Apple Launches iPad Air (2024), iPad Pro (2024), Pencil Pro, and More!

Apple's latest "Let Loose" event brought exciting news for iPad users in India, with the launch of the new iPad Air in 11-inch and, for the first time ever, 13-inch models. The event also saw a significant upgrade to the iPad Pro, featuring a groundbreaking M4 chip and a stunning OLED display.

iPad Air (2024) Specifications:

Apple iPad Air
Apple iPad Air (2024)
The new iPad Air boasts a larger display option with the introduction of the 13-inch model, alongside the familiar 11-inch size. Both models retain the Liquid Retina display technology, offering a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. Under the hood, the M2 chip promises a 50% performance improvement over the previous M1-powered iPad Air. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and an overall more responsive experience.
Apple iPad Air 6th Gen Features
Apple iPad Air 6th Gen Features
Photographers will appreciate the presence of a 12MP wide camera on both the front and rear of the iPad Air. Notably, the front camera has been relocated to the landscape edge, aligning with Apple's Center Stage feature that keeps users in frame during video calls.

Audio gets an upgrade as well, with both iPad Air models featuring landscape stereo speakers with Spatial Audio. The larger 13-inch model boasts double the bass for an even more immersive listening experience. Compatibility remains with the familiar Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (with hover feature), while the Touch ID fingerprint sensor is conveniently integrated into the power button.

iPad Pro (2024) Specifications:

iPad Pro (2024)
Apple iPad Pro (2024)
The star of the show might be the new iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 13-inch display sizes. The biggest highlight is the all-new Ultra Retina XDR display featuring Tandem OLED technology. This innovative display promises exceptional visuals with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits and an impressive 1,600 nits for HDR content. Apple has also introduced a nano-texture glass option for the first time on the iPad Pro, offering a matte finish that reduces glare.
Apple iPad Pro (2024) Features
Apple iPad Pro (2024) Features
Performance takes a leap forward with the M4 chip, touted to be 50% faster than the M2 found in the iPad Air. This powerhouse chip caters to demanding users who require exceptional processing power for professional tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and more. Storage options go up to a massive 2TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs. Cellular connectivity options include 5G support for ultrafast data speeds. The audio experience is further enhanced with a four-speaker system, while the inclusion of a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port allows for connecting high-speed peripherals.

Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard:

Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
The Apple Pencil Pro arrives with a new sensor that detects a user's squeeze gesture. This intuitive feature brings up a customizable tool palette for quick switching between tools, line weights, and colors. The Magic Keyboard gets a sleek redesign, featuring a thinner and lighter profile with an aluminum palm rest and a larger, more responsive trackpad.

Pricing and Availability:

The new iPad Air starts at Rs 59,900 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model with 128GB storage, while the larger 13-inch model starts at Rs 79,900 for the same storage configuration. Both Wi-Fi and cellular variants are available in a range of storage options, with the highest-end 13-inch model with 1TB storage reaching Rs 1,29,900.

The iPad Pro starts at a steeper price point, with the 11-inch Wi-Fi model with 256GB storage starting at Rs 99,900. The 13-inch model with the same storage option starts at Rs 1,29,900. Both models offer various storage options, reaching up to a hefty Rs 2,29,900 for the 13-inch model with 2TB storage.

Pre-orders for the new iPads are open now in India, with deliveries expected to begin on May 15th. The new Apple Pencil Pro is priced at Rs 11,900 and is compatible with both the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models. The Magic Keyboard comes in Black and White finishes, with the 11-inch model priced at Rs 29,900 and the 13-inch model at Rs 33,900.

Verdict:

Apple's latest iPad lineup offers significant upgrades for both casual and professional users in India. The new iPad Air caters to a wider range of users with the introduction of the 13-inch model, while the iPad Pro remains a powerhouse for demanding tasks. With the powerful M4 chip, stunning OLED displays, and improved Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, these new iPads offer a compelling combination of performance, portability, and versatility.

Recap: Apple's Let Loose Event Products:

Apple Event
  • New iPad Air: Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, featuring Liquid Retina display, M2 chip, 12MP cameras, landscape stereo speakers with Spatial Audio, Touch ID, and compatibility with Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (with hover feature). Prices start at Rs 59,900 for the 11-inch model.
  • New iPad Pro: Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, featuring Ultra Retina XDR display with Tandem OLED technology, M4 chip, 12MP cameras, four-speaker audio system, Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, and 5G cellular option. Prices start at Rs 99,900 for the 11-inch model.
  • Apple Pencil Pro: New sensor allows squeeze gesture for quick tool palette access. Compatible with new iPad Pro and Air models. Priced at Rs 11,900.
  • Magic Keyboard: Sleek redesign with thinner profile, aluminum palm rest, and larger trackpad. Available in Black and White finishes. Prices start at Rs 29,900 for the 11-inch model.
Whether you're a student, creative professional, or simply looking for a powerful and versatile tablet, Apple's new iPad lineup offers a compelling option for Indian consumers. With pre-orders open now and deliveries expected to begin mid-May, there's not much longer to wait to get your hands on these exciting new devices.