Apple has shaken up its iPad Air family with the introduction of two new models for 2024 – including, for the first time, a larger 13-inch version to complement the existing 11-inch size. Both tablets receive a significant performance boost thanks to Apple’s M2 chip under the hood.

For years, the iPad Air has struck a careful balance between portability and screen real estate with its 11-inch display. But Apple has heard the calls from users seeking even more screen space, responding with the all-new 13-inch iPad Air.

This larger model aims to meet the needs of those who want an expansive canvas for content creation, multitasking, or simply enjoying multimedia content on a bigger display. With the same lightweight design DNA as its smaller sibling, the 13-inch iPad Air could be an enticing option for travelers, students, or anyone seeking a highly portable yet generously-sized tablet.

Arguably the most significant update lies within, as both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air now feature Apple’s M2 chip. This cutting-edge silicon promises a substantial leap in processing power and graphics performance over the previous generation’s M1 chip.

With the M2’s increased capabilities, the new iPad Air models are better equipped to handle demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking across multiple high-performance apps. Apple’s proprietary chip designs have consistently delivered impressive performance and efficiency, and the M2 looks set to raise the bar even higher.

While the camera hardware remains largely unchanged from the previous generation, with a 12MP rear camera and 12MP front-facing camera, Apple has made a notable tweak to the front camera’s positioning. It’s now centered along the long edge of the tablet when used in landscape orientation, a placement Apple has dubbed the “One True Placement.” This should result in more natural-looking video calls and selfies.

Design-wise, the new iPad Air stays true to its roots, with a sleek aluminum unibody construction available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray color options. The tablets continue to feature Touch ID integrated into the power button for secure authentication.

The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599, while the larger 13-inch model commands a $799 starting price. Both sizes come with 128GB of base storage, doubling the entry-level capacity of the previous iPad Air. Preorders are open today, with availability expected in the coming weeks.

Apple has also confirmed that the new iPad Air models are compatible with existing Magic Keyboard accessories designed for the iPad Pro, providing a consistent typing and trackpad experience across its high-end tablet lineup.

With this refresh, Apple appears to be streamlining its iPad portfolio, positioning the iPad Air as a more affordable alternative to the premium iPad Pro lineup for those seeking top-tier performance without the Pro’s advanced features and associated cost.

The introduction of a larger 13-inch model gives consumers seeking expansive screen real estate a new option beyond the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which remains the flagship for creative professionals and power users.