After months of anticipation and speculation, Apple has finally lifted the veil on its next-generation iPad Air and iPad Pro. The Cupertino tech giant’s refreshed tablet lineup boasts an array of compelling upgrades, from blazing-fast M4 chip to vibrant OLED displays. The preorders kicked off yesterday, May 7th, 2024.

Apple’s latest iPad Pro beats the all-new M4 chip, a powerhouse that promises to deliver a staggering 50 percent boost in CPU performance compared to its predecessor, the M2. But raw speed isn’t the only trick up this chip’s sleeve – it also features a 10-core GPU capable of supporting cutting-edge technologies like mesh shading and ray tracing, technologies that were once the exclusive domain of high-end gaming PCs and workstations.

The most remarkable upgrade in the new iPad Pro is the display department. Apple has made a bold decision to replace LCD with OLED panels, which is great news for creative professionals and media enthusiasts. This change is expected to bring an entirely new level of vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast, taking the tablet’s visual experience to astonishing new heights.

But the improvements don’t stop there. The new iPad Pro also boasts enhanced rear cameras, promising to elevate the tablet’s photography and videography capabilities. And in a nod to the growing importance of video conferencing, Apple has repositioned the front-facing FaceID camera to the horizontal edge, ensuring a more natural and less awkward video call experience.

Not to be overshadowed, the new iPad Air has received its own impressive upgrades. For the first time, Apple is offering the iPad Air in two sizes – 11 inches and 13 inches – catering to users who crave a larger canvas without the premium price tag of the Pro models. Powered by Apple’s M2 chip and featuring a vibrant Liquid Retina XDR display, the new iPad Air promises a perfect balance of performance and affordability.

Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air now support the all-new Apple Pencil Pro, a significant upgrade over its predecessor. This sleek stylus boasts a built-in Find My feature, a gyroscope sensor, and a squeeze gesture with haptic feedback, further enhancing the tablet’s creative capabilities.

For those seeking the ultimate productivity powerhouse, Apple has also unveiled a refreshed Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro. This premium accessory now features a dedicated function row and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback, promising to elevate the tablet’s multitasking and productivity potential to new heights.

As the preorder frenzy begins, Apple’s retail partners are gearing up to meet the anticipated demand.

New iPad Air/Pro pricing

• iPad Air: Prices start at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model.
• iPad Pro: Prices start at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model.

New iPad Air/Pro accessories

• Apple Pencil Pro (compatible with M4 iPad Pro/M2 iPad Air): $129 at Apple / Amazon / Best Buy / B&H Photo / Target
• Apple Magic Keyboard for M4 iPad Pro (11-inch): $299 at Apple / Amazon / Best Buy / B&H Photo / Target
• Apple Magic Keyboard for M4 iPad Pro (13-inch): $349 at Apple / Amazon / Best Buy / B&H Photo / Target

Where to preorder the new iPad Air/Pro

• iPad Air (11-inch): Available for preorder from Apple and major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Target.
• iPad Air (13-inch): Preorders can be made through Apple and major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Target.
• iPad Pro (11-inch): Available for preorder from Apple and major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Target.
• iPad Pro (13-inch): Preorders can be made through Apple and major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Target.

Both models offer various storage and connectivity options, with color choices including blue, purple, starlight, and space gray for the iPad Air, while the iPad Pro is available in silver and space black. Customers can also opt for nano-textured glass (1TB/2TB only) on iPad Pro for improved screen performance in brighter conditions.

Disclaimer: Prices and promotions mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change based on the retailers’ discretion. Please verify the current offer before making a purchase.