iPad Air 6 Rumored to Launch in October as Only iPad Refresh of 2023

[Allen_Wentz]

this seems like an update for nothing more than principal like what could it possibly do better that the Air 5 with the limitation set my iPadOS itself can’t do

How can you make such statements without first seeing the new device? Just adding WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 would be a big deal to me. It probably will have an improved display, and could weigh less or cost less, either of which would be huge.

We need to see it first. My expectation is that the updates will be worthwhile.

 

[contacos]

How can you make such statements without first seeing the new device? Just adding WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 would be a big deal to me. It probably will have an improved display, and could weigh less or cost less, either of which would be huge.

We need to see it first. My expectation is that the updates will be worthwhile.

As an „average“ non Pro users I don’t even know what that means 😅 I just need „Bluetooth“ or my Internet to work

 

[Rigby]

I hope we'll see some good deals on the Air 5 when the 6 is announced. I'm still rocking an Air 3, but it has the bright spot syndrome and I want USB-C. Air 5 would be plenty for what I need.

 

[ghanwani]

So no iPad update on Tuesday?

 

[Allen_Wentz]

The new Air sounds like the 5th gen M1 air will be the better choice if you can find a discounted one. (Assuming no screen upgrade or more ram etc)
M2 anything (MBP, Air, mini etc) has been a non event - faster yes, but not noticeable in the slightest for many work loads. M3 will be the same. Especially for a consumption device like the Air.
M1 is still super fast. Even my current gen mini iPad feels fast at everything I use it for and that probably has an ancient A series chip in it.

How can you make silly statements like "...M1 air will be the better choice" without seeing the new Air? Just WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 alone will totally justify a new Air. And other things like display improvement, etc. may also happen.

 

[StoneJack]

Well we ll know in a week

 

[Allen_Wentz]

They need to stop being stingy and just add Face ID to the Air. I’m clinging onto my 2018 Pro for dear life but have no intention of buying another Pro model. The iPad Pro only works as a ‘computer’ for Artists and Graphic Designers. The Mac is a better solution for me for any ‘serious’ work.

Honestly does anyone upgrade regularly on ipads? I have the first ipad pro that we use for my flight department and it still does everything. I don't know the year of it. What's better about these? Seems like most people don't do anything to justify the new crazy power or anything.

I am upgrading in the next few months - - from a v1 iPad Air; before that it was from a v1 iPad. So I guess we agree.

 

[muzzy996]

How can you make silly statements like "...M1 air will be the better choice" without seeing the new Air? Just WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 alone will totally justify a new Air. And other things like display improvement, etc. may also happen.

Sure, take that part of their post completely out of context and call it silly. I consider all of our opinions on the value of certain feature differences between models to be subjective, even your own. So while personally I cannot currently relate to the vast improvement that you seem to value in jumping to WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 I don’t think your assessment of the value of such upgrades is silly. (Edit: And yes I am acutely aware of the performance improvements that such upgrades in WiFi and Bluetooth CAN bring).

As they said, if the bump in specs isn’t significant enough for some people then a discounted Air 5 may be of better value to those people. This is a true statement that need not apply universally to everyone.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

As an „average“ non Pro users I don’t even know what that means 😅 I just need „Bluetooth“ or my Internet to work

That is the point. Your Bluetooth and internet are more likely to just work in more locations with devices that have been upgraded to WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Especially as time goes on and WiFi networks evolve.

Basically everyone, but especially those folks who are not into the geekiness of it all, should never buy old versions except for really good discounts. By definition older versions have shorter life cycles, plus they lack engineering upgrades that few us will ever be fully aware of.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Sure, take that part of their post completely out of context and call it silly. I consider all of our opinions on the value of certain feature differences between models to be subjective, even your own. So while personally I cannot currently relate to the vast improvement that you seem to value in jumping to WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 I don’t think your assessment of the value of such upgrades is silly. (Edit: And yes I am acutely aware of the performance improvements that such upgrades in WiFi and Bluetooth CAN bring).

As they said, if the bump in specs isn’t significant enough for some people then a discounted Air 5 may be of better value to those people. This is a true statement that need not apply universally to everyone.

What made the statement silly was claiming that the "...M1 air will be the better choice" without even seeing what a new Air might be.

Sure a large discount may make an older version attractive despite the shorter life cycle, but without seeing the size of the discount suggesting that the old version will be a better choice is wrong-headed thinking. Since tech is always advancing, older tech needs solid discounts to be justifiable.

 

[FasterQuieter]

Seems like it would be sensible for segmentation to keep this on the M1. Unless they move it back to A-Series chips.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

That is the point. Your Bluetooth and internet are more likely to just work in more locations with devices that have been upgraded to WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Especially as time goes on and WiFi networks evolve.

I just upgraded this year to Wi-Fi 6. I don't know anyone with 6e, or that even has 6e on their radar.

 

[yabeweb]

I wasn't able to fill my 32gb 11 gen iPad that I just gave away.

The iPhone is a different story.

