iPad Air

 The new middle-tier iPad that starts at $599 is Apple's updated 10.9-inch iPad Air.

At a Glance

• Apple introduced a refreshed iPad Air in September 2020 with a 10.9-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen, a Touch ID power button, a brand new A14 Bionic processor, new colour options, and more.

Features

• 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
• True Tone & Wide color
• A14 Bionic processor
• 12-megapixel rear camera
• 7-megapixel front camera
• Touch ID in the power button
• Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard support
• $599 price tag

2020 iPad Air

Apple updated the iPad Air in September 2020 with a fourth-generation model that includes a radical redesign that takes it closer to the iPad Pro in style. Priced at $599, between the low-cost $329 eighth-generation iPad and the more costly iPad Pro, priced starting at $799, the iPad Air is a middle-tier option.

The iPad Air has an edge-to-edge 10.9-inch display with a resolution of 2360x1640, 3.8 million pixels, and a design similar to the iPad Pro with an aluminium frame that has smooth, rounded edges that wrap around the fully laminated display. To change the display to fit the ambient lighting, True Tone support is provided, as is P3 large colour, brightness of 500 nits, and reflectivity of 1.8 percent.

The first iPad to provide exclusive colour choices similar to iPhone colours is Apple's iPad Air. Offered in silver, space grey, rose gold, green and sky blue, the iPad Air is available. The new Touch ID sensor built into the top button, a first for an Apple product, is what's most special about the iPad Air.

For biometric authentication purposes, the iPad Air does not have Face ID and relies exclusively on Touch ID. The Touch ID functionality is the same as other devices that feature Touch ID, other than being integrated into the top button instead of a home button.

The new iPad Air from Apple contains a 6-core A14 Bionic chip, which is the newest A-series chip developed on a 5-nanometer process from Apple. Apple rarely launches a new iPad chip until it comes to an iPhone, but first got an A14 chip for the 2020 iPad Air. Thanks to the latest 4-core GPU architecture, the A-series chip offers 40 percent faster Processor performance and a 30 percent boost in GPU performance, according to Apple.

In the previous generation chip, the A14 chip has a new 16-core Neural Engine that is twice as fast as the Neural Engine, and for 10 times faster machine learning calculations, there are second-generation machine learning accelerators.

The iPad Air features a 7-megapixel front-facing FaceTime camera along with a 12-megapixel rear camera, which is the same wide-angle camera used in the iPad Pro, but there is no Face ID. With the iPad Air now featuring stereo speakers in landscape mode for broader stereo sound while viewing video, the speaker output has been updated.

The new iPad Air has a USB-C port for data transmission of up to 5Gbps instead of a Lightning port, along with support for connecting cameras, hard drives, and 4K external monitors. For charging purposes, the iPad Air ships with a new 20W USB-C adapter.

The iPad Air supports the $129 second-generation Apple Pencil, like the iPad Pro, and it fits with the $279 Magic Keyboard that Apple provides with a trackpad. The Smart Keyboard Folio and Smart Folio covers are also compatible.

On Friday, October 16, the iPad Air was available for purchase, followed by availability on October 23. Pricing starts at 64 GB of storage at $599. For $749, 256GB of storage is available. Base rates are for WiFi models, with an extra cost available for cellular models.

Reviews

The iPad Air has overwhelmingly pleased critics, and the consensus is that, due to its Pro design and feature set at a price point that is more affordable than the iPad Pro, it is the best tablet for most people.

The Touch ID sensor was described as "fast and reliable," capable of recognizing fingerprints in almost any orientation quickly and easily, and the longer size of the power button makes it easy to find by feeling.

The iPad Air from Apple does not have the refresh rate of 120Hz Pro Motion that the iPad Pro does but reviewers considered the display of the iPad Air to be perfectly acceptable.

The iPad Air's A14 chip is Apple's newest, and it's super quiet. Reviewers were pleased with its results, but it is worth noting that when it comes to GPU performance, the iPad Pro wins out.

The iPad Air's A14 chip is Apple's newest, and it's super quiet. Reviewers were pleased with its results, but it is worth noting that when it comes to GPU performance, the iPad Pro wins out.

