Apple's iPad lineup is facing an unusual problem – its biggest competitor isn't Android tablets, but older iPads themselves. The hardware has remained largely stagnant for years, with the iPad Air still sitting at $599 with an LCD display and Touch ID since its 2020 redesign. Meanwhile, previous-generation iPad Pro models offer significantly more for roughly the same price.

Buyers looking at the $599 iPad Air can find an M1 or M2 11-inch iPad Pro for under $600, which includes Face ID, 120Hz displays, Thunderbolt ports, superior speakers, and brighter screens. The value proposition is clear: older Pro models outperform the current Air in nearly every meaningful specification while costing nearly identical amounts. This creates a challenging situation for Apple.

Apple could address this by refreshing the iPad Air with features like 120Hz, increased base storage, and Face ID. The upcoming MacBook Neo also poses a threat – at similar price points, consumers might choose a laptop over a tablet with keyboard. Without meaningful upgrades, customers will likely hold onto their existing iPads longer or opt for discounted older models.