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 (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPad

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Top Rated Comments

cobioguy Avatar
59 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
59 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
59 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
59 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
59 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
59 months ago
Available next week! :)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)