New Apple iPad Air is shipping now: Prices, specs and more
Apple’s latest iPad, the iPad Air, is now shipping. Should you consider upgrading your tablet right now? Here’s what to know.
Although the new eighth-generation iPad’s base price is $329 for the 32GB model, the iPad Air starts at a substantially higher price point: $599 for 64GB. However, that still beats the iPad Pro, which starts at $799 for the 128GB model. Education pricing is also available on the iPad Air for qualifying students and teachers, dropping the price to $549. For those looking for more robust storage, the 256GB option starts at $749.
Whether you’re working, streaming or studying from home, this next-generation iPad Air may be worth the investment. At just one pound, the sleek design gives a lightweight feel without compromising on power. With a reported 40-percent boost in CPU performance and new 4-core graphics architecture, Apple is boasting there’s also a 30-percent improvement in graphics. These improvements from the last generation might be worthwhile for those considering the iPad Pro but aren't committed to spending more. A 28.6‐watt‐hour rechargeable battery also gives users up to ten hours of streaming while on Wi‐Fi. “I don’t really see a huge difference between the performance of it and the A12 Bionic in the regular iPad for apps and games,” CNBC’s Todd Haselton noted in his review, “but I think developers will start to take more advantage of it and we’ll see more impressive games in the coming years.”
Setting the new iPad Air’s pricing and use cases aside, let’s take a look at its insides (and outside):
The iPad Air is now available at Apple. After choosing your colorway, you can opt tick between 64GB and 256GB (note that the price jumps for the latter) as well as standard or cellular-capable models.
For those who are upgrading their current iPads, Apple Trade encourages shoppers to recycle eligible devices for credit towards their new purchase or an Apple gift card. With a qualifying trade-in, an iPad mini can get up to $175 while an iPad Pro can get up to $500. For a limited time,
Apple is also offering shoppers one free year of Apple TV+ with the purchase of an iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, Mac, or iPod touch.
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