iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Shop iPad
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 new
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) and iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)?
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the screen size, refresh rate and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) starts at £476.53, £4.52 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series). The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Refresh rate
Weight
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a lighter build: 470 g vs 617 g.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) specs
The iPad Air 6 and iPad Pro 2021 both run iPadOS 18 and offer 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB storage options, making them capable for most everyday tasks. The iPad Air 6 features the M2 chip, a larger 13 cm display with higher resolution, and a standard 60 Hz refresh rate, suited for users wanting more screen space and the latest processor. The iPad Pro 2021 has a smaller 11 inch screen with a smoother 120 Hz refresh rate, four speaker audio, Face ID, and a lidar scanner, appealing to those who prioritise fluid visuals, richer sound, and advanced sensors. Both are compatible with Apple Pencil and USB Type-C, but they differ in Bluetooth versions and SIM format, which may affect connectivity choices.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) battery life and software updates
They also run the same iPadOS base system, which means software experience will be consistent across both devices.
Operating System Support
The iPad Air 6 and iPad Pro 2021 both support iPadOS 18, so you can expect the same software updates and app compatibility. This guarantees that each device stays current with Apple's latest apps and security improvements.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) performance
Performance is driven by the Apple chipsets and memory, which are key for multitasking and running demanding apps. Both iPads share the same RAM and base storage, but their processors differ.
Processor Differences
The iPad Air 6 runs on the Apple M2 chip, while the iPad Pro 2021 features the Apple M1. Both are powerful, but the M2 is a newer generation processor that may provide a slight edge in efficiency and performance for intensive tasks or future-proofing.
Memory and Storage Options
Each model comes with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage in the configurations stocked here, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and offers a good balance for most users. The iPad Air 6 is available in 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB options, whereas the iPad Pro 2021 extends up to 2 TB for those needing large storage.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) screen
Screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and brightness affect how you view content and interact with the device. Both use Liquid Retina displays with True Tone, but they differ in size, resolution, and refresh rate.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 6 offers a larger 13 cm screen with a resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels, making it well suited for users wanting more space for reading, drawing, or watching videos. The iPad Pro 2021 has an 11 inch screen with a resolution of 2388 by 1668 pixels, suitable for those who prefer a more compact device.
Refresh Rate
The iPad Pro 2021 features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother motion and scrolling, ideal for gamers or users who notice fluidity in animations. The iPad Air 6 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard and works well for everyday tasks and media consumption.
Brightness and Display Glass
Both iPads offer up to 600 nits brightness and use standard display glass, making them equally capable in various lighting conditions and durable for regular use.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) camera
Audio and camera features shape how you capture and enjoy media. Both iPads have similar camera resolutions and video recording capabilities, but their speaker setups differ.
Camera Quality
Both models have 12 megapixels for front and rear cameras and can record 4K video at 60 frames per second, ensuring clear video calls and high-resolution photos or videos.
Speaker Setup
The iPad Air 6 has stereo speakers in landscape mode, sufficient for casual media use. The iPad Pro 2021 offers four speaker audio for a richer and more immersive sound experience, beneficial for users who enjoy higher quality audio without headphones.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) size and design
Additional features like connectivity, physical dimensions, and accessories compatibility can influence your daily experience. These two iPads differ in several of these areas.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Air 6 works with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), while the iPad Pro 2021 supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Both options suit creative and note-taking needs with slightly different Pencil generations.
Connectivity and SIM Format
The iPad Air 6 offers Bluetooth 5.3 and uses eSIM for cellular connectivity, which can be more convenient for switching carriers without changing a physical SIM card. The iPad Pro 2021 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and a Nano SIM, appealing to users who prefer physical SIM cards.
Biometric and Touch Features
Face ID is present on the iPad Pro 2021, allowing facial recognition for unlocking and authentication. The iPad Air 6 does not have Face ID but includes Touch ID for fingerprint unlocking, offering a different biometric security option.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPad Air 6 is larger and heavier, measuring 280 mm in height, 214.9 mm in width, and weighing 617 g, suitable for users wanting a bigger display. The iPad Pro 2021 is smaller and lighter at 247.6 mm height, 178.5 mm width, and 470 g weight, which may appeal to those valuing portability.
Additional Features
The iPad Pro 2021 includes a lidar scanner for enhanced depth-sensing capabilities, useful for augmented reality applications. It also supports Wi-Fi 6, while the iPad Air 6 supports Wi-Fi 6E, which may provide faster and more reliable wireless connections where available.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) or iPad Pro (2021, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch)
- you want the newer model (2024)
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £476.53, £4.52 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want a lighter build (470 g vs 617 g)
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) FAQs
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the screen size, refresh rate and weight. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £476.53 compared with £481.05 for the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) adds a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch). Refurbished, it costs £4.52 more (from £481.05 vs £476.53).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
