In case you didn't hear, Apple has released a brand new iPad Air model (finally) with an upgraded M2 chip, and the even better news is that it's actually pretty affordable, at least we think so, compared with the 2022 iPad Air 5 series. You can get the iPad Air (M2, 2024) model directly from Apple, and there are now two sizes to choose from this time around.
Let's talk prices. The usual 11-inch iPad Air model with 128GB of storage has a starting price of $599 / £599, and the larger 13-inch model can be had for $799 / £749. In comparison, the original retail price for the previous iPad Air 5th generation (11-inch) model started at $599 / £569. We think this is an excellent upgrade for near-to-no extra cost than its predecessor.
The best iPad Air (M2, 2024) prices
Make what you will of the iPad Air specs above, but given the price, we think that these new models are a steal for creatives looking for a capable workstation without the need for pro-level power. The 13-inch display option is a great choice for creatives who like to stream content, and the advanced power for supporting AI tasks and boosted Wi-Fi is never a bad thing, not to mention support for the newly announced Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil USB-C too.
We don't often recommend that our readers dive straight into buying the latest Apple products, but in this case, it might be a no-brainer. Unless of course, you're hoping to save some money on the previous iPad Air generations – which have already taken a price cut at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. See our dedicated guide to the best iPad Air 5 prices for all the details on these deals.
From what we can gather without having actually reviewed the latest iPad Air yet, it seems that the M2 chip will be useful for any performance-heavy tasks, offering 50% faster performance than the M1 thanks to an upgraded CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine. There's also the new landscape 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, which has changed its position to feel more natural for video calls.
As a creative, you might be tempted by these exciting specs and features, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you need them. It's our job to help you find the best value for money when shopping for a new iPad that can still meet your work and lifestyle requirements. With that said, these are the best prices right now on the latest iPad Air models, but don't forget there's the option to shop for refurbished Apple tech too if you're looking for a top deal.
FAQS
Should I get the 11-inch or 13-inch model?
This is entirely up to you, but we advise that you go for the bigger display if you plan on using your new iPad Air as a drawing tablet or for other creative brief work. Sure, it's only a 2-inch difference, but you might kick yourself later if you don't invest in a larger surface area to work with.
With that said, if you plan to use your new iPad Air mainly for admin work, browsing the web, or keeping notes – then you can save yourself some money by opting for the 11-inch model instead if it's not truly essential for your work/life responsibilities.
