Leaked Renders Showcase Redesigned Camera on Apple iPad Air 12.9

Apple is developing a new iPad Air, marking the sixth generation of the tablet. Expected to launch in March, this version will be available in two screen sizes: 11 inches and 12.9 inches, expanding on the current single 10.9-inch option. Recent leaks and rumors have provided insights into the specifications of these tablets, and now, CAD renders of the 12.9-inch iPad Air have been revealed.

The renders show that the 12.9-inch iPad Air will maintain a design similar to the current 10.9-inch model. Features include a quad-speaker setup, a power button on top, a USB Type-C port at the bottom, volume buttons, a cutout for mmWave 5G antenna on the right side, and a front-facing camera above the display. The new model will continue using Touch ID, as opposed to the FaceID found in the iPad Pro.

A notable change in the new iPad Air is the rear camera design. The tablet will sport a pill-shaped camera hump, different from the current model’s circular camera cutout. This new design resembles the one on the iPhone X and iPhone XS, but it will still house a single camera without a LiDAR sensor, as found in iPad Pro models.

The 12.9-inch iPad Air is anticipated to be a desirable option for those seeking a larger display than the current iPad and iPad Air but are hesitant to purchase the more expensive iPad Pro 12.9-inch. The current iPad Air is priced starting at $599, suggesting that the new 12.9-inch model might be priced around $699 or $749. This price point could position it competitively against the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, with the iPad likely favored for its superior UI design and app support.