iPad iPad Air 2020 has solved the landscape mono audio problem of previous non-Pro iPads and iPad Airs.

[EugW]

To me, this is a big deal. On the 2019 iPad and iPad Air (and older models), both speakers are on the bottom, so in landscape mode the speakers are both on the right (or left) side. I found this really, really annoying on my iPad Air 2, because in landscape mode it was like single-channel audio.

The iPad Pro quad speaker setup solved this problem by providing two speakers on the bottom, and two speakers on the top.

The iPad Air 2020 specs only mention "stereo speakers" but the pics show quad speaker grills. I don't know if that means it's dual speakers with 4 grills or quad speakers, but the main point is now the Air has speakers on both the top and the bottom. That means in landscape mode it will be stereo. Finally.

iPad 2020:

iPad Air 2020:

 

[EugW]

To me, this is a big deal. On the 2019 iPad and iPad Air (and older models), both speakers are on the bottom, so in landscape mode the speakers are both on the right (or left) side. I found this really, really annoying on my iPad Air 2, because in landscape mode it was like single-channel audio.

To clarify: The annoying part wasn't that it was single-channel per se. The annoying part was that it was coming from one side. I don't actually mind mono audio, but if mono, it needs to either come from the centre or else from both sides.

 

[MacPoulet]

I almost always use my iPad in portrait mode, so wasn't really an issue. I also keep the audio on mute.

 

[AutomaticApple]

To me, this is a big deal. On the 2019 iPad and iPad Air (and older models), both speakers are on the bottom, so in landscape mode the speakers are both on the right (or left) side. I found this really, really annoying on my iPad Air 2, because in landscape mode it was like single-channel audio.

The iPad Pro quad speaker setup solved this problem by providing two speakers on the bottom, and two speakers on the top.

The iPad Air 2020 specs only mention "stereo speakers" but the pics show quad speaker grills. I don't know if that means it's dual speakers with 4 grills or quad speakers, but the main point is now the Air has speakers on both the top and the bottom. That means in landscape mode it will be stereo. Finally.

iPad 2020:

View attachment 953334

iPad Air 2020:

View attachment 953335

View attachment 953336

Are you going to be buying it? 🤔

 

[kazmac]

That is great news. Thanks for posting @EugW

 

[MacStreamer]

I think during the presentation, when they flashed all the features, one of them was something like "landscape stereo sound".

 

[sparksd]

To clarify: The annoying part wasn't that it was single-channel per se. The annoying part was that it was coming from one side. I don't actually mind mono audio, but if mono, it needs to either come from the centre or else from both sides.

Yeah, it can be distracting when watching someone talking in a video with the sound even slightly offset. And once you notice it, the distraction gets worse.

 

[EugW]

Are you going to be buying it? 🤔

No. Mini-LED or bust!

 

[sparksd]

No. Mini-LED or bust!

We all have our thresholds. For me, it's a 12.9" display now that I've had the 12.9 Pro.

 

[Icaras]

Yea, this is a huge selling point for me for the new Air 4. I was annoyed with the single sided speaker from before as well. Can't wait to pre-order mine next month!

 

[EugW]

 

[sracer]

The 2020 Air is a must-have device as it is. If it takes landscape stereo speaker placement to get some people to see it, well... great!

 

[ElBerserko]

The new Air speaker system is still a compromise compared to the Pro’s quad setup. Yes you get stereo in landscape, but you no longer get stereo in portrait like the older Airs had. Quad speakers is the only way you can get stereo in all orientations.

Not at all saying this isn’t an improvement, as stereo is probably more important for most people in landscape. Just pointing out the differences between the Air’s speakers and the Pro.

 

[Crow_Servo]

The new Air speaker system is still a compromise compared to the Pro’s quad setup. Yes you get stereo in landscape, but you no longer get stereo in portrait like the older Airs had. Quad speakers is the only way you can get stereo in all orientations.

Not at all saying this isn’t an improvement, as stereo is probably more important for most people in landscape. Just pointing out the differences between the Air’s speakers and the Pro.

Of course, you’re right. It is a compromise, but IMO it’s a very practical compromise. If you’re watching a video, you’ll usually watch it in landscape orientation. Same goes for most immersive games. If you’re holding it in portrait orientation, you’re less likely to be in a situation where stereo matters.

But that does mean that some situations would have you wanting stereo audio in portrait orientation. I guess it doesn’t solve everyone’s needs, but as a compromise, it does make sense. It solves the majority of users’ needs, without giving everyone the solution on the Air. If quad speakers is what you need, I guess they want people to shell out the big bucks for the Pro.