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Leaked Renders Reveal Apple’s Upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Air Design

ByJim Miller

Apple is planning to release a new 12.9-inch iPad Air model, marking the company's first iPad Air with a 12.9-inch screen, according to exclusive CAD renders obtained by 91mobiles. The larger iPad Air will feature a refreshed design while retaining the slim, all-screen form of current models.

The 12.9-inch display on the new iPad Air will match the screen size of the pricier iPad Pro. However, unlike the iPad Pro's high-end mini-LED panel, the iPad Air is expected to use a less advanced LCD screen.

12.9-inch iPad Air Render Leak
12.9-inch iPad Air Render Leak
12.9-inch iPad Air Render Leak
12.9-inch iPad Air Render Leak
12.9-inch iPad Air Render Leak
12.9-inch iPad Air Render Leak
12.9-inch iPad Air Render Leak
12.9-inch iPad Air Render Leak
12.9-inch iPad Air Render Leak
12.9-inch iPad Air Render Leak

The leaked CAD renders provide an early look at the tablet's design. The new iPad Air keeps the flat edges and lack of home button seen in recent models. The top-mounted Touch ID sensor, speaker grilles, side switch, and USB-C port also remain unchanged.

However, the back camera setup sees a redesign. Instead of a single, naked lens, the new iPad Air will feature a camera bump with rounded edges housing the lens and LED flash. The pill-shaped rear camera resembles those on older iPhones like the iPhone X.

In addition to the visual changes, the 2024 iPad Air should deliver a performance boost with Apple's M2 chip. The M2 debuted last year on the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro and represents a step up from the M1 chip in current iPad Airs.

The combination of the fast M2, 12.9-inch screen, and updated design could make the new iPad Air an appealing alternative for those who want Pro-level features without the Pro-level price tag.

Details remain scarce, but rumors point to a potential release in the first half of 2024. One report claims production on the 12.9-inch iPad Air will start soon, allowing for a launch as early as March.

The timing would make sense, as Apple broke its yearly iPad release pattern in 2023. Last year marked the first time since 2010 that Apple didn't introduce any new iPad models.

In fact, 2024 could see Apple update its entire iPad lineup. The company is rumored to be planning a new basic iPad, iPad Pro, and now a larger iPad Air.

The new iPad Air will rank among the most exciting releases given its increased screen size and power. For customers wanting more screen real estate without stepping up to the iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch iPad Air could hit the sweet spot.

Stay tuned for more details on Apple's iPad plans as 2024 unfolds. The revamped iPad Air should surface within the next couple of months if reports of an early launch prove accurate.

Original Source: https://www.91mobiles.com/hub/exclusive-12-9-inch-ipad-air-design-revealed-fresh-renders/

– Jim Miller