depth: 6.1 mm
Depth: 5.3 mm or 5.1 mm
USB‑C connector
USB‑C connector with support for Thunderbolt / USB 4
Supports Magic Keyboard
Supports Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4)
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage
Available in Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, and Blue
Available in Space Black and Silver
Price starting at $599
Price starting at $999
Overall, the iPad Air is the better option for the majority of users, simply on the basis of value for money. For most people, the additional $400+ needed to buy the iPad Pro is not justified to get the likes of Face ID, four-speaker audio, and a ProMotion OLED display with refresh rates up to 120Hz.
Some iPad Pro features, such as LiDAR, up to 16GB of memory, and Thunderbolt connectivity are only practically useful to a small niche of users and most will never use some of these high-end capabilities. Many features such as Audio zoom and stereo audio recording may not be meaningfully utilized by many users.
Professionals who have a clear use case for needing larger amounts of RAM and storage, a matte display, Thunderbolt connectivity, and OLED for HDR content will clearly benefit from buying the iPad Pro. That being said, “prosumer”-style customers who simply want the best iPad will enjoy features such as 120Hz ProMotion for smoother scrolling and gaming, deeper blacks and more vivid colors with the OLED display, and the Adaptive True Tone flash for document scanning, even if they are not necessary.
Beyond these individual circumstances, the iPad Air is the best value for money and will be more than ample for most users’ needs. With the iPad Air, users can get a modern all-screen design, the M2 chip, practical features like USB-C and 5G connectivity, and compatibility with the core Apple accessories for a price well below that of the iPad Pro.
Samsung’s S Pen has been unchallenged for many years. It used to be the go-to solution for tablet users who wanted the option to handwrite or draw on their large digital screens. But in 2024, Samsung is not alone, and the S Pen has some real competition. Not so much in the smartphone sector, where the Galaxy Ultra lineup remains the best choice for stylus fans, but certainly so in the tablet space.
Apple unveiled its first Pro-grade Pencil accessory for iPads earlier this week, and even though it hurts to say this as a Samsung fan, the Pencil Pro does many things better than the S Pen ever could.
The S Pen is getting challenged and even surpassed, and that’s a hard pill to swallow given the S Pen’s longevity and legacy. But there’s no way around it. The Pencil Pro is an impressive piece of technology, and now, the S Pen has to catch up in many areas.
No, Apple didn’t steal Air Command from Samsung
First things first, let’s dispel this misconception that Apple stole Air Command. One of the popular narratives you may have seen on X (formerly Twitter) over the past few days is that Apple lifted Samsung’s Air Command feature for its own Pencil. But that’s a misguided notion based on nothing but a visual similarity.
Let’s do a recap of the S Pen’s Air Command feature. What is it? In short, the Air Command menu functions much like the Edge app panel. It’s a pop-up window that can be summoned with the S Pen button or by tapping an on-screen S Pen bubble.
Galaxy device users can add shortcuts for S Pen-compatible apps to the Air Command menu, but the Air Command menu itself is not dynamic. It doesn’t change based on which drawing or note-taking app you’re using at a given time. Its sole function is to offer shortcuts to apps, and no matter which app you might be using, the Air Command menu always looks the same when summoned.
In that sense, you can think of it as an apps drawer for S Pen apps. Is it redundant? Not necessarily. But it certainly feels like a wasted opportunity in light of what the new Pencil Pro can do.
So, back to the original question. Did the Pencil Pro steal the Air Command menu? Far from it. In fact, as far as we can tell, Apple doesn’t offer anything like Air Command for the Pencil Pro. Instead, Apple allows app developers to create their own pop-up menus with varying functions.
The confusion seemingly stems from the fact that Apple used a generic example in its presentation — an example that bears a visual similarity with Samsung’s old semi-circular Air Command menu design. However, functionality-wise, these two menus are vastly different and even look different in practice.
Unlike the S Pen, the Pencil Pro doesn’t have a physical button but a pressure-sensitive Squeeze function. When iPad users squeeze the Pencil Pro while using a drawing app, a contextual menu appears, containing whatever shortcuts and features the app’s developer decided to include. This menu can take a variety of forms — it’s not bound to the generic semi-circle design Apple used in its promotional shots.
Some iPad OS apps will offer shortcuts to paint brushes. Others will offer shortcuts to manipulate the canvas in different ways, such as flipping it or rotating it. The seemingly generic example Apple used in its promotional slides (left image below) has a mild visual resemblance to the old Air Command menu, but real iPad OS apps, such as Procreate (right image), use completely different layouts and functions.
