Highlights

• Apple launches a new 13-inch iPad Air alongside the traditional 11-inch model.
• 30% more screen real estate in the 13-inch model enhances productivity and multitasking.
• Larger display ideal for creative tasks, video conferencing, and exploring new ideas.
• Apple addresses user preferences for larger screens without the complexity of the iPad Pro.

For the first time, Apple has announced two different size variants for its popular iPad Air lineup.

Besides the usual 11-inch model, there’s now a larger 13-inch variant of the iPad Air available.

Apple says that this new bigger size was introduced because several users prefer having a larger screen on their iPad.

“The larger display gives users more space to express their ideas in apps like Freeform, or to see more participants in a video call on Zoom,” Kuna said. “It also provides more space to view multiple apps using Split View in iPadOS. And both displays have the same advanced features. So all your content looks absolutely gorgeous.”

“So it’s perfect for connecting with friends and family over FaceTime,” Kuna said. “Or joining a video conference while using a keyboard.”
The new Air also features “landscape stereo speakers with Spatial Audio, so it sounds great,” Kuna added.

“Under the hood, the new Air supports Apple Pencil hover for greater precision, letting you preview your mark before you make it,” Kuna noted.

“So many users — from students, to content creators, to small businesses, and more — love iPad Air for its performance, portability, and versatility, all at an affordable price. Today, iPad Air gets even better,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing, in a statement.

“We’re so excited to introduce the redesigned 11-inch and all-new 13-inch iPad Air, offering two sizes for the first time. With its combination of a brilliant Liquid Retina display, the phenomenal performance of the M2 chip, incredible AI capabilities, and its colorful, portable design with support for new accessories, iPad Air is more powerful and versatile than ever.”

The Need For a Bigger iPad Air

As mentioned during the launch event on May 7, where Apple announced the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, the company pointed out why a 13-inch iPad Air has been made available.

According to Melody Kuna, Apple’s iPad Product Design Director, while users like the portability and ease of use associated with the 11-inch iPad Air and quick tasks such as writing down notes, there’s a huge demand for a bigger screen as well.

Kuna mentioned that about half of the iPad Pro users prefer the larger screen size, pointing out that there is a desire for more screen real estate amongst iPad users.

This led Apple to issue a 13-inch variant of the iPad Air, offering users a bit more choice when it comes to display size.

What’s Different: 11-inch vs 13-inch

The 13-inch iPad Air features 30% more screen real estate compared to the 11-inch variant.

Apple says that a larger display is helpful for several use cases—from unleashing creativity to exploring new ideas and even having more pleasant video conferencing sessions since you’ll be able to see more participants at the same time.

The larger display in the 13-inch iPad Air also allows for more room for multitasking and using multiple apps side by side with the Split View feature, making productivity even better.

Just as some smartphone users like small ones while others prefer larger ones, Apple knows preferences differ when it comes to the size of a tablet.

In adding the 13-inch iPad Air, Apple’s trying to meet the needs of users who want a larger screen without needing the features and ability of the iPad Pro.

With both the compact and portable 11-inch iPad Air and the larger 13-inch model, users have the flexibility to choose the one that suits their specific needs and preferences.

FAQs

Why did Apple decide to introduce a 13-inch iPad Air?

Apple unveiled the 13-inch iPad Air to cater to user demand for larger screens, as evidenced by the preference among iPad Pro users for bigger displays, enhancing their experience for multitasking and media consumption.

What are the benefits of the 13-inch iPad Air over the 11-inch model?

The 13-inch iPad Air offers 30% more screen space, making it better suited for tasks that benefit from a larger display, such as drawing, note-taking, and video calls with multiple participants.

How does the 13-inch iPad Air improve multitasking?

With its larger screen, the 13-inch iPad Air allows users to comfortably use multiple apps side by side with the Split View feature, significantly boosting productivity.

Who is the target audience for the new 13-inch iPad Air?

The 13-inch iPad Air targets users who desire a larger display for enhanced visual workspace but do not require the high-end performance or features of the iPad Pro.

What are the key differences between the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models?

Besides the obvious size difference, the 13-inch iPad Air provides more screen area which supports better multitasking and a more immersive experience for creative and professional tasks compared to the more compact 11-inch version.

Also Read: iPad Pro (2024): Design, Processor, Cameras, Display, and, What To Expect

Also Read: iPad Pro Series Surpasses iPhone in Latest Antutu Benchmark Scores