Apple Announces 5 New iPad Models at “Let-Loose” Event

Apple just announced a whole bunch of new iPads on May 7th, 2024!  If you’re an iPad user, this is a pretty exciting time.  There are a total of 5 new iPads coming out, which means there’s a good chance there’s one that’s perfect for you, no matter what you use your tablet for.  But with so many options, you might be wondering what the big differences are and if it’s actually time to upgrade your current iPad.

Let’s dive into all the details about the new iPads, from the super powerful iPad Pro all the way to the budget-friendly regular iPad. Whether you’re already an iPad fan or just curious about these new devices, let’s get started and see what Apple’s got cooking in the iPad world!

There are 5 total, so you might be wondering if it’s time to ditch your old one. Let’s see what each iPad is all about:

iPad (ninth generation)

The iPad (ninth generation), which is still a great option for many users, actually isn’t part of the new lineup Apple just announced in May 2024. It was released earlier and will likely remain available for purchase alongside the new models.

Here’s a quick rundown of the 9th-generation iPad:

• Size and Display: 10.2-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels.

• Processor: A13 Bionic chip, which is still powerful enough for everyday tasks.

• Storage: Comes in 64GB and 256GB storage options.

• Camera: 8MP rear camera and 12MP ultrawide front camera with Center Stage for improved video calls.

• Battery Life: Apple claims all-day battery life, which is great for students or casual users who need their tablet to last throughout the day.

• Price: Generally considered the most budget-friendly option in the iPad lineup.

Since it’s not part of the new releases, the price of the 9th generation iPad might even see some slight reductions as retailers make space for the new models. This could be a great opportunity to snag a good deal on a still very capable tablet.

iPad (10th generation)

The 10th generation iPad is the newest iteration of the classic iPad, expected to be released soon as part of Apple’s May 2024 announcement. It’s designed to be a reliable and affordable option for everyday tasks. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:

• Size and Display: The 10th generation iPad is expected to sport a familiar 10.2-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels. 

• Processor: The biggest upgrade is likely to be the processor. The 10th generation iPad is rumoured to be equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, a significant step up from the A13 Bionic chip in the 9th generation. 

• Storage: Storage options are likely to remain the same, with 64GB and 256GB configurations available. Choose the size that best suits your needs, considering how many apps, photos, and videos you plan to store on the device.

• Camera:  While official details are yet to be confirmed, the camera setup might remain unchanged.  This means you can expect an 8MP rear camera for basic photos and a 12MP ultrawide front camera with Center Stage for improved video calls. 

• Battery Life: Apple typically boasts all-day battery life for their iPads, and the 10th generation is likely to follow suit. 

• Price: As the most budget-friendly option in the lineup, the 10th-generation iPad is expected to remain attractively priced.  There’s a possibility of seeing some discounts on the 9th generation iPad as retailers make space for the new model,  so keep an eye out for potential deals.

iPad mini (sixth generation)

The iPad mini (sixth generation) might not be a revolutionary upgrade design-wise, but it’s expected to pack a punch under the hood. Here’s a closer look:

• Size and Design:  Expect the familiar, pocket-friendly form factor with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and a resolution of 2266 x 1488 pixels. It should remain lightweight and comfortable to hold in one hand, making it perfect for on-the-go use.

• Processor: This is where the excitement comes in. The mini is likely to get a significant performance boost with the A15 Bionic chip. This is the same chip that powers the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, making the mini a mini powerhouse. 

• Camera: While official details are still under wraps, the cameras might stay the same as the previous generation. This means you’ll likely get a 12MP wide rear camera for capturing decent photos and a 12MP ultrawide front camera with Center Stage for improved video calls.

• Battery Life: Apple usually promises all-day battery life for their iPads, and the mini is no exception. 

iPad Air (11-inch and 12.9-inch models)

The iPad Air (11-inch and 12.9-inch models) might be the biggest surprise in Apple’s 2024 iPad lineup. Here’s a breakdown of the rumoured features for each size:

The Classic Size: iPad Air (11-inch)

• Display: This familiar size will likely retain the beautiful 11-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels.

