• Apple's 2024 iPad Air is rumored to feature the M2 chip, which will be a "binned" version with a 9-core GPU instead of the full 10-core GPU found in the M2 chip used in the latest MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. This "binned" chip is expected to help Apple differentiate the iPad Air from the more powerful iPad Pro models while still providing a significant performance boost over the current iPad Air.
• The article suggests that Apple may be planning to use this "binned" M2 chip across multiple iPad models in 2024, potentially including the entry-level iPad, to help improve the performance and capabilities of its tablet lineup without significantly increasing the price. This could help Apple maintain a clear differentiation between the iPad Air and iPad Pro while still offering more powerful chips in the mid-range and entry-level iPad models.
• The report also notes that the use of the M2 chip, even in a "binned" form, would still represent a significant upgrade for the iPad Air compared to the current model, which uses the older M1 chip. This could help Apple keep the iPad Air competitive in the tablet market and appeal to users who want more performance than the entry-level iPad but don't need the full capabilities of the iPad Pro.