Two Things To Watch Out When Upgrading To IPad Air 13-inch (M2)

So you want to be upgrading to iPad Air 13-inch (M2) ? The latest iPad Air has now the latest M2 Chip and more importantly, has a much larger screen for old man like me 🙂

I have the iPad Air 2022 5th Generation model. This iPad Air display has rounded corners. When measured diagonally as a rectangle, the screen is 10.86 inches.

So the 13 inch is a large screen upgrade.

Here’s a photo comparing the two.

Two Things to Watch Out When Upgrading to iPad Air 13-inch (M2) — iPad Air 13-inch (M2) vs iPad Air 5th Generation

Nice, right. 🙂

But there are TWO important things (there might be more but for me, it is TWO) for you to take note if you are upgrading to iPad Air 13-inch (M2).

About the New iPad Air 13-inch (M2)

The new 13-inch iPad Air (2024) with the M2 chip represents a significant update in Apple’s lineup, particularly for those who want a larger display without opting for the more expensive iPad Pro models.

Key Features:

Display: The 13-inch model features a Liquid Retina Display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, maintaining a sharp 264 PPI. It also boasts a higher brightness level of up to 600 nits, which is slightly more than the 11-inch version’s 500 nits, making it better suited for use in bright environments. However, it lacks the ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate) found in the iPad Pro series.
Performance: Powered by the M2 chip, this iPad Air offers substantial processing power for a wide range of tasks, from everyday use to more demanding applications like photo and video editing. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro, which brings enhanced capabilities for creative professionals, including a new hover feature that provides additional precision when using the stylus.
Design: The iPad Air 13-inch retains the slim profile (6.1mm) and lightweight design (approximately 617g), making it portable despite its larger screen. The FaceTime camera has been moved to the landscape edge, which is a welcomed update for video calls, as it provides a more natural framing during use.
Battery Life: This model is equipped with a 36.59 Wh battery (around 10,340 mAh), providing up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi. When using cellular connectivity, the battery life slightly decreases to around 9 hours.
Software: The iPad Air comes with iPadOS 17, which includes features like Lock Screen customization, interactive widgets, and enhanced FaceTime capabilities. It’s also set to receive iPadOS 18, which will introduce further enhancements like a floating tab bar for better multitasking and a new Calculator app with Math Notes for Apple Pencil.

Overall, the 13-inch iPad Air (M2) is an excellent choice for those who need a larger display and powerful performance without the need to step up to the Pro series !

Some Photos of the new iPad Air 13-inch (M2)

Not exactly unboxing 🙂

okay.. maybe it is 🙂

Still come with a USB-C Charger and Cable.. good to add to the 1,332 ones I have now..

When my original iPad Air contents are restored back to the new iPad Air, there are lots of spaces 🙂

Upgrading to iPad Air 13-inch (M2) : Two Things to Take Note

However, in my (as usual) rush to get the new iPad Air 13-inch (M2), I found out two things very late.

Issue 1 : Lack of SIM card tray

Please don’t laugh but when I restored back the old iPad Air to the new iPad Air, I started looking around for the SIM card tray. You know, aimed with a SIM card injector needle, I went searching around for the SIM CARD TRAY.

Sim Card Tray Open Eject Pin Needle Key Tool

I COULD NOT FIND IT. For a few minutes, I had to go and double check if I have ordered the wrong iPad Air. The one WITHOUT a Celluar Connection. I was thinking I must have made a mistake (again) in my order.

But it was not. And if you go to the SETTINGS, you will see this.

How to Add Mobile Line to iPad Air 13-inch (M2)

It looks funny. Something about transferring the iPad Plan, Find a New Plan and a QR Code.

And of course, I googled. And I found this on the iPad Air 13-inch (M2) tech specs page on the holy Apple Web Site.

iPad Air uses eSIM technology and is not compatible with physical SIM cards.

OMG ! Yes, brother. My current iPad Air 5th Generation used a physical tray. So I can just pop my M1 SIM card into it to use it (or any cheap data plan from one of your favourite provider).

But no, for my dear new iPad Air 13-inch (M2), it uses eSIM. So I have to “upgrade” my physical SIM plan to an e-SIM plan ! Or get a new e-SIM plan..

So yes, in the end, I got myself a new e-SIM line, from who else but M1 (the first in Singapore with eSIM).

Issue 2 : Need for a different Apple Pencil

Here’s an even more expensive lesson. I have an iPad Air 5th Generation with a 2nd generation Apple Pencil. Guess what. It DOES NOT WORK with the new iPad Air 13-inch (M2). The new Apple Pencil Second Generation does not work with the new iPad Air !!

Confirmed by dearest Apple in this page.

Only the Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) works with the new iPad Air 13-inch (M2)

WTF 🙂

SO here’s another expensive mistake…. Must admit the box is nice 😛

Sigh….

Conclusion : To Upgrade to iPad Air 13-inch (M2) or NOT

I am enjoying the new iPad Air 13 inch for reading and doing some web site work (more like updating the information on the web sites) and also watching YouTube videos and Starhub English Premier League matches (yes it is BACK AGAIN).