The starting storage, which is 64GB, was one of the key concerns. That's a respectable number, but it will be surpassed easily by individuals with several games, applications, or images. It costs an additional $100 to upgrade to more storage.

iPad Air vs. iPad Pro Comparison

In design and functionality, the fourth-generation iPad Air is identical to the iPad Pro models that were updated in March 2020, featuring the same all-display design but missing ProMotion technology. The iPad Air has an A14 chip that is faster than the A12Z used in the iPad Pro and uses Touch ID instead of Face ID. For a hands-on comparison, make sure to check out our comparison article and video. Comparing the A14 chip to the A12Z chip, we also have a guide.

Design

The 2020 iPad Air has seen a major redesign with an edge-to-edge display that is identical to the iPad Pro's display, measuring 10.9 inches, up from 10.5 inches for the previous iPad Air model. The aluminium frame has smooth, rounded edges that wrap around the display of the Retina, and this is a concept first used for the iPad Pro by Apple.

In fact, except for the slightly thicker body and thicker bezels around the display, the iPad Air is almost indistinguishable compared to the 11-inch iPad Pro.

iPad Pro left, iPad Air middle, iPad right

The iPad Air is 9.74 inches in length and 7 inches wide, while the iPad Pro is 9.74 inches in length and 7.02 inches in width. 6.1mm thick is the iPad Air, and 5.9mm thick is the 11-inch iPad Pro. The weight of the iPad Air is 1 pound and the weight of the iPad Pro is 1.04 pounds, so there is not a lot of difference here.

Smooth, tapered edges were rounded in Apple's previous iPad Air edition, while the current version features a flatter, more industrial look that suits the iPad Pro and the forthcoming iPhone 12 versions.

This is the first iPad Air to have an all-display interface, and there is no Home Button for Touch ID. However with biometric authentication done by the new Touch ID fingerprint reader built into the top button, there is also no Face ID. Like the Touch ID Home button, it scans a fingerprint, but it's smaller and more portable. At the top of the iPad Air, next to the Touch ID button, there are speakers and a microphone.

There are volume up/down buttons on the right side of the iPad Air, a nano-SIM tray on cellular models, and a magnetic slot for Apple Pencil charging. There is a single-lens rear camera with a microphone at the back, and the single-lens camera is substantially different from the square-shaped camera bump on the iPad Pro because there is no second camera or LiDAR scanner on it.

At the bottom of the iPad Air, stereo speakers and a USB-C port are mounted.

Colors

Available in five colours, the aluminium shell of the iPad Air is the first time that Apple has offered an iPad in a lighter, non-traditional hue. Silver, space grey, rose gold, green, and sky blue are the iPad Air.

Further differentiating the 2020 iPad Air from the 2020 iPad Pro are the three lighter colour choices - rose gold, green, and sky blue.

Touch ID

The iPad Air is the first iPad or iPhone with a Touch ID that is not built into the device's home button. Apple embedded Touch ID into the top button of the iPad Air, allowing biometric authentication based on Touch ID without the need for thick bezels that obstruct the device.

Much like the Touch ID Home button, the Touch ID top button works and it can be used with Apple Pay to open the iPad, access software, and make purchases, and more. Touch ID is functional for both portrait and landscape orientations on the iPad Air.

Smart Connector

On the back of the iPad Air, the Smart Connector enables it to interact with devices like the Magic Keyboard and control them. The Smart Connector interface is capable of transmitting both power and data, so batteries are not needed for accessories that attach to the iPad Air using the Smart Connector.

USB-C

After the iPad Pro, the iPad Air is the second iPad to be modified with a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port. The iPad Air can be attached to 4K or 5K screens, cameras, and other USB-C devices via the USB-C port. The USB-C port supports data transfer of 5Gbps and is capable of charging the correct cable to an iPhone or Apple Watch.

Display

The iPad Air is fitted with a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina monitor that is similar to the iPad Pro display, except for a smoother scrolling experience without 120 Hz ProMotion technology.

At 246 pixels per inch and 3.8 million pixels overall, it has a resolution of 2360 by 1640. It has full lamination (which decreases the thickness of the display and makes the material appear more immersive), wide P3 colour support for rich, true to life colours, an anti-reflective coating of 1.8% reflectivity, brightness of 500 nits, and support for True Tone.

