Apple has consistently been a leader in the tech industry, particularly with its iPad lineup. Among its many models, the iPads Air stands out for its performance, design, and accessibility. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, the iPad Air can cater to a variety of needs. In this article, we’ll dive into the various aspects of the iPad Air, compare it to other iPads, and help you understand everything you need to know about this device.
What is the Current Generation of iPads?
Apple offers several different versions of its iPads. The current lineup includes the iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. Each model is designed for different use cases, but the iPad Air sits in the middle, offering powerful performance and features at a competitive price.

As of now, the latest iPad models include:
- iPad 10th generation – This is the standard iPad, offering great value for everyday use with an updated design.
- iPad Air (5th generation) – The iPad Air boasts impressive performance, thanks to the M1 chip, a sleek design, and support for accessories like the Apple Pencil.
- iPad Mini (6th generation) – Smaller but powerful, the iPad Mini offers great portability and performance.
- iPad Pro (6th generation) – The top-tier model with all the bells and whistles, designed for professional users who need maximum performance.
Read More: Guide to iPad Pro: Features, Price, Models
What is Better, an iPad or an iPad Air?
When choosing between the regular iPad and the iPad Air, it largely depends on your budget and usage needs.
- iPad: The regular iPad is the most affordable option. It’s perfect for basic tasks like browsing, watching videos, and light productivity. It has a reliable A14 Bionic chip, but it lacks the advanced features of the Air, such as the M1 chip or the ultra-thin design.
- iPad Air: The iPad Air is a mid-tier option with much better performance, including the M1 chip, which is the same chip used in some MacBooks. It’s faster, offers better display quality, and supports accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd generation). If you’re looking for more power, the iPad Air is the better choice.
For everyday use, the regular iPad is sufficient, but if you plan to use your iPad for more intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, the iPad Air is a better choice.
How Much Does an iPad Typically Cost?
The price of an iPad varies depending on the model and configuration. Here’s a breakdown of the typical cost:
- iPad (10th generation): Starts at around $329 for the Wi-Fi-only model.
- iPad Air (5th generation): Starts at $599 for the Wi-Fi model with 64GB of storage.
- iPad Mini (6th generation): Starts at $499.
- iPad Pro (11-inch): Starts at $799, with prices going up depending on storage and cellular options.
While the regular iPad is more budget-friendly, the iPad Air offers better features and performance at a higher price.
What’s the Point of Owning an iPad?
Owning an iPad offers many benefits, depending on your needs. Here are a few reasons why you might consider getting one:
- Portability: iPads are lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for on-the-go use.
- Entertainment: Watch movies, and TV shows, and play games on the large screen with impressive sound quality.
- Productivity: With accessories like the Apple Pencil and keyboard, the iPad can be used for note-taking, drawing, or even as a laptop replacement for light work.
- Education: Many students use iPads for their learning, thanks to educational apps and the ability to take digital notes.
- Creative Use: The iPad, especially the iPads Air and Pro, is excellent for artists and graphic designers using tools like Procreate.
What’s the Difference Between Regular iPad and iPad Air?
The key differences between the regular iPad and iPad Air are related to performance, design, and features. Here’s how they compare:
- Performance: The regular iPad uses the A14 Bionic chip, which is great for everyday use. The iPad Air, however, uses the M1 chip, which is much faster and supports more demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
- Design: The iPad Air is thinner and lighter than the regular iPad. It features a larger 10.9-inch screen, compared to the regular iPad’s 10.2-inch display.
- Display Quality: The iPads Air has a Liquid Retina display, which offers better color accuracy and brightness compared to the standard iPad.
- Accessories: The iPads Air is compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard, making it more suitable for productivity tasks. The regular iPad only supports the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and the Smart Keyboard.
Is the iPad Air Being Discontinued?
As of now, there is no indication that the iPad Air is being discontinued. Thee iPad Air continues to be one of the most popular models in Apple’s lineup due to its balance of price and performance. Apple regularly updates its product lineup, and there are rumors that a new iPad Air may be coming soon, but it hasn’t been discontinued.
Is There a New iPads Air Coming Out in 2024?
While Apple has not officially confirmed the release of a new iPad Air in 2024, it is expected that a new model may be introduced, as Apple typically releases updates to its products every year or two. The iPad Air (5th generation) was launched in 2022, so a new version with updated features may be released in the future. Keep an eye out for official announcements from Apple.
How Long Does an iPads Air Last?
The iPad Air is known for its longevity. With regular software updates and proper care, an iPad Air can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years. Apple typically supports its devices with software updates for around 5 years, which means you can expect new features and security updates during this time.
