I love my 12.9” iPad Pro.
The thing’s a beast—I’ve used it for coding, writing, brainstorming, drawing, homework, studying, and so much more.
It’s definitely overkill. No doubt about that.
But if you want a 12.9” screen you only have one option. This is going to change. Very, very soon.
What are you talking about?
The 12.9” iPad Air.
Everyone’s going crazy. Forbes, MacRumors, tom’s guide, MacRumors (again), and AppleInsider have written articles about it in the past 24 hours (at the time of writing).
I’m going crazy too. That’s why you’re reading this article.
I think the 12.9” iPad Air could be the next big thing.
My 12.9” iPad Pro is awesome. But I don’t need:
a fancy high-refresh screen
an unbelievably powerful chip
the extraordinarily high price
Yes, touch ID will suck. But if it means I get to put some extra money towards my crypto lottery tickets, so be it.
What do we know about it?
A lot. Most of it is probably wrong, but it’s fun to dream.
Here’s what I’ve found:
1. It will be 12.9 inches. Obviously.
2. It may have a mini-LED display.
This is a continuation of Apple’s trend of taking old iPad Pro tech and dumping it on the Air.
The iPad Pros are expected to switch to OLED displays sometime soon. That means Apple will suddenly have a ton of mini-LED displays on its hands. Only makes sense if this goes to building a new flashy iPad Air.
3. A new chip
Everyone thinks the iPad Air will get a new chip.
Some people think it will get the M3 chip. I think they’re stupid (I sincerely hope Apple doesn't make me regret saying this).
My guess is that it will get the M2, while the iPad Pros get upgraded with the M3 chip.
4. The camera might be moved.
I pray that this happens. I don’t want any more Zoom calls where I look like I’m playing Subway Surfers on the side.
If it happens, the camera will be at the top when the iPad is in a landscape position. If you use a keyboard, this will be pretty helpful.
I honestly doubt this will happen. But who knows? It would be pretty cool.
Other than the display, pretty lackluster. But hey, the 12.9” screen is more than enough.
How much lighter will my wallet feel?
My guess is $799.
If it goes any higher, I think it’ll start cutting into the iPad Pro market. And Apple obviously wants people to buy the Pro ($$$).
When will it come out?
Lol.
People have been trying to guess this for months. First they said March. Then they said April. Now they say May.
At that rate, it’s not going to come out until next year.
I definitely think it will come out soon. The last iPad Air was released in March 2022 (that was before Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars).
How soon? Absolutely no idea.
What do you think?
I’m hyped.
My dream iPad has always been a 12.9” iPad Air. And it’s almost here.
Final Thoughts
You’re awesome. Thanks for supporting the newsletter :)
—Adi
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