In order to make the screen easier on the eyes, True Tone modifies the white balance of the monitor to match the ambient lighting. For example, if you are in a room with yellower lighting, the iPad's display is warmer in colour, because there is no sharp contrast between the iPad's colour and the room's lighting.

Apple Pencil Support

The new iPad Air from Apple works with the Apple Pencil second-generation, which was originally launched alongside the iPad Pro in 2018. The second-generation Apple Pencil was limited to the iPad Pro models before the launch of the iPad Air.

A14 Chip

With the tablet fitted with a 6-core A14 Bionic processor, Apple uses the latest 5-nanometer chip technology in the iPad Air. Apple doesn't always use new chip technology on an iPad until it debuts on an iPhone, but because of the delayed introduction of the iPhone 12 models, that's what happened this year. The same A14 Bionic chip will also be used on the iPhone 12.

The A14 chip is fitted with 11.8 billion transistors, according to Apple, which brings improved performance and power consumption. The 6-core configuration of the A14 chip results in a 40 percent increase in GPU performance compared to the A12 and the updated 4-core GPU architecture brings a 30 percent boost compared to the A12 in graphics capabilities.

A leaked A14 chip benchmark reveals that the new iPad Air fourth-generation provides major improvements over the model of the previous generation. It has a single-core score of 1583 and a multi-core score of 4198, which is much faster than the single-core score of 1112 and the multi-core score of 2832 won by the A12 Bionic chip in the iPad Air of the third generation.

Neural Engine

The A14 Bionic features a 16-core Neural Engine that is twice as fast and can perform machine learning capabilities faster than ever for up to 11 trillion operations per second. For 10 times faster machine learning simulations, there are also second-generation machine learning accelerators on the CPU.

Apple claims that the new iPad will be capable of powerful new on-device experiences for image recognition, natural language learning, motion tracking, and more with the A14 chip with an upgraded GPU and Neural Engine.

RAM

The iPad Air has 4 GB of RAM, up 1 GB from the 3 GB in the previous generation edition, based on the aforementioned leaked A14 benchmark.

Camera

There is an f/2.0 7-megapixel front-facing FaceTime HD Camera for selfies and video calls, even though there is no True Depth camera system to support Face ID in the iPad Air.

There's a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera on the rear of the iPad Air, which is the same as the wide-angle camera used on the iPad Pro. In contrast to the older iPad Air, it supports higher-resolution video and 4K video capture.

The 12-megapixel camera features an f/1.8 aperture for good low-light output along with all the latest upgrades that Apple has introduced to its smartphone cameras, such as stabilizing Live Images, Focus Pixel autofocus, large colour capture, exposure control, Smart HDR, auto image stabilization, noise reduction, and more.

At 20, 30, or 60 frames per second, 4K video recording is supported, as is slo-mo video at 120 or 240 frames per second. The iPad Air can also record at 30 or 60 frames per second in 1080p, and it supports continuous autofocus, cinematic video stabilization, and when capturing 4K video, the ability to take 8-megapixel still images.

Battery Life

A 28.6-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery is fitted with the iPad Air that Apple claims can last up to 10 hours while browsing the web on WiFi or watching video.

When browsing the web over a cellular network, cellular models can last for up to nine hours. The integrated 20W USB-C power adapter and USB-C to USB-C cable can be used to charge the iPad Air.

Other Features

Microphones and Speakers

In portrait and landscape mode, the iPad Air features two sets of speakers for stereo sound. For calls, video recording, and audio recording, dual microphones are included.

Sensors

The iPad Air has a three-axis gyro, an accelerometer, a barometer, and an ambient light sensor for True Tone and other functions, along with a Touch ID sensor.

WiFi 6 and Bluetooth Support

WiFi 6, otherwise named 802.11ax, is supported by the 2020 iPad Air. When there are multiple WiFi devices in the same region, the new standard provides faster speeds, improved network bandwidth, better power efficiency, lower latency, and upgraded connectivity.

WiFi 6 devices also support WPA3, which provides enhanced cryptographic strength as a security protocol. Bluetooth 5.0.0.0 also supports it.

Gigabit LTE

In the cellular iPad Air models, the Gigabit-class LTE is available and the LTE modem chip is identical to the chip used in the iPad Pro.

