Apple iPad Air 5: What You Need to Know

Apple has updated its iPad Air lineup with the fifth-generation model, which boasts impressive features and performance. For one, the new iPad Air 5 is powered by the same Apple M1 chip that runs on the iPad Pro and MacBook Air.

The iPad Air 5 keeps a design and display aesthetic similar to the previous iPad Air 4 but with a major upgrade in the processor, camera, and connectivity departments. 

Here is everything you need to know about the Apple iPad Air 5: its specifications, pricing, availability details, and more.

Feature Highlights

• 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD with a 1640 x 2360 pixel resolution
• Powered by the Apple M1 chip with an 8-core GPU
• 12MP rear camera and a 12MP selfie camera with CenterStage
• Supports 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS
• USB-C port for charging and data transfers
• Supports the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard

Full Specs of the Apple iPad Air 5

Apple iPad Air 5: Overview

The iPad Air 5 offers a balance between performance, features, and price. The design has mostly stayed the same compared to the previous 4th-gen but with upgrades to the processor.

The iPad Air 5 is powered by the M1 chip, an improvement from the A14 Bionic that powered the iPad Air 4. The 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU delivers up to 40% improved performance and 30% faster graphics than the previous generation. The same M1 chip runs on the iPad Pro and MacBook Air and can deliver outstanding performance and efficiency.

More details of the chip include a 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning capabilities. Pairing with the powerful chip is 8GB of RAM, double that of the iPad 4, and comes in 64GB and 256GB storage options.

It sports a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD, the same size and resolution as the iPad Air 4. It has a pixel density of 264 ppi and supports a wide P3 gamut for color accuracy. The bezels are thin on all sides but still have enough room for a Touch ID sensor on the top edge integrated into the power button. 

The front camera is another notable upgrade from the previous generation of the iPad Air 5. The rear camera remains similar, but the front is a new 12MP with CenterStage, a feature that automatically adjusts the camera angle and zoom to keep you in the frame at all times.

On the battery front, the tablet is equipped with a 28.6Wh battery. You can charge it with the 20W USB-C power adapter, cable, or a compatible charger.

Pricing and Availability

The iPad Air 5 is available on the Apple website, Apple Store, or any retailers that carry Apple products. The base model with 64GB of storage retails for $599, while the 256GB model is priced at $749. Since it supports 5G, you can add cellular connectivity for an extra $150.

However, if you want the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard with your iPad Air, they are sold separately for $129 and $299, respectively.

The iPad Air 5 is also available in the UK, and the 64GB model is priced at £669 while the 256GB model is at £849. Adding cellular support will also be £130 extra.

Alternatives

With the Apple M1 chip making the difference, few tablets out there can match the iPad Air 5 in terms of design and performance. However, some tablets, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, can come close. The upside of getting the Samsung is getting the S Pen out of the box rather than purchasing it separately, like the Apple Pencil.

If you want to stay in the Apple ecosystem, an alternative to consider is the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro with the M2 chip, which starts at $799. It’s one of the most powerful tablets on the market, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro model has one of the best displays.

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Apple iPad Air 5

Read now: Our Apple iPad Air 5 Review

The Apple iPad Air 5 is a fantastic premium tablet. It's cheaper than the iPad Pro but offers the same super-fast Apple M1 processor. We get a premium metal body, good speakers, a fingerprint scanner, two keyboard options, and the fantastic Apple Pencil 2. The 10.9 inch LCD screen is a good one but a bit darker than the Pro and supports 60Hz only.

Positive

• Premium design
• Super fast M1 chip
• Good screen
• Fingerprint scanner
• Up-to-date software
• Two keyboard options
• Apple Pencil 2

Negative

• No 120Hz screen
• A bit pricey

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