The battery life of the iPads Air is also impressive, typically lasting up to 10 hours of use, depending on the tasks you’re doing.
iPad 10th Generation
The iPad 10th generation is the most affordable model in the iPad lineup. It features a 10.9-inch display, the A14 Bionic chip, and a modern design with a USB-C port. It’s ideal for those who want an iPad for general use like browsing the web, watching videos, and using apps but don’t need the power of the iPad Air or Pro.
iPad 9th Generation
The iPad 9th generation was introduced in 2021. It features a 10.2-inch display, the A13 Bionic chip, and the classic home button design. It’s a budget-friendly option for those who need a reliable tablet for everyday tasks. While it’s not as powerful as the iPad Air or Pro, it’s still a great choice for students and casual users.
Pros and Cons of the iPads Air
The iPads Air is a popular tablet due to its balance of performance, portability, and features. Here are the pros and cons of the iPad Air:
Pros of iPad Air:
- Slim and Lightweight Design:
- The iPad Air is thin, light, and easy to carry around, making it ideal for portability and long reading or browsing sessions.
- Powerful Performance:
- The iPad Air is powered by the latest Apple chips (such as the A14 or M1, depending on the generation), offering excellent speed for tasks like gaming, productivity apps, and multitasking.
- High-Quality Display:
- The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display offers vibrant colors, great brightness, and True Tone technology, making it perfect for media consumption, creative work, and reading.
- Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Support:
- The iPads Air is compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard, turning it into a versatile device for note-taking, drawing, and productivity.
- iPadOS and Ecosystem:
- iPads Air runs iPadOS, which offers a rich set of features designed for productivity, multitasking, and creative work. The Apple ecosystem (iCloud, Handoff, Continuity) ensures smooth integration with other Apple devices.
- Good Battery Life:
- iPad Air offers up to 10 hours of battery life for regular usage like web browsing or video watching, which is more than sufficient for most users.
- Touch ID and Secure Face Recognition:
- The iPad Air features Touch ID, providing secure authentication via the fingerprint sensor built into the power button.
- Affordable for an iPad:
- The iPad Air is more affordable than the iPad Pro while still offering many premium features, making it a good middle-ground option.
- Cameras:
- The iPad Air comes with a decent 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front camera, both capable of recording 1080p video. This is great for video calls, scanning documents, or casual photography.
Cons of iPad Air:
- No ProMotion (120Hz Refresh Rate):
- Unlike the iPad Pro models, the iPad Air has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which may feel less smooth when scrolling or gaming.
- Limited Storage Options:
- The iPad Air starts with a base storage of 64GB, which may not be enough for users who store a lot of media or large files. It’s important to choose the right storage capacity at the time of purchase since the storage is not expandable.
- No Face ID:
- While Touch ID is convenient, the iPad Air lacks Face ID, which is present on the iPad Pro. This can be a disadvantage for those used to Face ID’s convenience.
- No Pro Features:
- The iPad Air lacks some of the advanced features found in the iPad Pro, such asa ProMotion display, superior speakers, and the ability to add an external display with higher refresh rates.
- Accessory Cost:
- While the iPad Air supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, these accessories are expensive and sold separately.
- No HDMI or USB-C Ports:
- Although the iPad Air comes with a USB-C port, it lacks a full-sized HDMI or USB-A port, making it slightly more limiting for external device connections.
- No 5G on Some Models:
- Depending on the version of iPad Air, it may not offer 5G connectivity, which could be a drawback for those seeking faster mobile internet.
- No Pro-level Video Features:
- The camera setup and video features are great for casual use but lack some of the high-end video recording options found in the iPad Pro models (e.g., LiDAR scanner).
- Lacks Expansion Options:
- iPad Air doesn’t support external storage or microSD cards, which could limit storage flexibility for some users.
Overall, the iPads Air strikes a good balance between performance, features, and price, but its limitations (such as the absence of ProMotion or Face ID) might steer users who need advanced features toward the iPad Pro.
iPads Price
The iPad lineup offers a range of prices, from the budget-friendly 9th generation model starting at $329 to the high-end iPad Pro models that can cost over $1,000. The iPads Air sits in the middle, starting at $599, offering great value for its performance and features. Prices can vary depending on storage capacity, cellular options, and ongoing promotions.
The iPad Air is an excellent choice for users looking for a powerful tablet with a sleek design and high-quality performance. Whether you need it for work, school, or entertainment, the iPad Air offers a great balance of features and price. Understanding the differences between the various iPad models will help you make an informed decision based on your needs. Keep an eye out for future updates, as Apple continues to evolve its iPad lineup.