This includes support for bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, and 71.

The iPad Air has two SIM options: a physical nano-SIM slot on the side of the device and an eSIM or digital SIM that is built to operate without a physical SIM card being needed.

The Apple SIM supports the physical nano-SIM slot, which is designed to allow users to switch without hassle between carriers. The Apple SIM is sponsored by many carriers in the U.S. and other nations, but a physical SIM card is still needed for those who don't, including Verizon.

Storage Space

Apple offers the iPad Air with 64 GB storage or 256 GB storage, with no 128 GB storage option available for the middle tier.

Accessories

Magic Keyboard and Trackpad Support

The iPad Air is designed to work with the Magic Keyboard that was launched earlier in 2020, much like the iPad Pro. The Magic Keyboard is a folio-style case featuring a full backlit keyboard and a trackpad for the first time.

Just like the MacBook Air keyboard and the MacBook Pro, the Magic Keyboard uses scissor mechanisms. 1 mm of travel is provided by the scissor mechanism, for what Apple claims is the best iPad typing experience ever.

Via a magnetic link, the Magic Keyboard connects to the iPad Air, and it features cantilevered hinges that operate on a desk or on a lap. The hinges allow the viewing angle to be adjusted up to 130 degrees, so that it can be tweaked for all uses. The Magic Keyboard's nature allows the iPad to "float" in the air when used in keyboard mode, with the bottom portion of the case tilting backwards.

When not in use, the folio-style nature of the keyboard keeps the iPad Air protected, covering the device's front and back. For pass-through inductive USB-C charging capabilities, a USB-C port is included on the Magic Keyboard, leaving the built-in USB-C port of the iPad Air free for accessories including external drives and displays.

Apple Pencil

The 2020 iPad Air models are compatible with the Apple Pencil second-generation. Priced at $129, using magnets, the Apple Pencil attaches to the iPad Air, and it charges inductively when magnetically connected. Via the magnetic connection, pairing is also achieved.

With the second-generation Apple Pencil, gesture support is included, and with a tap, you can change brushes or turn from a brush to an eraser easily without having to pick up the pencil and choose a new tool.

The Apple Pencil works with first and third party applications on the iPad Air. For a paper-like writing experience that is unmatched by third-party styluses, it features advanced palm rejection, intense precision, and imperceptible lag.

By increasing the amount of pressure on the iPad's screen, pressure support enables thinner and thicker lines to be drawn, and side nib detection allows shading when the Apple Pencil is tilted.

How to Buy

With the 64GB model priced at $599 and the 256GB model priced at $729, Apple sells the iPad Air in 64 and 256GB configurations. For each power, cellular models are available for an additional $100 more than the base price.

On Friday, October 16, Apple started selling the iPad Air, with the first orders arriving on October 23.

