Are The iPad Air M2 (2024) Upgrades Worth It?

Choosing whether to upgrade your current tablet or buy one for the first time can be a daunting experience, especially when there seem to be multiple new options available each year with different enhancements and innovations. 

Which new specifications actually matter, and is the latest version worth the latest price tag that comes along with it?

Let’s look at the new, significant upgrades that the (2024) iPad Air M2 brings to the table(t). We'll explore, like-for-like, its enhanced performance, new display size, upgraded storage capacity, and much more. We'll answer the crucial question, "Are the iPad Air M2 (2024) upgrades worth it?".

By the end of this post, you will have a comprehensive understanding of what makes the iPad Air M2 (2024) a noteworthy update and if it's the right choice for your needs.

Related: iPad Air M2 vs iPad Pro M4: Which One Should You Buy? 

2024 iPad Air Differences

Here are the main differences between the two iPad models from 2022 and 2024.

Source: Apple

iPad Air 2024 Upgrades

As you can see, there are many more similarities than differences between the iPad Air 2022 (5th Gen) and the new iPad Air 2024. But are those differences sufficient to make or break the need for an upgrade? Let’s discuss it below.

Processor & GPU

Easily the biggest difference (upgrade) between the 5th (2022) and 6th (2024) generations of the iPad Air is the upgrade from an M1 to an M2 chipset.

According to the Apple website, the new M2 chip “has a 15 percent faster CPU, 25 percent faster graphics, and 50 percent more memory bandwidth than the previous generation.” But what does this mean in real terms?

Well, it’s good news for power users who rely on resource-intensive apps such as 3D rendering, video and audio editors or for gamers who need absolute confidence that the latest update to their GPU-intensive PvP game won’t lag at the worst possible moment. Apple states that the new Air’s Neural Engine runs 40% faster than its predecessor, making the 2024 iPad Air an incredibly powerful tablet option for AI-related tasks.

While the M2 chip constitutes a fairly significant upgrade in terms of power for the latest iPad, it still massively trails the M4 chip that Apple currently uses in its iPad Pro. And given that both the 2022 and 2024 models feature 8GB of RAM, the additional power of the latest generation may not be crucial for those who don't require high-level performance.

So, if you’re a user whose main concern is processing strength — even at a much higher price point — you might want to consider that type of iPad to see if it better aligns with your needs.

Storage

Unlike its predecessor, which offered storage capacities of 64GB and 256GB, the new iPad Air M2 (2024) comes with a broader range of choices: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and a massive 1TB. 

This significant enhancement caters to a variety of users with different needs and usage patterns: 

• Casual Users — 128GB offers ample space for apps, photos, and everyday documents, ensuring users can store their essentials without worrying about running out of space too quickly.
  
• Students and Professionals — those who rely heavily on the iPad for productivity will find the 256GB (on either model) and 512GB option on the iPad Air 2024 particularly appealing. These storage tiers provide sufficient room for large files, such as presentations, extensive notes, and high-resolution PDFs, along with various apps that support academic and professional tasks.
• Creatives and Power Users — The new option for 1TB of storage is a game-changer and might actually be the tipping point for purchasing the newer tablet. This top-tier storage capacity is ideal for those who work with large multimedia files, including high-definition videos, extensive photo libraries, and complex design projects.

With the latest iPad range, there’s something for everyone.

Screen Size

Something missing from the previous iPad Air generation was the option of a slightly larger screen. While the standard tablet comes in at an equal 11”, Apple has also released a 13” screen for its latest addition to the Air tablet family — a boon that pairs well with the additional processing power, especially for creatives and gamers.

Software Updates

Tablet longevity should also be considered for non-casual users. Both generations of iPad Air run the iPad 17.4 operating system. Still, as the 5th Gen iPad is two years older than Apple’s latest darling, it’s logical to assume that the company may stop offering tech/update support two years before this year’s offering. Depending on how important consistent updates are to your use case, this should be considered when factoring price-versus-value.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Buying The iPad Air 2024?