Regardless of how you feel about this, the truth of the matter is that the S Pen button and the arguably overrated Air Command menu are not nearly as versatile as Apple’s Squeeze feature and contextual menus. They don’t fulfill the same purpose, and similarities are only skin-deep.
And although Android app developers could, in theory, assign richer functions to the S Pen button, unrelated to the Air Command menu, that rarely happens. App developers simply don’t support the S Pen as much as we would have liked.
Aside from the aforementioned Squeeze function, which should feel more ergonomic than the inconveniently placed S Pen button, the Pencil Pro offers many other features that the S Pen either lacks altogether or doesn’t capitalize on as much as it could.
One such feature is Find My. iPad users will be able to locate their misplaced Pencil Pros with high precision using Apple’s Find My service.
Samsung’s S Pen doesn’t have this. The S Pen Pro offered compatibility with SmartThings Find, but the S Pen Pro is no longer on sale, and the standard S Pen is missing out on Find. The best the S Pen can offer is a proximity alert.
Tilt and rotate functions that are actually usable, plus haptic
The Pencil Pro also offers a tilt function that is extensively supported by app developers. In theory, at least, Samsung’s S Pen supports tilt, but it’s known to be unreliable, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find apps that actually take full advantage of it. The S Pen Creator Edition, sold separately, touts “Enhanced Tilt” capabilities, but this is a passive stylus and lacks Bluetooth.
Unfortunately, things aren’t getting any better for the beloved S Pen. Apple went even more extra, and the Pencil Pro incorporates a gyroscope that powers a Barrel Roll feature.
Barrel Roll allows Pencil Pro users to rotate brushes with extremely high precision. Once again, the S Pen does, in theory, support this type of gesture, but in practice, it is rarely used by apps, likely due to a lack of precise accuracy or potential issues concerning poor support.
Last but not least, the Pencil Pro now has a haptic feedback motor, which can vibrate gently to help users align cropped objects and more. Samsung’s S Pen doesn’t have anything like this, and Apple is clearly thinking ahead.
Samsung can learn a lot from this
It hurts to say this, but he Apple Pencil Pro seems to give the S Pen a run for its money. I can’t deny I feel a bit of envy, not only because the Pencil Pro is better supported by app developers but also due to the fact that it offers better hardware and smarter capabilities.
Story continues after the video…
One thing Samsung offers that Apple doesn’t is fantastic stylus support for phones. The Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 enable a different kind of S Pen experience focused more on note-taking and hand-writing. It is more limiting due to the smaller screens, but at least Samsung doesn’t have any competition in this particular niche.
As for the stylus experience on tablets, Samsung is losing the game to Apple. The company will hopefully accept the challenge and improve the S Pen for future Galaxy Tab S models. Otherwise, it will be left behind by its rival.
It’s no secret that MacBooks can cost you a pretty penny, which is why we’re excited to see that our favorite budget Macbook has dropped to a new all-time low price. Apple’s 2022 Macbook Air is currently available for $829, down from $999 – $20 lower than ever before. The deal is running the 256GB model in all colors but doesn’t include AppleCare+.
Apple
We’ve been a huge fan of Apple’s 2022 MacBook Air from the start, calling it a “near-perfect Mac” when it first launched, and, despite new arrivals since, it’s still an excellent option for a well-made, everyday laptop. We gave it a 96 in our review thanks to its thinner look and an impressive 13.6-inch high-quality screen. The MacBook Air also comes with an M2 chip, and despite Apple’s new foray into an M4 chip with the iPad Pro, it’s still a fast-performing, great option.
This model was also the first MacBook Air to get rid of the wedge design and get the more uniform, sleek look of its more expensive sibling, the MacBook Pro. Other perks include a great quad-speaker system that works with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio and a three-mic array for better sound quality during video chats.
Apple unveiled the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air on Tuesday, and third-party accessory-makers were prepared. Logitech, Otterbox, Zagg, Pitaka and ESR have all already unveiled peripherals for the new tablets.
There are keyboard cases, cases, screen protectors ands more.
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2024 iPad redesigns mean new accessories
The 13-inch version of the M4 iPad Pro is advertised as “the thinnest Apple product ever,” and the new design means many accessories made for older versions no longer fit.
But the iPad-maker isn’t the only one who offers accessories for the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air. Other companies have their own offerings. Not all of these are available yet, but the tablets themselves won’t launch until May 15.
Logitech keyboard case
Logitech offers an alternative to Apple Magic Keyboard. Photo: Logitech
Logitech quickly unveiled versions of its Combo Touch keyboard case for the redesigned Air and Pro. Unlike the Magic Keyboard, Logitech’s includes a protective case that stays on the computer even when the keyboard gets left behind to save on weight.