BEST PRICES

iPad Air (2019): Cellular, 256 GB - Gold

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$774.00

$679.99

$779.00

iPad Air (2019): Cellular, 256 GB - Silver

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$739.00

$679.99

$779.00

iPad Air (2019): Cellular, 256 GB - Space Gray

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$679.99

$779.00

iPad Air (2019): Cellular, 64 GB - Gold

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$624.00

$529.99

$629.00

iPad Air (2019): Cellular, 64 GB - Silver

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$529.99

$629.00

iPad Air (2019): Cellular, 64 GB - Space Gray

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$529.99

$629.00

iPad Air (2019): Wi-Fi, 256 GB - Gold

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$649.00

iPad Air (2019): Wi-Fi, 256 GB - Silver

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$614.00

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$649.00

iPad Air (2019): Wi-Fi, 256 GB - Space Gray

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$614.00

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$649.00

iPad Air (2019): Wi-Fi, 64 GB - Gold

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$474.00

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$499.00

iPad Air (2019): Wi-Fi, 64 GB - Silver

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$494.00

$449.99

$499.00

iPad Air (2019): Wi-Fi, 64 GB - Space Gray

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$474.00

$449.99

$499.00

iPad Air (2020): Cellular, 256GB - Green

$879.00

$879.00

$879.00

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$879.99

$879.00

iPad Air (2020): Cellular, 256GB - Rose Gold

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$879.00

$879.00

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$879.99

$879.00

iPad Air (2020): Cellular, 256GB - Silver

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$879.00

$879.00

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$879.99

$879.00

iPad Air (2020): Cellular, 256GB - Sky Blue

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$879.00

$879.00

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$879.99

$879.00

iPad Air (2020): Cellular, 256GB - Space Gray

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$879.00

$879.00

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$879.99

$879.00

iPad Air (2020): Cellular, 64GB - Green

$719.98

$729.00

$729.00

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$729.99

$729.00

iPad Air (2020): Cellular, 64GB - Rose Gold

$722.16

$729.00

$729.00

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$729.99

$729.00

iPad Air (2020): Cellular, 64GB - Silver

N/A

$729.00

$718.00

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$729.99

$729.00

iPad Air (2020): Cellular, 64GB - Sky Blue

$727.00

$729.00

$729.00

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$729.99

$729.00

iPad Air (2020): Cellular, 64GB - Space Gray

$729.00

$729.00

$729.00

N/A

$729.99

$729.00

iPad Air (2020): Wi-Fi, 256GB - Green

$749.00

$749.00

$749.00

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$749.99

$749.00

iPad Air (2020): Wi-Fi, 256GB - Rose Gold

$719.99

$749.00

$749.00

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$749.99

$749.00

iPad Air (2020): Wi-Fi, 256GB - Silver

$699.00

$749.00

$749.00

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$749.99

$749.00

iPad Air (2020): Wi-Fi, 256GB - Sky Blue

$749.99

$749.00

$749.00

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$749.99

$749.00

iPad Air (2020): Wi-Fi, 256GB - Space Gray

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$749.00

$749.00

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$749.99

$749.00

iPad Air (2020): Wi-Fi, 64GB - Green

$599.00

$599.00

$599.00

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$599.99

$599.00

iPad Air (2020): Wi-Fi, 64GB - Rose Gold

$599.00

$599.00

$599.00

N/A

$599.99

$599.00

iPad Air (2020): Wi-Fi, 64GB - Silver

N/A

$569.00

$599.00

N/A

$599.99

$599.00

iPad Air (2020): Wi-Fi, 64GB - Sky Blue

$599.00

$599.00

$599.00

N/A

$599.99

$599.00

iPad Air (2020): Wi-Fi, 64GB - Space Gray

$599.00

$569.00

$599.00

N/A

$599.99

$599.00

iPad Air Timeline

NOVEMBER2020

Nov 9A12Z vs. A14: Which Apple Chip is Better?

OCTOBER2020

Oct 272020 iPad Air vs. iPad Pro: Hands-On Comparison

Oct 23iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPad Air 4 Now Available

Oct 21New iPad Air Reviews: 'The Best Tablet for Most People' With New Pro-Like Design and Features at Lower Price

Oct 21Watch: New iPad Air Unboxing Videos and First Impressions

Oct 20First iPad Air 4 Unboxing Video Shared Online

Oct 16iPad Air 4 vs. iPad Air 3 Buyer's Guide

Oct 16Fourth-Generation iPad Air Now Available for Pre-Order

Oct 15Walmart Accepting Pre-Orders for New iPad Air, Release Date Listed as October 23 [Update: Out of Stock]

Oct 15New iPad Air Receives FCC Approval Ahead of Rumored October 23 Launch

Oct 15Best Buy's Canadian Site Lists October 23 Release Date for iPad Air

Oct 13Apple's iPad Shipments Could See 20% YoY Growth in 2020

Oct 9iPad Air Shipments Arriving at Apple Stores Ahead of Launch

Oct 5Apple's New iPad Air Equipped With 4GB RAM

Oct 4New iPad Air's Touch ID Power Button an 'Incredible Feat of Engineering' According to Apple VP

Oct 3First A14 Benchmarks from iPad Air 4 Appear Online

Oct 1New iPad Air Marketing Materials Hit Retail Stores, Suggesting Imminent Launch

SEPTEMBER2020

Sep 17Apple's New iPad Air Demoed in Videos From Chinese Media Press Event

Sep 15Apple Extends U.S. Back to School Sale for Two Weeks, Excludes New iPad Air

Sep 15Logitech Announces Folio Touch Keyboard With Trackpad For New iPad Air