Is The New Ipad Air Worth Upgrading From An Ipad Pro 2020 Model

If you're still using an iPad Pro 2020 — a device that set a high bar for tablet performance — the question isn't whether it's capable. It is. The real question is whether the latest iPad Air brings enough meaningful improvements to justify stepping down from a Pro-tier device. After all, the 2020 iPad Pro was built for professionals: powerful, versatile, and future-proofed with features like LiDAR, Face ID, and Thunderbolt support. But Apple’s 2024 iPad Air refresh has closed many gaps, introducing faster chips, improved displays, and broader accessory compatibility. So, should you upgrade?

The answer depends on how you use your iPad, what you value in a device, and where your current iPad falls short. For some, the new iPad Air represents a smarter, more affordable evolution of their workflow. For others, especially creative pros or those invested in the full Pro ecosystem, staying put may be the better move. Let’s examine the key differences and real-world implications.

Performance: M1 vs. M2 — Is There a Real Difference?

The iPad Pro 2020 launched with Apple’s A12Z Bionic chip — a desktop-class processor at the time, capable of handling 4K video editing, complex 3D modeling, and demanding augmented reality applications. Fast forward to today, and the new iPad Air now comes standard with the **M2 chip**, the same silicon found in the current iPad Pro (non-M4 version) and entry-level MacBook Air.

On paper, the M2 is significantly faster than the A12Z. Benchmarks show up to 50% better CPU performance and nearly double the GPU throughput. In practical terms, this means smoother multitasking with multiple apps, quicker export times in Final Cut Pro or LumaFusion, and better responsiveness when working with large files in Procreate or Adobe Fresco.

But here's the catch: unless you're pushing your iPad to its limits daily — editing 6K ProRes footage, running virtual machines via cloud services, or using memory-intensive coding environments — the A12Z still holds up remarkably well. Most users won’t notice a dramatic difference in everyday tasks like browsing, email, note-taking, or even moderate photo editing.

Tip: If you’re not routinely hitting RAM or processing limits, the performance jump alone isn’t enough to justify an upgrade.

Display and Design: Subtle but Meaningful Changes

The iPad Pro 2020 featured a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (on the larger model), which remains one of the best screens ever put into a tablet. With mini-LED backlighting, extreme brightness, and deep blacks, it’s ideal for color-accurate photo and video work. The smaller 11-inch model used a standard LED-backlit Retina display.

The new iPad Air, meanwhile, keeps the same 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display as its predecessor — bright, sharp, and P3 wide color supported — but lacks both ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) and XDR capabilities. That means no adaptive scrolling smoothness or HDR grading precision.

However, the design update is notable. The iPad Air now supports landscape-facing front cameras thanks to a rotated portrait layout, making video calls far more natural. This is a small but impactful quality-of-life improvement, especially for remote workers or educators who rely on Zoom or Teams.

Build-wise, both devices use aerospace-grade aluminum and offer excellent durability. The iPad Pro maintains a slight edge in speaker placement (four-speaker audio system versus stereo on the Air), delivering a richer, more immersive soundstage.

Accessories and Ecosystem Compatibility

One area where the new iPad Air shines is accessory flexibility. It fully supports the second-generation Apple Pencil (magnetic charging and pairing), Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio — just like the iPad Pro. If you already own these accessories from your Pro setup, they’ll work seamlessly with the Air.

This cross-compatibility reduces the total cost of ownership. You’re not forced to repurchase peripherals, which can add hundreds to an upgrade path. However, there are subtle differences:

• Magic Keyboard: On the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the Magic Keyboard includes a trackpad with floating design and USB-C passthrough. The iPad Air version has a slightly narrower keyboard and no pass-through charging.
• Apple Pencil Hover: Only available on iPad Pro models with M1 and later (not supported on any iPad Air, including the new one).
• Laser/LiDAR Scanner: Missing on the iPad Air, limiting advanced AR functionality and faster autofocus in low light for certain photography apps.

