Depending on what you’re looking to use it for, this may be your next invaluable tool for work, creativity, and play. Here’s our review of the iPad Air 6.
It’s been over 10 years since Apple introduced the iPad Air, a lighter and more advanced alternative to the base iPad, at least that was the case when it was released. Six generations later, the iPad Air has now become the go-to for a good mid-range iPad: a tablet that’s still powerful but not as expensive as the more advanced iPad Pro. While the advances are incremental, which is the case for most devices nowadays anyway, the 6th-gen iPad Air remains the best value for your buck if you’re considering buying one of Apple’s tablets.
[Hero image: Apple]
The iPad Pro gives you the best bang for your buck. Here’s our review.
Released about a week ago here in Thailand, the latest iteration of the iPad Air was announced in Apple’s Keynote earlier this month. For fans of this specific version of the iPad, it’s been quite a wait: the last iPad Air was released all the way back in 2022. The keynote unveiled a number of new things for the iPad Air 6, like a new 13-inch model and its compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro. But what makes it such a great buy for those looking to get an iPad?
When Size Matters
For years, the 13-inch model was exclusively for the iPad Pro, meaning buyers who wanted more screen real estate would have to buy the more expensive Pro. But now the iPad Air comes in a 13-inch model. Some might say that it negates the Air’s portability and lightweightedness but it does nothing of the sort. The 13-inch iPad Air is easy to carry and not at all bulky while giving you extra room to work on.
The bigger screen is definitely a welcome change for artists of different disciplines who use their iPad to draw, create, and edit on the fly—and it’s without sacrificing any sort of portability and with them saving a few bucks. I don’t draw at all but the large screen still made it easier for me to take notes, browse the web, and enjoy watching shows on the go.
What’s interesting though is that the Air, once the lightest and thinnest of the entire iPad lineup, is no longer the “Air-iest” of them all. That honour now goes to the brand new ultra-thin iPad Pro 7.
Feeling Chippy
The iPad Air 6 comes with the M2 chip, the same chip that came with the previous iPad Pro model albeit one GPU less. This means that this iPad Air is completely capable of doing what the 6th-gen iPad Pro could. Editing videos was a breeze and bouncing between apps with Stage Manager combined with the bigger screen was seamless. On top of that, games still look incredible. Granted, the Air only has a Liquid Retina Display compared to the last-gen Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR Display or the new Pro’s Ultra Retina XDR Display and the difference is noticeable but not too much that I considered it a loss.
The one thing I wished the iPad Air could finally get is Face ID. There’s no doubt that the M2 chip and the Air’s hardware are capable of doing that. But it seems that unless the iPad Pro implements a new way to be unlocked, Face ID will be kept from the Air.
Pencil Goes Pro
One of the other big changes for the iPad Air is actually not found in its software or hardware but in one of its compatible accessories: the brand new Apple Pencil Pro can be used on the iPad Air 6. The new haptics and the squeeze function to bring out the tools are all great but it’s actually the gyroscope which allows you to “barrel roll” that makes it a worthwhile upgrade from its predecessors. Note-takers won’t think much of it; those who draw, however, will be thankful for the ability to be able to do the gesture with such accuracy when painting or brushing.
To Buy or Not to Buy?
The iPad Air gives you the best value for your money because it gives you better features than the base iPad with a chip that was on the last-gen Pro while still not being as expensive as the Pro. However, the question of whether you should buy one for yourself or not depends on what you’re going to use it for and whether you’re upgrading or coming in as an iPad newbie.
Those who are seeking to upgrade from the last-gen Air will probably find the 13-inch model and the Pencil Pro compatibility the most enticing features of this new iPad Air 6. But it really comes down to what you’re going to use it for. Artists making content will find the iPad Air incredibly useful and powerful, especially paired with the Pencil Pro. It’s a great companion for professionals to do work on the go. You can even pair a controller to it to get some gaming in.
Whatever the case, you get your money’s worth if you decide to buy the iPad Air 6. Some may not be too swayed to upgrade because they’re still on the last gen, but the 13-inch model and Pencil Pro could weaken their resolve. And with WWDC24 just around the corner, who knows what other upgrades are coming to iPad that could only be available on the Air and Pro?
The iPad Air 6 is priced starting at THB 23,900. Visit Apple’s website to buy it.
