Apple’s Strategic Move: Streamlining iPad Lineup with iPad Air Refresh Featuring M2 Chip, According to Insider Report

Apple, having refrained from introducing new iPad models this year, is reportedly gearing up for a substantial overhaul of its popular tablet lineup in 2024. The tech giant, headquartered in Cupertino, California, is said to be diligently working on the development of new iPad Pro and iPad Air models slated for release next year. With the aim of streamlining its product offerings, Apple is also planning to simplify its current cluttered iPad lineup, which encompasses the iPad Pro, iPad Air, ninth and 10th generation regular iPad models, and the iPad mini.

According to insights shared in Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter on Bloomberg, the forthcoming iPad Pro models will undergo significant changes to clearly establish them as the premium options in Apple’s tablet portfolio. Notably, the iPad Pro is expected to feature the cutting-edge M3 chipset, signaling a step forward in performance. Additionally, the next iPad Pro is rumored to boast an OLED screen, an overhauled magic keyboard accessory, and a refreshed design, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

On the other hand, the upcoming iPad Air models are slated to be powered by the lower-tier M2 chip. While this represents a step down from the Pro model, it signifies a substantial upgrade over the 10th generation standard iPad, which currently relies on the A14 Bionic chip. Apple’s strategic move to distinguish the Pro and Air models by incorporating advanced chipsets aligns with its commitment to offering tailored experiences across its iPad lineup, catering to the varied needs and preferences of its user base.

Both the iPad Pro and iPad Air will reportedly arrive in two different screen sizes. The Air will include 10.9-inch and 12.9-inch display variants, while the Pro model will offer slightly bigger displays at 11 and 13 inches. As reported last week, both the new iPad Pro and the iPad Air are set to be introduced in March 2024.

Gurman’s reporting is in line with claims made by TF Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, last month. In a Medium post, Kuo had said that the iPad Pro would get an OLED screen and the M3 chip. He’d also said that both the new iPad Air and the iPad Pro would arrive in two display sizes.

In the latest newsletter, Gurman also says that the 10th generation iPad won’t be getting an update any time soon, and Apple will only discontinue the ninth-generation iPad when an 11th generation model is introduced. The iPad mini, too, will reportedly get an upgraded chip later down the line.

Apple is also planning on launching new MacBook Air models around March. According to the report, the new models are codenamed J613 and J615 and will be powered by the M3 chip.

Last month, it was reported that Apple plans to fit its iPad mini and iPad Air models with OLED screens in 2026. The iPad mini is also likely to get a slightly larger display compared with the existing model. The iPad mini was last updated in 2021 while the latest iPad Air model was introduced last year.