Can Affinity Photo 2 handle large RAW files efficiently on the iPad Air

iPad Model and Specifications:
For optimal performance with large RAW files, it's recommended to use an iPad with an M1 or M2 chip, such as the iPad Air or Pro models from recent years. These models provide better processing power and memory management compared to older models. The iPad Air 5, for instance, is a good option if you're on a budget, but ensure it has sufficient storage—128GB or more is recommended for photo editing[2].

Performance on iPad Air:
While the iPad Air can run Affinity Photo 2, its efficiency with large RAW files might be limited compared to the Pro models. The M1 chip in the iPad Air 5 is capable, but if you frequently work with very large files or complex edits, you might notice some performance differences. However, for most users, the iPad Air should handle typical RAW file editing tasks without significant issues.

Optimizations in Affinity Photo 2:
Affinity Photo 2 is optimized for iPad, including gesture controls and integration with Apple Pencil, which enhances the editing experience. It also supports iCloud Drive for seamless file management, which can help manage large files by storing them in the cloud and accessing them as needed[7].

Handling Large Files:
Affinity Photo is generally capable of handling large files efficiently, thanks to optimizations that allow it to stream data from files quickly. However, the performance can be influenced more by the complexity of the file (e.g., number of layers) than its size. Therefore, even if you're working with large RAW files, the app should perform well unless the files are extremely complex[6].

In summary, while the iPad Air can handle large RAW files with Affinity Photo 2, optimal performance is achieved with newer iPad models and sufficient storage. If you frequently work with very large or complex files, consider upgrading to a more powerful model like the iPad Pro.