Next-Gen iPad Air With 12.9-Inch Display and Redesigned Camera Unit Revealed in CAD Renders

The design of Apple's upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Air model has today allegedly been revealed in new CAD renders shared by 91Mobiles.

12 9 ipad air render back
As expected, the renders show an overall appearance that is very similar to the ‌iPad Air‌ design used for the fourth- and fifth-generation models, but simply scaled up to accommodate a larger display.

The most striking difference on the device is a redesigned rear camera unit, which now protrudes from the rear in a longer pill-shape, unlike the single, round protruding cutout on the current ‌iPad Air‌. This new design seems to be somewhat reminiscent of the rear camera unit of the iPhone X and ‌iPhone‌ XS.

12 9 ipad air render front
On the front of the tablet, the ‌iPad Air‌ looks very similar to the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but with noticeably thicker bezels, just like how the 10.9-inch ‌iPad Air‌ has thicker borders around the display compared to the 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌.

The device is expected to be targeted at those who want a bigger tablet than the current, 10.9-inch ‌iPad Air‌, but have no need for the high-end features of the 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ such as ProMotion or a LiDAR scanner. This is similar to Apple's approach with the 13.6- and 15.3-inch MacBook Air, as well as the 6.1-inch ‌iPhone‌ 15 and 6.7-inch ‌iPhone‌ 15 Plus.

91Mobiles also reiterated reports that the next-generation ‌iPad Air‌ will feature the M2 chip. The device is rumored to enter production in the first quarter of 2024, so it could already be underway. It is expected to launch "early" this year, likely in March.

Related Roundup: iPad Air
Buyer's Guide: iPad Air (Buy Now)
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Top Rated Comments

AppleTO Avatar
22 months ago
So I’m guessing the air will cost what the pro does now, and the OLED pro will cost way more.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tomtad Avatar
22 months ago

Basically guarantees the pill-shaped camera rumors on the iPhone 16 series.

Also, those bezels are awful ?
That's what you hold
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lounge vibes 05 Avatar
22 months ago

So I’m guessing the air will cost what the pro does now, and the OLED pro will cost way more.
My assumption would be that the 11 inch air stays at $599 where it’s at now, the 12.9 starts at $799, and the new pros start at $999 and $1199 respectively.

I don’t believe that the entry-level 11 inch iPad Pro is going to go from $799- to $1600 with one update, but I could see it going up by 200.

Apple pricing rumors always seem to shoot way higher than the prices end up actually being, except for the Vision Pro oddly.
The base pro iPhone has been supposed to go way past $999 over the past six years, and that just has not happened no matter how much the rumors have insisted it would.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TracerAnalog Avatar
22 months ago
Noooo, the front facing camera is in the wrong place. For me at least…?. Who uses such a big iPad in portrait mode??
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DHagan4755 Avatar
22 months ago
That front facing camera is still in the portrait orientation. Are these drawings accurate?
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jlc1978 Avatar
22 months ago
A 12.9 Air would be a good addition. I have a 12.9 Pro only for the large screen that I use as a second monitor for my Mac. I don't need a Pro for any other reason and a less expensive alternative if and when I replace mine would be my choice.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)