Apple Lowers Tech Specs of iPad Air (2024); Reveals M2 Chip with 9-Core GPU Configuration
iPad Air (2024) Updates Technical Specifications with New GPU Details
Following its debut at the ‘Let Loose’ event on May 7, Apple has quietly adjusted the technical specifications of the iPad Air (2024), revealing a notable downgrade in its GPU configuration. Initially showcased with the powerful M2 SoC, the tablet now features a 9-core GPU instead of the previously advertised 10-core variant. While other core specifications such as the CPU and Neural Engine remain unchanged, this adjustment marks a significant revision in the device’s graphical processing capabilities.
The updated specifications page on Apple’s website clarifies that both the 10.9-inch and 13-inch variants of the iPad Air (2024) are equipped with the M2 chip, comprising an 8-core CPU, 16-core Neural Engine, and 8GB of RAM. Previously, Apple had highlighted a 10-core GPU for enhanced graphical performance, but this has now been revised to a 9-core configuration.
Reports from 9to5Mac suggest that this adjustment represents Apple’s first instance of offering a device powered by a 9-core GPU. Speculation also surrounds the possibility that this GPU iteration may represent a scaled-down version of the 10-core variant seen in other Apple devices, such as the MacBook Air (2022).
Apple’s decision to modify the GPU specifications of the iPad Air (2024) raises questions about its strategic approach and market positioning within its tablet lineup. While the M2 chip continues to deliver robust performance and efficiency, the adjustment in GPU cores indicates a nuanced balance between cost-effectiveness and technological capability. This approach may reflect Apple’s efforts to optimize production yields and meet demand amidst global supply chain challenges.
Despite the downgrade in GPU cores, the iPad Air (2024) remains a formidable contender in the tablet market, leveraging Apple’s signature blend of hardware and software integration to deliver seamless user experiences. The device’s introduction of the M2 chip underscores Apple’s commitment to advancing mobile computing capabilities, even as it navigates evolving consumer expectations and competitive pressures.
As consumers and industry analysts await hands-on reviews and performance benchmarks, the revised specifications of the iPad Air (2024) prompt a closer examination of Apple’s product strategy and the implications for future device iterations. Stay tuned for further updates as Apple continues to innovate and refine its offerings in the dynamic landscape of mobile technology.
iPad Air (2024) price in India starts at Rs. 59,900 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi variant with 128GB storage, whereas the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant is priced at Rs. 79,990. On the other hand, the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular variants of the 13.9-inch iPad Air model are priced at Rs. 74,900 and Rs. 94,900, respectively.