In Apple’s current iPad lineup, the iPad Pro (2024) targets professionals, while the standard iPad caters to budget-conscious buyers. However, the iPad Air, positioned between these two models, faces an identity crisis. While it offers comparable power and capabilities to the iPad Pro, it lacks the crucial ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate display, which significantly impacts the user experience.
This omission was first seen in the M1 iPad Air (2022), and it persists in the M2 model. Compared to the buttery-smooth 120Hz ProMotion displays on the iPad Pro and iPhone 15 Pro models, the 60Hz screen on the iPad Air feels sluggish and hinders the overall experience.
Upon testing the M2 iPad Air, I noticed a subtle improvement in smoothness compared to the M1 model. However, this enhancement is barely perceptible and only evident when comparing the devices side-by-side. It mainly manifests in less jarring app opening and closing animations and slightly smoother scrolling through text.
However, these minor improvements are not enough to justify the premium price of the iPad Air, which starts at $600. The standard iPad offers a similar 60Hz display at a more affordable $450, while the iPad Pro with its superior 120Hz ProMotion screen demands a hefty $1,000 price tag.
Apple’s decision to withhold the ProMotion display from the iPad Air seems like a missed opportunity. Equipping the Air with a 120Hz screen would differentiate it from the standard iPad and justify its higher cost. Instead, Apple has created an awkward middle ground that fails to fully satisfy users who crave a premium experience without breaking the bank.
The inability to get the desired 120Hz refresh rate on the iPad Air without splurging on the iPad Pro is a major frustration. It undermines the value proposition of the Air and makes upgrading to a new iPad less appealing.
