Back in October, we heard that Apple is likely to release two iPad Air 6 models in 2024. In addition to the familiar 10.9-inch model that has been a staple of Apple's release schedule since the fourth generation, there will apparently be a super-sized 12.9-inch model to rival the iPad Pro.

Now 91mobiles has published what it claims are raw CAD rendered images of the new larger model provided by "industry sources."

As can be seen from the images scattered throughout this article, there are not many aesthetic changes. If true, the next iPad Air will match the industrial design of the previous model, keeping the TouchID and speaker grills. In fact, aside from the larger screen, the only really notable difference is the camera arrangement. The slightly protruding rectangular model is somewhat reminiscent of Apple's smartphone camera on the iPhone XS, unlike the flat version on the current model.

By releasing the iPad Air in two sizes, Apple's strategy seems to mimic the recent iPhone: in 2022, Apple eliminated the iPhone mini and simplified its lineup: both the Pro and regular iPhone are 6.1" and 6.7 sizes, meaning you don't have to pay for the Pro's features if you just want the bigger screen.

Currently, if you want Apple's 12.9-inch tablet, you have to pay at least $1,099. The 12.9-inch iPad Air is expected to cost more than the $599 starting price of the current 10.9-inch version, but it will obviously be cheaper than the Pro would It will be.

Apple did not release a single iPad in 2023, but it appears to be making up for it this year by releasing new models in all categories.

Moving away from the iPad Air, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman predicts big things for the iPad Pro in 2024. It will have an OLED screen, the power of the M3 chip, and a reborn Magic Keyboard.

For the iPad mini 7 and 11th generation iPad, however, the general consensus is to expect basic spec upgrades rather than more dramatic ones.

As for when the new models will appear, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted a schedule. According to him, the iPad Air will appear in the first quarter of this year, followed by the iPad Pro, with mass production coming in late Q1 or Q2.

The regular iPad and iPad mini will not follow until later this year, he writes, suggesting that Apple probably sees them as Christmas sales.