Can the new M2 iPad Air replace your laptop? 

It’s been awhile since Apple launched its updated version of the iPad – the last one being the one that was released in 2022. So when I got wind that the device got an upgrade, I couldn’t help but wonder what the brand had in store for its latest iteration.

For many, the iPad Air seemed to be a go-to choice for those always on the move. It was lighter and more convenient and came with a more affordable price tag. However, the downside was that it didn’t match up to the capabilities of the iPad Pro – which has higher processing power and performance, and not to mention, a glorious OLED display.

With that taken into account, it seemed fitting when Apple announced the launch of a more premium option to its lineup earlier in May this year.

Available in two sizes, the new iPad Air 13-inch boasts the same features as the 11-inch, which now includes a more powerful M2 chip for faster processing and better performance. The 11-inch model is going from $899, while the 13-inch model has a higher price point, that starts from $1,199 which is pretty reasonable for its upsize.

To discover more about what the new device has to offer, I put the latest 11-inch iPad Air to the test.

Display

In comparison to the iPad Pro, which comes in similar sizes, the iPad Air models were obviously a lot lighter, with the smaller one weighing approximately 0.46kg while its bigger brother weighed in at approximately 0.61kg.

As for the canvas, the new iPad Air’s display is an LED IPS panel which isn’t as bright and vivid as the iPad Pro 2024 OLED display, but it still delivers a pretty solid display given its upgrade.

What I love most about this is that the display is also large enough for me to split my screen and multitask without having to switch between apps or squint my eyes while having to read the small text onscreen. And this also applies to binge-watching your favourite shows on Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube.

Speaking of videos, for someone who spends a lot of time editing videos for work, I really appreciate how big and clear the videos appear on my iPad. The videos are clearer and more vivid onscreen -- editing them on the iPad Air has been such a breeze.

M2 Chip 

Now, if you’ve laid your hands on any of the previous iPad Air models, you’d probably see the difference in terms of its performance with this new reiteration. Built with an M2 chip, this new model has a faster CPU and graphic performance. It’s great especially if you’re working on larger files or doing creative work on apps like Procreate. 

Magic Keyboard 

For those who prefer typing on a keyboard, you’ll love this external keyboard that you can easily attach to your iPad Air. Aside from the amazing sound profile of the keyboard, this attachment also comes with a mousepad, that makes your iPad double as a mini laptop – it’s like a compact version of your favourite MacBook. 

12MP Landscape Camera 

The iPad 10th gen may already have the landscape camera feature, but Apple has continued this trend with the new iPad Air. Placed on the side of the iPad, the front 12MP camera enhances usability for video calls, especially when using the Magic Keyboard docked setup.

I found it really handy especially when it came to answering Zoom calls or even using FaceTime. The resolution wasn’t blurry or pixelated, and the audio quality was clear and crisp. In my opinion, it was a great addition considering the fact that I’m always on different video calls with clients or even with friends and family.

Apple Pencil Pro 

The other highlight of Apple’s new release is none other than the Apple Pencil Pro. Having garnered lots of attention for its new features, I was thrilled to get my hands on the device to discover more about the capabilities the Apple Pencil Pro had in comparison to its predecessor, the Apple Pencil.

That being said, the new Apple Pencil Pro is fully equipped with new and advanced features that will significantly transform its user experience. Of course, it’s important to note that these features are not limited to creatives like illustrators only, but it’s also great for those taking down notes or even if you’re fine-tuning your photos. Some of the new features include:

1. Squeeze

To make life a lot easier, Apple has introduced the squeeze function to the Apple Pencil Pro. This feature brings up a new palette, enabling you to effortlessly switch between tools, line weights, and colours — all with a simple squeeze of the pencil.

2. Barrel Roll

This function comes in handy for those who enjoy sketching or drawing on your iPad. It’s basically a gyroscope that allows you to rotate your Apple Pencil Pro, so you can have better control of the different pens and brush tools, making illustrating a breeze. 

3. Haptic Feedback

Just like using your iPhone, the Pencil Pro also comes with Haptic Feedback, which provides tactile responses that enhance the user experience. You’ll feel a light pulse on the Pencil Pro when you squeeze it or double-tap it while you’re drawing or writing. 

4. Apple Pencil Hover

With the Apple Pencil Hover, you can now preview and see the virtual shadow of your Pencil when you hover your pencil over your screen – offering better precision.

While each of these features may seem like minor adjustments to the Apple Pencil, they significantly enhance your overall experience.

During a workshop, helmed by illustrators, André and Binko, I had the opportunity to learn more about the different functions of the M2 iPad Air and Apple Pencil Pro. Here, we got to learn more about making our own “Mutelu” Lucky Wallpaper and designing our own Lucky Cat on Procreate.

Initially daunting to be in a room full of such talented illustrators, I discovered the Apple Pencil Pro’s intuitive ease after a crash course in Procreate. Sketching and manoeuvring on-screen became effortless, and eventually (in no less than two hours), it sparked my interest in crafting animations and drawings in my spare time.

The bottom line

To sum it up, the M2 iPad Air is a great choice if you need something lightweight and easy to carry around. It’s packed with new features that really enhance how you use it, almost like having a laptop in terms of functionality. The M2 chip makes everything faster, letting you handle big files with ease, and multitask by splitting your screen, and the Apple Pencil Pro is so intuitive and easy to use that it’s even perfect for pros or even beginners like me.

While we’re used to relying on laptops for work and meetings, I can see the iPad becoming more integrated into our daily lives, whether it’s for work or just personal use.

But can it replace your laptop completely? Not quite. There are still some files and hardware that might not work on an iPad, so you might still need a desktop or laptop for certain tasks. That said, for most everyday tasks, the iPad Air handles them pretty effortlessly.