The MacRumors Show: Will the New iPad Air Be a Big Enough Upgrade?

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's upcoming iPad Air models, which are expected to be announced in just a matter of weeks.


The sixth-generation ‌iPad Air‌ is rumored to feature the M2 chip, a redesigned rear camera, and specification upgrades like Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E. Most significantly, the ‌iPad Air‌ is expected to come in two sizes for the first time, just like the Apple Watch, iPad Pro, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. One of the size options will be the same as the previous two generations at 10.9-inches, while the new addition to the lineup will mirror the ‌iPad Pro‌'s 12.9-inch model. The new devices should be announced alongside new ‌iPad Pro‌ models in late March or April. We also discuss iPad workflows, the new ‌MacBook Air‌, and the positioning of each of the models in the current ‌iPad‌ lineup.

The MacRumors Show is now on its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips going forward:

You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.


If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion about Apple's new ‌MacBook Air‌ models featuring the M3 chip.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Kevin Nether, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Luke Miani, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Jon Prosser, Sam Kohl, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.

Popular Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature

Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4

Monday February 16, 2026 6:05 am PST by
Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Apple invited select members of the media to the event in three major cities around the world. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design...
M3 iPad Air

Apple's Next Two Products Are Coming Soon

Thursday February 12, 2026 11:17 am PST by
Apple plans to release an iPhone 17e and an iPad Air with an M4 chip "in the coming weeks," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple retail employees say that inventory of the iPhone 16e has basically dried out and the iPad Air is seeing shortages as well," said Gurman. "I've been expecting new versions of both (iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air) in the coming weeks."...
Apple Sales Coach App

Apple Launching New 'Sales Coach' App

Friday February 13, 2026 2:01 pm PST by
Apple plans to launch a rebranded "Sales Coach" app on the iPhone and iPad later this month, according to a source familiar with the matter. "Sales Coach" will arrive as an update to Apple's existing "SEED" app, and it will continue to provide sales tips and training resources to Apple Store and Apple Authorized Reseller employees around the world. For example, there are articles and videos...
Coffee Burgundy and Purple iPhone 18 Pro Mock

Five iPhone 18 Pro Features Revealed in New Report

Friday February 13, 2026 8:43 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still seven months away, an analyst has revealed five new features the devices will allegedly have. Rumored color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models In a research note with investment firm GF Securities on Thursday, analyst Jeff Pu outlined the following upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro models: Smaller Dynamic Island: It has been rumored...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Three New Apple Home Products Rumored for 2026

Friday February 13, 2026 4:18 pm PST by
Apple has a long list of new products rumored for 2026, including a series of home products that will see the company establishing more of a presence in the smart home space. Robots are on the horizon for 2027, but the 2026 releases will be a little tamer. HomePod mini We're expecting a new HomePod mini 2 to launch at any time. Apple isn't going to update the device's design, but we could...

Top Rated Comments

25 months ago
NO. Ipad OS needs a major overhaul. To be like macOS. Then it becomes a laptop replacement.

Dam. it costs just as much as a Mac. why not.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonnyb098 Avatar
25 months ago
“Will the new iPads ever get released?”
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
25 months ago

NO. Ipad OS needs a major overhaul. To be like macOS. Then it becomes a laptop replacement.

Dam. it costs just as much as a Mac. why not.
100%. It also needs multiuser support. I can understand why Apple wouldn’t add multiuser support (so that they can sell more devices) but, if a Chromebook can handle multiple user accounts on a single device, why can’t iPads — at last the Pros?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ric22 Avatar
25 months ago

100%. It also needs multiuser support. I can understand why Apple wouldn’t add multiuser support (so that they can sell more devices) but, if a Chromebook can handle multiple user accounts on a single device, why can’t iPads — at last the Pros?
Multi user support is what's needed for me to buy one. When there are multiple users in the house that could benefit from occasional light iPad use, it seems unfair to ask them each to buy their own one. Parents and children, for example, should be allowed to have separate logins, like on a Mac or PC.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
25 months ago
My iPad has become my favorite device, so I want the best one.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
25 months ago
Unless your iPad is ancient, I guess not ? I don't notice a huge difference between the M1 iPad and the 8th gen iPad with the home button when it comes to performance. I think I'm going to go for an iPad mini if that ever gets updated, or not upgrade the iPad at all. Currently I don't see any value in the product category of iPads in general, just one more thing to charge. But I draw sometimes and it's great for that. Not that I need the M1 let alone the M3 to do that. It's just a big iPhone and I've never felt my iPhone is small.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)