“Whether you’re typing, sketching, viewing, or reading, Combo Touch adapts to your needs effortlessly,” said Logitech.
These are premium products and priced to match. The version for the 13-inch iPad Pro is $259.99 while the one for the 11-inch model is $229.99. As the 2024 iPad Air, Logitech’s keyboard case for the 13-inch model is $229.99 while the 11-inch one is $199.99.
“Statement Series Studio provides protection and versatility both on and off the job,” promises OtterBox. Photo: OtterBox
OtterBox is known for very protective cases, and it introduced a new line for the latest iPads: Statement Series Studio. It includes an adjustable stand and removable front flap, but was still designed to add minimal bulk.
“Statement Series Studio for the new Apple iPad Pro and iPad Air devices is one of our most technically complex cases ever,” said OtterBox CEO JC Richardson.
It’s $99.95 in blue or grey, and currently an Apple Store exclusive.
In addition, OtterBox plans to offer the Symmetry Series Folio ($89.95) and Defender Series ($129.95) case and screen protection ($39.95 – $49.95) for the new iPad Pro and iPad Air devices.
Zagg cases and screen protectors
Zagg was ready for the launch of the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air with multiple accessories.
Its has two cases available. Crystal Palace ($49.99-$59.99) shows off the tablet while providing up to 6.5 feet (2m) of drop protection. And Denali ($59.99-$69.99) provides the same drop protection while adding a snap-on screen protector, stand, attachment points for a strap and more.
Zagg also has screen protectors for Apple’s latest. Glass XTR3 ($69.99-$79.99) is up to 10X stronger than traditional glass screen protection. Glass Elite ($49.99-$59.99) has been tested to be up to 5x stronger, and it hides fingerprints. Fusion Canvas ($49.99) is textured to make using the iPad feel like drawing or writing on paper.
Pitaka is bring its MagEZ Folio 2 case to the fresh versions of iPad Pro and iPad Air. It can be configured to hold the tablet at a variety of angles, in both portrait and landscape modes. Plus there’s a strap to hold Apple Pencil Pro in place.
The version in blue, black or white for Apple’s 11-inch tablets is $49.99, while the 12.9-inch version is $59.99.
Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case 360 is a Bluetooth keyboard with a cantilevered design similar to Apple’s Magic Case. But this third-party option includes a detachable case and multiple viewing positions. It’s also far less expensive at $119.99.
The Shift Magnetic Case ($55.99) can support the iPad well above a desk, plus there are other configurations — both portrait and landscape. And it features an Apple Pencil holder. It comes in black, brown, blue, purple and red colors.
The new Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 serves as a case and holds the recently released M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air in landscape and portrait orientations as a stand, the company said Wednesday. It provides an option for new tablet owners in search of an affordable case and stand.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2, the ultimate accessory for the new iPad Pro,” said Pitaka CEO James Zheng. “Designed with the modern professional in mind, this folio combines sleek design, premium materials, and innovative features to elevate the iPad Pro experience.”
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Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 or 2024 M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air
Pitaka’s MagEZ Folio 2 is an update on the company’s existing folio. Versions of it suit M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air in both their sizes (11 inches and 13 inches). Crafted from premium PU leather and microfiber materials, the folios give off sophisticated-but-tough vibes. They provide double-sized protection for the tablets in had, or deploy as multi-angle stands on a surface.
Able to easily switch between landscape and portrait mode, the MagEZ Folio 2 offers four standing angles, the company said.
A hidden magnetic strap keeps Apple Pencil secure, preventing it from slipping or getting lost during travel. The built-in strap discreetly conceals itself on the back panel when not in use.
The folio securely holds your iPad as well as your Pencil. Photo: Pitaka
Weighing just 11.5 ounces for the 13-inch model and 8.6 ounces for the 11-inch model, the MagEZ Folio 2 is lightweight and portable.
Featuring strategically placed magnets, the MagEZ Folio 2 easily connects to the iPad Pro with or without a case. That ensures a secure and stable fit.
MagEZ Folio 2 also works with Pitaka’s MagEZ Case 2 and MagEZ Case Pro for 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro (2022/2021/2020/2018).
Pricing and availability
You can buy the Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 for the 2024 iPad Pro/Air (11-inch version) for $49.99 on Pitaka’s website. The 12.9-inch version costs $59.99.
Right now just the MagEZ Folio 2 for 2024 iPad Air is available on Amazon. The MagEZ Folio 2 for 2024 iPad Pro arrives toward the end of May.
This folio case and stand fits the new 13-inch M2 iPad Air as well as older 12.9-inch iPad Pro models. It provides a multi-angle stand with landscape and portrait modes.