• Processor: Here’s where things get exciting. The 11-inch Air is expected to be powered by the powerful M2 chip, the same chip that drives the latest MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. This offers a significant performance jump compared to the previous A-series chips in the Air, making it a true multitasking machine.

• Design: No major design changes are expected. It should retain the sleek and lightweight design with slim bezels and a home button with Touch ID for fingerprint security.

• Camera: The camera system might remain the same, offering a 12MP wide rear camera for decent photos and a 12MP ultrawide front camera with Center Stage for improved video calls.

The Newcomer: iPad Air (12.9-inch)

• Display: This is the big news! Apple might be offering a brand new, larger 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display option for the iPad Air, mirroring the size of the iPad Pro. This makes the Air even more appealing for artists, designers, and anyone who wants a larger canvas for work or entertainment.

• Processor: Similar to the 11-inch model, the 12.9-inch Air is also rumoured to be equipped with the M2 chip, providing excellent performance for demanding tasks.

• Design: Expect a design similar to the 11-inch Air, but scaled up to accommodate the larger display. This could mean a slightly heavier device, but still offering good portability compared to the iPad Pro.

• Camera: Just like the 11-inch model, the camera system on the 12.9-inch Air might remain unchanged.

The choice between the 11-inch and 12.9-inch Air depends on your preference for portability and screen size. If portability is key, the 11-inch remains a great option. But if you prioritise a larger workspace for creative tasks or multitasking, the rumoured 12.9-inch Air might be the perfect fit.

iPad Pro (11-inch and 12.9-inch models)

Apple’s reign continues in the world of powerful tablets with the announcement of the latest iPad Pro in both 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes.  These are the top-of-the-line iPads with best performance and features.  Let’s dive into what makes these iPad Pros so Pro!

Features in Common:

• Display: Regardless of whether you choose the 11-inch or 12.9-inch model, you’re getting a stunning Liquid Retina to display with a rumoured upgrade to OLED technology. This means richer colours, deeper blacks, and an overall incredible visual experience, perfect for tasks like photo editing, video editing, or just enjoying high-resolution movies.

• M4 Chip: The new iPad Pro is expected to be powered by Apple’s latest M4 chip. This powerhouse chip will deliver desktop-class performance, making the iPad Pro a beast for demanding creative workflows, complex 3D modelling, or running professional-grade apps.

• Camera: While official details are still emerging, the camera system might remain similar to previous iPad Pros. This likely means a 12MP wide rear camera for capturing decent photos and a LiDAR scanner for depth-sensing applications, along with a 12MP ultrawide front camera with Center Stage for improved video calls.

11-inch iPad Pro

The 11-inch size remains a favourite for those who crave a powerful device that’s still comfortable to hold and carry around. It’s perfect for artists who like to draw on the go, students who need a versatile device for classwork, or mobile gamers who demand top-notch performance.

12.9-inch iPad Pro

The 12.9-inch display offers a massive workspace for artists, designers, and anyone who needs a larger canvas for creative tasks. It’s also great for multitasking, allowing you to have multiple apps open side-by-side without feeling cramped. While the larger size might make it slightly less portable than the 11-inch model, it’s still designed to be carried around and used on the go.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on your current iPad and your needs.  If you have an older model with a slow processor or a cracked screen, then any of these new iPads will be a significant upgrade.  If you’re a creative professional who needs the best performance and display, the new iPad Pro is a no-brainer.  For those who crave a larger screen for multitasking but don’t want to spend top dollar, the iPad Air (especially the rumoured 12.9-inch version) might be the sweet spot.

The good news is, there’s an iPad for everyone in Apple’s 2024 lineup. Stay tuned with Oreonow for more details and official release dates!