iPad Air Shipments Arriving at Apple Stores Ahead of Launch

Apple retail stores around the world are receiving shipments of new devices that are likely to be the new iPad Air models, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

ipad air 2020 roundup header
In a tweet, Gurman said that new devices have started arriving at Apple Stores "for opening at a later date." These new devices are likely the iPad Airs that are set to go on sale at some point in October as it's too early for the iPhones to be arriving in stores as of yet.

When the new ‌iPad Air‌ models were unveiled during Apple's September 15 event, there was no specific launch date provided beyond October. Because the new ‌iPad Air‌ models use the same A14 chip that's in the iPhone 12 lineup, Apple may have been holding back to prevent benchmarks and details on the chip from leaking out ahead of the ‌iPhone‌ announcement.

If that was the plan, it didn't work and A14 benchmarks leaked out anyway, so we at least know we can expect great performance from both the new ‌iPad Air‌ and the ‌iPhone‌ 12 lineup.

With ‌iPad Air‌ shipments arriving at retail stores, we could potentially see a launch as soon as Tuesday, October 13, after the Apple event, but there's still no concrete word on when the new tablets are coming out.

Related Roundup: iPad Air
Buyer's Guide: iPad Air (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...

Top Rated Comments

cobioguy Avatar
70 months ago

I'm really surprised online ordering didn't start today. Maybe they are waiting until next Friday when they also open it up for iPhone 12 orders.
I think they are waiting for their back to school promotion to expire Monday
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
satchmo Avatar
70 months ago

I agree. Infuriating, really. Because of COVID, you would think Apple would have ramped up iPad production/supply chain/consumer-retail value chain, etc. They've had 1/2 the year. iPads of all stripes have been sold out for weeks, and my kids are suffering in school without a device. If sales are down, they have themselves to blame. It's not like there wasn't a demand for the things.
There was a story that Foxconn was running at full capacity 24/7 cranking out Apple products. These factories are huge employing thousands of workers likely also having to deal with Covid restrictions and safety measures.

I can understand being frustrated at supply, but I think sometimes we take things for granted not realizing the enormous demand and quantities that are being produced.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dwalls90 Avatar
70 months ago
The release of this iPad is just bizarre. If stock is hitting stores then after the event makes most sense to me.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
easy4lif Avatar
70 months ago
They go on sale immediately after Tuesday event. There’s got to be a warehouse full of them ready to go.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Caliber26 Avatar
70 months ago
I really wish this iPad would’ve kept its $499 price point. You guys think we could see Black Friday deals for this iPad even though it’s so new?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
carrrrrlos Avatar
70 months ago
Available next week! :)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)