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Apple recently, and very quietly, downgraded their M2 chip in the new iPad Air, frustrating users who had already purchased their shiny new tablet, only to find out it’s GPU count had gone from 10 cores to 9.
It was a cheeky move, and it’s left us wondering, what else is annoying consumers about the new M2 iPad Air? It’s a great tablet, we’ve discussed it in depth here! But nobody is perfect.
In this article, I’ll dive deep into the 5 things you might want to think about with the M2 iPad Air 2024.
Let’s get into it!
1. Muted Color Options
One of the first things that might strike a buyer about the M2 iPad Air is the lackluster color options.
Instead of the vibrant and eye-catching hues we’ve come to expect from Apple, the available shades are rather muted and subdued. Some view these variations as a more professional-looking device, whereas others look at the options with disappointment.
For example, the blue variant appears more gray than blue, depending on the lighting conditions. It’s a far cry from the bold and exciting color palettes that have adorned previous iPad models.
Bright, vivid tones could have added a much-needed sense of personality and flair to the iPad Air lineup, potentially making it a more appealing option for those seeking a bit more visual excitement.
2. Lack of 120Hz ProMotion Display
One of the key differentiating factors between the iPad Air and the M4 iPad Pro has always been the display technology.
While the iPad Pro has long boasted the superior OLED panels with 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates, the iPad Air has typically settled for more standard LCD displays with 60Hz refresh rates. It’s one of the reasons why the Pro has been a staple device for editors, animators and designers in the past.
Unfortunately, this trend continues with the M2 iPad Air. Despite the impressive performance upgrades under the hood, the display remains a 60Hz LCD affair, lacking the buttery-smooth scrolling and enhanced responsiveness of the ProMotion technology found in the iPad Pro.
However, the 60Hz display on the iPad Air is more than adequate. In fact, an artist can still get lots from this device. But if you are someone who has grown accustomed to the snappy, fluid experience of the iPad Pro, the lack of ProMotion is a noticeable downgrade.
3. Incompatibility with the New Magic Keyboard
One of the standout features of the latest iPad Pro models is the updated Magic Keyboard, which boasts a larger trackpad, improved tactile feedback, and a dedicated function row.
Unfortunately, this latest iteration of the Magic Keyboard is not compatible with the M2 iPad Air.
Instead, users are relegated to the older, heavier Magic Keyboard design that was previously offered for the iPad Pro. While this keyboard is still a capable and well-designed accessory, it lacks the refinements and enhancements that make the new Magic Keyboard such a joy to use.
The improved typing experience and added functionality of the new Magic Keyboard would have been a welcome addition to the M2 iPad Air, further bolstering its capabilities as a laptop replacement. Plus, since the M2 iPad Air came out at the same time as the M4 iPad Pro, along with the new Apple Pencil Pro, you expect the magic keyboard to have shared compatibility with both devices.
Oh well.
4. Lack of Nano-Texture Glass Option
Another feature that sets the iPad Pro apart from the iPad Air is the availability of a nano-texture glass option for the display.
This specialized glass coating helps to reduce glare and reflections, making the screen more easily visible in bright, sunlit environments.
Sadly, this premium display upgrade is not offered on the M2 iPad Air. Users are stuck with the standard anti-reflective coating, which, while effective, doesn’t quite match the glare-reducing prowess of the nano-texture glass.
For those who frequently work or consume content outdoors or in well-lit settings, the lack of a nano-texture option is a disappointing omission. The ability to customize the display to better suit one’s usage scenarios is a huge plus of the iPad Pro lineup, and its absence on the iPad Air feels like a missed opportunity.
5. Underwhelming Battery Life Compared to Predecessors
The M2 iPad Air’s battery is a little frustrating.
While the M2 chip’s efficiency promises improved performance, the battery capacity of the M2 iPad Air appears to be slightly lower than that of its predecessors. It’s supposed to last up to 10 hours, like the past 2022 model but many have reported less.
This translates to a noticeable reduction in real-world battery life, with users reporting shorter runtimes compared to the previous-generation iPad Air models.
For a device that is often touted as a versatile productivity and media consumption tool, the slightly diminished battery life is a bit of a letdown. Power users who rely on their iPad for extended periods, whether for work or leisure, may find themselves reaching for the charging cable more frequently than they’d like.
Conclusion
The M2 iPad Air is undoubtedly a powerful and capable tablet, offering a wealth of features and performance enhancements over its predecessors. However, as we’ve outlined in this article, there are a few areas where the M2 iPad Air falls short, potentially limiting its appeal for certain users.
From the muted color options to the lack of a 120Hz ProMotion display, the incompatibility with the latest Magic Keyboard, the absence of a nano-texture glass option, and the slightly diminished battery life, the M2 iPad Air presents a mixed bag of pros and cons.
Ultimately, whether the M2 iPad Air is the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re primarily concerned with raw performance and don’t mind compromising on some of the more premium features, the M2 iPad Air may still be a compelling option.
But for those who value the cutting-edge display technology, the latest keyboard accessories, and the best-in-class battery life, the M2 iPad Air may fall short of their expectations.
What do you think?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below!
