You are currently viewing You can pre-order Apple’s latest iPad Air and iPad Pro here

You can pre-order Apple’s latest iPad Air and iPad Pro here

Finally, Apple’s latest iPad Pro and iPad Air are finally officially real. Pre-orders began on May 7, with the first tablet starting at $999 and the second at $599. Both models come in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes and should arrive in stores on Wednesday, May 15.

One of the most notable changes in the Pro models is the move from LCD-based displays to OLED, which could be the killer feature for creatives. But there’s a lot more to like, such as the new M4 chip, which is said to offer 50 percent faster CPU performance than the previous model’s M2 chip, plus a new 10-core GPU that supports mesh shading and tracking of rays. The new iPad Pro also gets a slight camera change, as it now only has two rear cameras (it ditches the ultrawide one from the previous model, but has improved adaptive flash). There’s also a relocated front-facing camera that’s now centered on the horizontal edge, allowing for less awkward video calls.

Meanwhile, the new iPad Air is now available in two sizes, both with Apple’s M2 processor. The new models support the Apple Pencil hold feature that was once exclusive to the M2 iPad Pro, and both include Wi-Fi 6E support. Neither size features an OLED screen, but you still get a vibrant Liquid Retina XDR display, and the 13-inch model has improved stereo speakers (in landscape orientation) that supposedly “double the bass” of the 11-inch model. You can read our iPad Pro vs. iPad Air breakdown for more in-depth details on how they differ.

As for accessories, both tablets support the new Apple Pencil Pro, which is based on the second-generation magnetic version with built-in Find My, a squeeze gesture with haptic feedback, and a gyroscope sensor. The new iPad Pros have an updated Magic Keyboard to match, now with a dedicated function row and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback. (Those who prefer the iPad Air can use them with the original Magic Keyboards, which are still available for older iPad Pro models.)

Where to pre-order the new iPad Air

The latest iPad Air will come in an 11-inch configuration and a second 13-inch configuration, making it easier for fans of the larger display size to have it without paying the iPad Pro premiums.

You can currently pre-order the 11-inch iPad Air directly from Apple and at Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H Photo. It starts at $599 for the base model with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage, but you can also upgrade to 256GB for $699, 512GB for $899, or 1TB for $1,099. You can get the 11-inch Air with 5G from $749 for the 128GB model, $849 for the 256GB, $1,049 for the 512GB, and $1,249 for the 1TB. You can get the unlocked cellular model from Apple, Best Buy, and B&H Photo.

The 13-inch iPad Air is also available for pre-order from Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and B&H Photo and starts at $799 for the 128GB / Wi-Fi model. If you need more storage, you can get it with 256GB for $899, 512GB for $1099, and 1TB for $1299. The 5G-equipped model, meanwhile, starts at $949 for 128GB, $1,049 for 256GB, $1,249 for 512GB and $1,449 for 1TB. You’ll find it at the same group of retailers: Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo.

Both sizes are available in blue, purple, star and space gray. Apple and Best Buy accept trade-ins for older models that you can apply to your order immediately. Amazon and B&H Photo also allow you to trade in devices, but you’ll have to wait until the verification process is complete before you receive credit.

$599

The latest iPad Air comes in 11- or 13-inch configurations with Apple’s M2 processor. Both models also feature a Liquid Retina display, a new horizontal front camera layout, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro.

Where to pre-order the new iPad Pro

Like the latest Air, the new iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. The 11-inch iPad Pro in its base 256GB / Wi-Fi configuration is available from Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and B&H Photo, starting at $999. You can also get it in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations for $1,199, $1,599, and $1,999, respectively. The 5G model is available at the same retailers: Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and B&H Photo. It starts at $1199 for 256GB, $1399 for 512GB, $1799 for 1TB and $2199 for 2TB.

The 13-inch iPad Pro is the same device, only bigger. It’s available for pre-order through Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and B&H Photo, starting at $1,299 for the 256GB / Wi-Fi model, $1,499 for the 512GB, $1,899 for the 1TB, and $2,299 for the 2TB. If you want to add 5G connectivity, the corresponding prices are $1,499, $1,699, $2,099, and $2,499 at Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo.

Both sizes are available in silver or space gray. You can trade in older models for instant credit at Apple and Best Buy, and you can also trade in devices at Amazon and B&H Photo if you don’t mind waiting for an inspection.

It’s worth noting that the 2024 iPad Pro also comes with the option to add nano-textured glass at checkout, but only if you buy the 1TB or 2TB model. For a $100 premium, the upgraded glass reduces screen reflectivity and diffuses ambient light without much impact on overall contrast and image quality, making creative work easier in brighter conditions.

Potential performance improvements are another reason you might want to consider a 1TB or higher iPad Pro. In addition to the usual RAM upgrade (you’ll get 16GB of RAM in a 1TB or 2TB model compared to 8GB in lower-storage configurations), you’ll also get a 10-core M4 chipset, while the lower levels of storage come with nine – basic version.

$999

Apple’s latest iPad Pro is Apple’s first device with an M4 processor and an OLED-based Ultra Retina XDR display. It also features an improved camera system with adaptive flash and Apple Pencil Pro compatibility.

Correction, May 8: An earlier version of this article incorrectly described the camera features of the new iPad Pro. The new model has one less rear camera; its rear cameras are not improved.

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