“Even if the hardware is similar, the absence of ProMotion and LiDAR affects professional workflows in measurable ways.” — Jordan Lee, Mobile Productivity Consultant

Comparison Table: iPad Pro 2020 vs. New iPad Air

Feature	iPad Pro 2020	New iPad Air (2024)
Chip	A12Z Bionic	M2
Display Size & Type	11\" or 12.9\" Liquid Retina; XDR on 12.9\"	10.9\" Liquid Retina (LED)
Refresh Rate	120Hz ProMotion	60Hz
Front Camera Orientation	Portrait (awkward in landscape)	Landscape (natural for video calls)
LiDAR Scanner	Yes	No
Thunderbolt/USB-C Port	Yes (up to 40Gbps)	No (USB 3, ~10Gbps)
Audio	Four speakers	Stereo speakers
Apple Pencil Hover	No (requires M1+ Pro)	No
Starting Price (128GB Wi-Fi)	$799 (11\"), $999 (12.9\")	$599

Real-World Example: A Freelance Illustrator’s Dilemma

Sophie, a freelance digital artist based in Portland, has used her 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2020 since launch. She works primarily in Procreate and occasionally exports animations to After Effects via iPad-to-Mac workflows. Her device still performs well, but she’s noticed longer render times with increasingly complex layers.

She considered the new iPad Air for its M2 power and lower price point. However, after testing one at an Apple Store, she realized two critical drawbacks: the lack of ProMotion made brush strokes feel less responsive, and the smaller screen size reduced her canvas workspace by nearly 20%. Additionally, she uses LiDAR-based room scanning apps for client presentations — a feature absent on the Air.

In the end, Sophie decided to wait for the next iPad Pro refresh with the M4 chip instead. For her, the trade-offs outweighed the benefits. Her story illustrates a common truth: upgrades only make sense when they align with actual usage patterns.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

Before making a decision, walk through this evaluation process:

1. Assess Your Current Performance Needs: Open your most demanding app. Does it lag? Crash? Take long to export? If yes, consider an upgrade.
2. Evaluate Display Usage: Do you edit photos or videos professionally? Present visuals to clients? If so, ProMotion and XDR matter.
3. Check Accessory Investment: List what you already own — Pencil, keyboard, cases. Can they transfer to the Air?
4. Test Video Call Ergonomics: Try a FaceTime call in landscape mode on both devices. Notice the camera position difference.
5. Calculate Total Cost: Include iPad price, tax, and any new accessories needed. Compare against perceived benefit.
6. Consider Longevity: Will the new device last another 4–5 years? Or will you hit limitations sooner?

Tip: Visit an Apple Store and test side-by-side. Real-world feel often trumps spec sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the new iPad Air replace my iPad Pro 2020 for professional work?

It depends on your field. For general productivity, note-taking, light design, and education, yes. But for high-end video editing, CAD modeling, or AR development, the iPad Pro’s superior display, ports, and sensors still hold an edge.

Does the iPad Air support external monitors?

Yes, but with limitations. The new iPad Air supports one external display up to 6K resolution via USB-C, but only in mirroring mode — not extended desktop. True Stage Manager extended display requires iPadOS 17+ and M-series iPads, though full functionality is limited to Pro models.

Will my Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard work with the new iPad Air?

Absolutely. The second-gen Apple Pencil attaches magnetically for charging and pairing. The Magic Keyboard connects via Smart Connector and offers excellent typing experience, though the Air version lacks pass-through charging.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

Upgrading from an iPad Pro 2020 to the new iPad Air makes sense only under specific conditions:

• You prioritize portability and battery life over peak performance.
• Your work doesn’t require ProMotion, XDR, or LiDAR.
• You want M2-level processing at a lower price and are okay with a smaller, non-Pro display.
• You frequently join video calls and value the landscape-oriented front camera.
• You’re looking to simplify your setup without sacrificing core functionality.

For everyone else — especially creatives, developers, and enterprise users — holding onto the iPad Pro 2020 remains a strong choice. It’s still a powerhouse, and iOS updates will likely support it through 2027 or beyond. The new iPad Air isn’t a downgrade per se, but rather a repositioning toward mainstream productivity.

If you're on the fence, consider waiting. Rumors suggest Apple may release an M4-powered iPad Pro soon, potentially trickling features down to a future iPad Air. Jumping now might mean missing out on more significant advancements just months away.

Conclusion: Make the Right Move for Your Workflow

The new iPad Air is an impressive device — faster, smarter, and better designed for modern communication than ever before. But “better” doesn’t always mean “worth upgrading.” When you already own a high-end tool like the iPad Pro 2020, the threshold for justification rises.

Ask yourself: Are you solving a real problem, or chasing specs? Are you gaining functionality, or just changing form factors? Technology should serve your goals, not dictate them.

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPad Pro 2020 to the new iPad Air? Share your experience, challenges, and insights in the comments — your story could help someone else make their decision.