Apple’s first 13-inch iPad Air debuts at $799 next week

M2-based iPad Airs come out next week. (credit: Apple)

Apple today announced the first 13-inch iPad Air. Apple is also releasing a revamped, 11-inch iPad Air next week, meaning the tablet will be available in two sizes for the first time.

The 13-inch iPad Air will offer 30 percent more screen real estate than its smaller counterpart, so Apple's pushing it for multitasking and applications like multiscreen views. During its press conference today, Apple said it decided to release a 13-inch iPad Air since more than half of iPad Pro users opt for the larger (12.9 inches versus 11 inches) size.

In addition to a larger screen, Apple's claiming the 13-inch iPad Air will offer better sound quality than the 11-inch version, due to it offering twice the bass.