Apple held its annual software event on September 15, showing off the latest Apple products.  Unfortunately, no new iPhone was unveiled during the event. Apple nonetheless showcased two new Apple watches and Ipad models alongside two new services: Apple Fitness+ and Apple One.

New iPads were the big rumor of the event, and this rumor was confirmed when Apple revealed the new Ipad Air 4 and the iPad 8^th gen. Both of these tablets were significant improvements from their predecessors in their respective lineups.

The iPad 8^th gen is a baseline iPad, which starts at $499 and will be available for order from September 18. On the other hand, the iPad Air 4 is a mid-range tablet that starts at $1,129. Apple did not state the exact date the iPad Air will be available to buy, but it’s estimated to be around October. Both tablets come in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models, with the cellular model costing more.

Design and Display

The two tablets look nothing alike. Whereas the iPad Air 4 features an all-new design with slim bezels, the iPad 8^th gen looks like the 7^th generation iPad with its large bezels. Touch ID is a common feature in both. Nonetheless, the iPad Air’s Touch ID is incorporated in the power button, while in the iPad 8^th gen, it’s in the home button.

The iPad Air has a slightly larger display, at 10.9 inches, compared to the 10.2″ display in the iPad 8^th gen. Whichever of these devices you pick, you are guaranteed a great viewing experience. The iPad Air 4 is available in five colours, while the 8th gen is available in three. 

Memory and Performance

Both tablets have received a massive boost in performance over previous generations. The iPad Air 4 features Apple’s latest A14 Bionic Chip, which makes it faster than any Apple device out there. The A12 Bionic chip powers the 8th gen iPad on the other hand. Both devices are thus great performers.

The iPad Air 4 is available in 64GB and 256GB models, while the 8^th gen iPad comes in 32GB and 128GB variants.

iPadOS 14, the Apple Pencil and Other Accessories

Both the iPad Air 4 and the 8^th gen iPad will launch with the new iPadOS 14. With iPadOS 14, you can enjoy a wide variety of features, including a redesigned Siri, new and improved Maps, widgets, etc.

Both devices support the Apple pencil. Nonetheless, whereas the iPad Air is compatible with the 2^nd gen Apple pencil, the 8^th gen iPad is limited to only the 1^st gen Apple pencil. The iPad Air is also compatible with the Magic Keyboard, whereas the 8^th gen iPad is not. It is nonetheless compatible with Apple’s Smart Keyboard.

Battery and Camera

Apple did not announce the exact battery capacity of both tablets. Nonetheless, they should both give you up to 9 or 10 hours of on-screen time. The battery life will depend on whether you’re on Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

When it comes to cameras, the new iPad Air 4 has better cameras then the 8^th gen iPad. Judging by the numbers, the iPad Air 4 takes better quality photos and videos than the new iPad. Nonetheless, the images taken by the 8^th gen iPad are still decent.

Verdict

These two tablets are excellent additions to the iPad lineup. Whether you want to purchase an iPad for the first time or upgrade from older iPad generations, both are a worthy investment.