Apple Might Upgrade the Upcoming iPad Air Version with an Innovative Feature
### The Future of iPad Air: The Possible Launch of Face ID
The iPad Air hasn’t generated much excitement in recent years. Following its redesign in 2020 with the fourth-generation version, updates have mainly included minor specs improvements and slight feature upgrades. Nonetheless, the forthcoming refresh offers a notable chance for Apple to add a significant feature upgrade: Face ID.
#### Face ID Remains Exclusive to iPad Pro
Even though Face ID is an eight-year-old technology, it remains exclusive to the iPad Pro range. This stands in stark contrast to the iPhone lineup, where non-Pro models have included Face ID since 2018, including the budget-friendly iPhone 16e. Recent insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicate that Apple intends to announce a new iPad Air model in the spring, alongside an affordable iPad, iPhone 17e, and a new Studio Display. Although unconfirmed, this anticipated iPad Air is predicted to come with the M4 chip.
Traditionally, the iPad Air has been seen as a rather uninspiring product, with updates focusing mostly on processor improvements, minor features like the Center Stage camera, and the launch of a new 13-inch variant. However, adding Face ID could alter this perception.
#### M4 Model Expected to Incorporate Face ID
Apple has been slow to extend Face ID to more iPad variants. The main reason for this lag may be the similarities between the iPad Air and iPad Pro before the OLED redesign. The price gap between the two models was just $200, with the premium primarily accounting for the 120Hz display, Face ID, and enhanced processing capabilities. Eliminating Face ID would greatly diminish the rationale for choosing the iPad Pro over the Air.
Currently, the iPad Pro has a $400 higher price tag than the iPad Air, presenting a slimmer design, an outstanding OLED display, access to a premium Magic Keyboard, a nano-texture display option, plus the previously mentioned Face ID and 120Hz refresh rate. With these features in play, Face ID does not greatly improve the incentives to select the iPad Pro, which has shifted focus more towards the overall premium experience instead of merely the biometric security feature.
#### Conclusion
The integration of Face ID into the iPad Air could be a timely and strategic decision for Apple. It would offer a significant reason for consumers to opt for the $599 iPad Air over the $349 basic iPad, revitalizing a product line that has largely remained static since 2020. This addition likely will not adversely affect iPad Pro sales as it may have in the past.
Would you think about upgrading your iPad Air if it came with Face ID? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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