Yes, and even the iPad 9th gen, which is now only one gen behind in SOC and has a better front camera with center stage for $270 less. Air is squeezed from all sides now.
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iPad Air Now the Only iPad in Apple's Lineup That Lacks 12MP Ultra Wide Front Camera With Center Stage
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This right here.
I came off an iPad 5th generation recently. Had the iPad 9 been available when it was time for me to upgrade, I would have got that instead of the Air. I only went for the Air because of the better camera for video conferencing, I don't need the Pro, I would never use all its features. I only need Word, Excel, email, text, internet, video meetings, some access to Pages & Numbers. I added the magic keyboard to the Air and for my needs, it is perfect. I will make it last as long as the iPad 5 (which I still have and works).
Because you'll probably be holding the iPhone during a video chat, so you can just adjust the angle yourself. With the iPad, you'll have it sitting on a surface, and it's more difficult to adjust the angle.
I use my iPad every day for reading email, surfing the web, watching videos while I'm on the treadmill, listening to music, reading ebooks, and looking at my photos. The entry-level iPad is more than adequate for me, and I'm still using the 2017 model. I'm sure I could tell the difference in screen quality if I were looking at it side by side with an Air or a Pro, but the entry-level iPad's screen is still very good, and I can't justify the huge price increase of upgrading to an Air or a Pro. If the iPad were my primary computing device, then I'd probably get a 12.9" Pro, but I prefer to do my serious computer work on my iMac and my MacBook Pro.
I really wish they would have added a second front camera along the middle of the length of the iPad Pro M1. Im sure most people (such as myself) use it predominantly with a keyboard, which makes it more like a laptop. The front camera is on the left side (the top of the iPad) so when I have FaceTime or Zoom calls, I'm never looking into the camera as the camera is on the left. It's really annoying. I noticed that the new Mini has the camera centered along on the length. I think given the price and that fact that the iPad Pro is a pro device, it should have 2 front cameras.
That’s certainly WHY the Air now looks like the weakest link in the lineup, but they’re still selling the air for the same price. I’m sure it will be an attractive option again when it’s updated, but right now, it’s not.
Likely - it will be updated to align with the iPad Mini by Spring 2022. It's the first time ever that the Mini has been more advanced than the Air.
Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. I believe the iPad Air 5 will be announced by next month with an A15 and upgraded front camera with center stage. Maybe available in new colors like the new iPad mini’s purple. They’re not going to wait until March to release it.
I don’t think Apple will wait that long. It wouldn’t look right that a significantly more expensive, premium iPad lacks a feature that the $299-329 old school style iPad and the former stepchild iPad mini now both have. Anyone interested in the iPad Air 4 should wait or get the mini if you’re okay with the smaller size.
I dont know, i have a feeling the new Air 5 will be announced with the Iphone 14’s in Sept 22. It will have the A16, centre stage, maybe an OLED display Etc. The Air 4 is still relevant as it uses the Magic Keyboard and has the largest screen out of the Mini 6 and Ipad 9.
It has one of the most compelling specs over the regular iPad...thin bezels. That alone makes the 4th generation Air a no brainer over the 9th generation iPad
With every other iPad getting updated camera, it is only a matter of time before the Air gets it too. I am pretty sure that the next Air will be getting it.
Without a doubt. Center Stage is going to be on all iPads going forward.
And on the product I suspect the feature originated from / was originally developed for – a future HomePod (either the one with integrated display, for kitchens, tables etc. like an Apple version of Amazon's Echo Show / Google's Nest Hub, or the lounge-based soundbar product).
It's been previously revealed that certain features had their inception in technologies created for other Apple products.