Connectivity

Users who need telecom capabilities should note that while the iPad Air 2024 allows use of eSIMs, a physical SIM card (e.g. a Nano SIM) is not available — unlike the iPad Air 2022 edition, which allows for both. 

This is unlikely to be a deciding factor in which tablet will work best for your needs, but it is particularly important to know in advance if the tablet is being purchased as a replacement for another device that uses a physical SIM card.

Colour Options

If pink is your favorite color, we’re sorry to say it’s fallen out of favor with Apple, who have kept the other four previous iPad Air colors (Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, and Blue) but discontinued their pink chassis. You can still get a beautiful Berry Pink iPad Air case, though.

Whichever tablet you choose, ensure it’s well protected. Check out our iPad Air Cases, which are made from the highest quality materials for total peace of mind.

Conclusion

The iPad Air M2 (2024) introduces several noteworthy upgrades over its predecessor, making it a compelling choice for new buyers and those considering an upgrade. Key enhancements include the powerful M2 chip, which delivers significantly improved performance and efficiency, and a wider range of storage options, now extending up to 1TB. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals, creatives, and anyone needing more space for their files and applications.

The iPad Air M2 (2024) also offers advanced connectivity options like 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring faster and more reliable internet access. The Apple-standard excellent design and build quality, coupled with the latest iPadOS, make for a seamless and secure user experience.

However, if your current iPad Air (2022) meets your needs and you don't require the additional power and storage, you might not find the upgrade essential. Both models offer 8GB of RAM, similar battery life, and audio/camera functionality, so the performance gap may not be as evident in less demanding scenarios.

Overall, the iPad Air M2 (2024) stands out as a solid (if not exciting) step forward for portable computing, offering substantial improvements that justify its price for certain types of users.

iPad Air M2 (2024) Upgrades: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key upgrades in the iPad Air M2 (2024) compared to the 2022 model?

The iPad Air M2 (2024) features a more powerful M2 chip, expanded storage options up to 1TB, improved display quality, enhanced camera systems, better audio, and upgraded connectivity with 5G and Wi-Fi 6E.

How does the M2 chip improve performance?

The M2 chip offers significant processing power and efficiency improvements, enabling faster app performance, smoother multitasking, and enhanced capabilities for demanding tasks such as video editing and gaming.

Can I use the same accessories with the iPad Air M2 (2024) as the previous model?

Most accessories designed for the iPad Air (2022), such as the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, are compatible with the iPad Air M2 (2024), but it's always best to check specific compatibility details.

What is the battery life of the iPad Air M2 (2024)?

The battery life of the iPad Air M2 (2024) is similar to the 2022 model, offering up to 10 hours of usage on a full charge, depending on your activities.

What new design features are present in the iPad Air M2 (2024)?

The iPad Air M2 (2024) maintains a similar design to its predecessor but may include slight refinements in build quality. Unfortunately, it loses one of the previous gen’s color options.

What operating system does the iPad Air M2 (2024) use?

The iPad Air M2 (2024) runs on iPadOS 17, which includes new features and enhancements designed to leverage the capabilities of the M2 chip.

How much does the iPad Air M2 (2024) cost?

The iPad Air M2 (2024) pricing varies depending on the storage option you choose, starting at a competitive but not insignificant $599.

Is the iPad Air M2 (2024) suitable for gaming?

Yes, with the powerful M2 chip and enhanced display, the iPad Air M2 (2024) is an excellent choice for gaming, offering smooth and immersive gameplay experiences.

How long will the iPad Air M2 (2024) receive software updates?

Apple has typically supported its devices with software updates for several years. Given its recent release, the iPad Air M2 (2024) should receive updates for a considerable time, ensuring it remains secure and up-to-date with new features.

Find the ultimate case for your iPad with ZUGU — shop iPad cases and iPad accessories today!