How to Prepare for the iPad Air 6 Release Date

Apple’s working on a new iPad Air and there are some steps prospective buyers should take ahead of the device’s release.

Right now, it looks like the iPad Air 6 release date will land in the spring. The latest intel suggests we’ll see the devices launch in late March or April.

If you’re interested in buying a new iPad Air model, here are some things you should keep in mind as we push closer to launch. These tips will help you prepare for the device’s arrival.

Follow iPad Air 6 Rumors

One of the most important things you should do as a prospective iPad Air 6 buyer is follow the latest rumors.

You’ll learn more about the iPad Air 6’s potential hardware specs, software features, and release date. You’ll also set proper expectations for yourself.

In other words, they’ll help you decide if the device is worth the wait.

Get Familiar with iPadOS

If you currently own an iPad running a really old version of iPadOS or if you own a tablet that falls outside of Apple’s ecosystem, and you really want to replace it with an iPad, you’ll want to get familiar with the latest versions of iPadOS.

The current version of iPadOS is iPadOS 17. If you own a newer iPad model, you’ve probably upgraded to the software and you can safely skip this step.

If you aren’t using iPadOS 17 right now, you’ll want to use this time to go hands-on and get comfortable with the software. It’s not for everyone.

This is especially important if you’re considering a move from Windows or Android to iPadOS.

Figure Out Your Storage Needs

You should use this time to figure out how much storage you might need on a new iPad Air.

We don’t know what kind of iPad Air 6 storage options Apple will offer, but they could mirror the iPad Air 5’s.

If that’s the case, you’ll have two options to choose from: 64GB or 256GB. For some people, 64GB will be plenty, but many others will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the extra storage.

Picking the right storage capacity will also help you save money and avoid headaches. So dig into your habits and look at how much storage you use on your current tablet and draw some conclusions before the iPad Air 6 arrives.

Look at Other iPads

Before you decide to wait for the iPad Air 6, make sure you go hands-on with Apple’s current iPad lineup. And that should start with the current iPad, the iPad Air 5.

From there, we recommend taking a look at Apple’s flagship 2022 iPad Pro models, powered by the company’s M2 chip.

You’ll also want to investigate Apple’s latest iPad mini and its 10th-gen iPad and see if either of those suite your needs.

Research iPad Air Alternatives

If you aren’t completely sold on buying a new iPad, you’ll also want to take a look at the top iPad Air alternatives that fall outside of Apple’s ecosystem.

Here are a few we recommend:

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S8/S8+/S8 Ultra
• Amazon Fire HD 10
• Microsoft Surface Pro 9
• Lenovo Yoga Tab
• Google Pixel Tablet

Go hands-on with these devices, and any others that catch your eye, in the buildup to the iPad Air 6’s arrival. Who knows, you might find a device you really like before it lands on shelves.

Make a Plan for Your Current Tablet

If you’re intent on upgrading, make sure you have a plan for your current tablet.

Some of you might know of a friend or relative who could benefit from your current slate. Ask around and see if anyone might need a hand-me-down. You might also look into donating your tablet to charity.

If you plan on selling your current tablet to help offset the cost of the iPad Air 6, you’ll want to track prices at popular resellers so you can get the most money back.

You’ll also want to keep your current tablet in good condition because that’s how you’ll get the most money from a reseller, your carrier, or Apple when we see trade-ins for the iPad Air 6 go live.

Research Carriers

There’s no doubt the iPad Air 6 will come with 5G connectivity. Having cellular data could be useful if you plan to get work done on your device outside of the house.

If you plan to buy an iPad Air 6 with cellular data, and you’re unhappy with your current provider’s coverage or plan, use this time to dig into competitors and see if you can find a better fit.

Wait for a Larger Display

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According to 9to5Mac, Apple is developing two iPad Air 6 models.  The company is reportedly "experimenting" with two versions of the iPad Air 6, codenamed J507 and J508 behind the scenes.  It's unclear what the difference between the two is, but the site speculates it could be that Apple will release two different screen sizes, much in the way that it does for the iPad Pro line. In a follow-up, the Apple-centric blog says its sources claim the "larger iPad Air will have essentially the same dimensions as the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro."  Digitimes has followed with a report of its own and the site claims Apple will indeed offer a larger version of the iPad Air.  Specifically, the publication believes Apple will release a 12.9-inch model which would represent the largest iPad Air to date. The current iPad Air model features a 10.2- inch display. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also believes the company's working on a 12.9-inch iPad Air. So does Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. If an iPad Air with a bigger screen interests you, think about waiting.

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