I can barely fit in 256,but it is my main device, thankfully i can use external drivers for my work stuff.

 

[DavidMalcolm]

Apple tends to follow patterns. The Air and Pro tend to follow an 18 month upgrade cycle alternating spring and fall. So it would make sense that the iPad Air would be upgraded this fall. And then I suspect the Pro will get an upgrade next fall.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple phased out the 9th gen iPad and made the 10th gen the base iPad at a lower price. Though I also wouldn’t be surprised if they spec bumped both and branded the 9th gen as the iPad SE. heck they could even rebrand the iPad Air to just iPad at that point. But I suspect they like the Air branding.

 

[Rigby]

That is the point. Your Bluetooth and internet are more likely to just work in more locations with devices that have been upgraded to WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Especially as time goes on and WiFi networks evolve.

It is highly unlikely that you will see any public Wifi networks that only operate in the 6 GHz band in the next decade or so (maybe never, because that band isn't very good for range and wall penetration). And the vast majority of public hotspots today still support 802.11b/g, which are over 20 year old standards.

 

[arefbe]

I think the Air in an excellent value for performance.

I agree. Especially when it was $100 off, like it was at Best Buy last week....

 

[Tagbert]

I don't know if Air anymore serves a purpose other than as a price gap filler.

If you configure it to the same 256gb storage as the 11” pro, the Air is $749 and the Pro is $799. For only $50 difference you get a better screen on the Pro. The Air only makes sense in the base configuration.

Edit: As @Jeo_cz pointed out, the Pro 256gb is $899 so the difference is $150. That makes is a little harder to choose between them. They are just on close together in the product line.

 

[headlessmike]

Titanium is harder so it can be made much thinner than Aluminium and therefore lighter.

It’s stronger at the same volume, but i don’t think that’s the case anymore if you make it so much thinner that it weighs significantly less than aluminum. In addition, some aluminum alloys rival titanium in hardness. I don’t know what alloy Apple uses for the iPads. I do remember reading they already use stronger alloys for the Pros.

If you look in the outdoor space it's always titanium for ultra light gadgets and not aluminium.

It depends a lot on the alloys used. Some aluminum alloys are stronger than some titanium alloys. The strongest titanium alloys are about twice as strong as the strongest aluminum alloys, while weighing 60% or so more. In terms of strength per weight, at best that means we could see a 20% reduction in weight (only counting the metal case, not the total device). In practice that would probably be smaller. Steel alloys are often stronger than any titanium alloy, but has a significant weight penalty. There's nothing overly special about titanium, it's just a good middle ground between aluminum and steel in terms of weight and strength, but one that is highly marketable.

 

[Gengar]

I was hoping for a new iPad mini.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I just upgraded this year to Wi-Fi 6. I don't know anyone with 6e, or that even has 6e on their radar.

1) Everyone buying M2 (and some M1) have WiFi 6E.

2) New routers are evolving to 6E. Some are in place already, and anyone buying a new device should be planning to take advantage of 6E during the life cycle of the new device. Read up on it, it is useful tech.

3) You now know someone on 6E, me. ;~)

 

[Jeo_cz]

If you configure it to the same 256gb storage as the 11” pro, the Air is $749 and the Pro is $799. For only $50 difference you get a better screen on the Pro. The Air only makes sense in the base configuration.

256 GB Pro is $899.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

It is highly unlikely that you will see any public Wifi networks that only operate in the 6 GHz band in the next decade or so (maybe never, because that band isn't very good for range and wall penetration). And the vast majority of public hotspots today still support 802.11b/g, which are over 20 year old standards.

It is misleading to say "...highly unlikely that you will see any public Wifi networks that only operate in the 6 GHz band," etc. because 6E adds capability without reducing the existing capability of 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands. So it is not about only 6-GHz.
E.g. per Intel:
This gives Wi-Fi 6E devices the advantage and ability to experience gigabit speeds more easily. Wi-Fi 6 devices will not be able to take advantage of the benefits of the 6 GHz spectrum used by Wi-Fi 6E. [emphasis mine]

Starbucks, hotels, airports, etc. that are frequently WiFi-congested will benefit from WiFi 6E routers, but only those users with 6E devices will be able to benefit.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

The M1 is already overkill for the air. The M2 won’t add too much, and I can’t see them changing the design.

My wife uses the Air to write notes on a powerpoint. I'm pretty sure that's the sort of thing that the A4 SoC could do.

 

[Alex.ne]

I don’t think so, because it clashes with Pencil 2 charging. That's why the iPad 10 is still on the Pencil 1 despite having no lightning port to charge it.

If you take a look at disassembled ipad 10, you will see it has tons of empty space, even where apple pencil 2 charger could be fitted too. It is pure marketing.

 

[DarthDon]

I rather think, Upgrades will come to Mac Pro, IMac, MBA 13, maybe Mac mini. If iPad, them mini and Air. Maybe for some Headsets. If IMac, than with new Keyboard and Touchpad or mouse.