The new 11-inch iPad Air (2024) lacks the 120Hz ProMotion screen, which significantly detracts from its appeal compared to the iPad Pro. Despite minor improvements in smoothness due to the M2 processor, the 60Hz refresh rate remains a major drawback, making the iPad Air feel less premium. The author argues that Apple should have included the ProMotion screen in the iPad Air to justify its price and position in the lineup.
Apple is reportedly preparing to release new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in early May, featuring OLED displays, slimmer designs, and M3 processors. The 12.9-inch Pro model may see a price increase due to the more expensive display technology, while a new 12.9-inch iPad Air with an M2 processor is expected to be offered at a lower price. Additionally, a refreshed Magic Keyboard lineup and a new Apple Pencil model with additional sensors and haptic feedback are anticipated.
The new Mac Studio with M2 processor is the second-fastest Mac in the Apple product catalog, topped only by the new Mac Pro. It is the best purchase for nearly everyone with extensive performance needs and the budget to match. The Mac Studio is a spec-bump, rather than an overhauled device, with the same external appearance as the 2022 model. The M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips inside the aluminum casing provide a significant upgrade in performance, memory bandwidth, and display support. The Mac Studio is recommended for the most demanding users, and the Mac Pro is a stop-gap for something better in the future.
Apple unveiled a new addition to the MacBook Air family at WWDC 2023, featuring a 15.3-inch display and powered by an M2 processor. The laptop is 11.5mm thin, weighs three pounds, and has the same MagSafe port and two Thunderbolt ports as the 2022 Air. It also includes a headphone jack and up to 2TB of storage and 24GB of RAM. The battery lasts around 18 hours. The new MacBook Air starts at $1,299 and is available for pre-order on Apple's website.
Apple is expected to announce several new MacBooks at the upcoming WWDC event, with at least some of them running on M2 processors. The highly anticipated 15-inch MacBook Air, which has been rumored for months, is likely to be one of the new laptops. However, there could also be a refresh of the current M2 MacBook Air or 13-inch MacBook Pro. Specific details on the new laptops are still unknown.
