Apple debuts larger iPad Air in device’s first update since 2022

Apple Inc. unveiled a bigger version of its iPad Air, aiming to reinvigorate a tablet lineup that hasn’t been updated since 2022.

The company introduced the device during an online presentation on Tuesday dubbed “Let Loose.” The new model looks similar to the prior iPad Air but sports a larger screen, potentially making it more attractive as a laptop replacement.

The new large version has a 13-inch screen, while the smaller variant has an 11-inch display. Apple said it made the move after finding that about half of iPad Pro buyers chose the larger version of that model. The new iPad Air also moves the camera to the landscape side, responding to a frequent request from users.

The move is a bid to make the mid-tier model more competitive, and to give people a lower-cost way to get a big-screen tablet. Consumers previously had to buy the upscale iPad Pro to get a display of that size.

The company is expected to announce a revamped iPad Pro and new versions of the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard later in the event.