Apple introduced the iPad Air (2024) alongside the iPad Pro (2024). While not a huge upgrade from the iPad Air (2022), it offers key improvements.
Firstly, it features a powerful M2 chipset. Secondly, the selfie camera has been repositioned. Most notably, there is now an option for a larger 13-inch screen.
So, is the iPad Air (2024) worth upgrading to? We’ve compared the specs and our impressions of the 13-inch model with the iPad Air (2022) to help you decide.
iPad Air (2024) vs iPad Air (2022): Specs
Here’s a quick look at the main specs of the new iPad Air models compared to the older version. This table highlights their key similarities and differences.
| Specs | iPad Air 11-inch (2024) | iPad Air 13-inch (2024) | iPad Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 11-inch IPS LCD | 13-inch IPS LCD | 10.9-inch IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2048 × 2732 pixels | 2048 x 2732 pixels | 1640 x 2360 pixels |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Chipset | M2 | M2 | M1 |
| Rear cameras | 12MP wide | 12MP wide | 12MP wide |
| Front camera | 12MP ultra-wide | 12MP ultra-wide | 12MP ultra-wide |
| RAM | 1640 × 2360 pixels | 1640 × 2360 pixels | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 64 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
The iPad Air (2024) brings several updates to the iPad Air (2022). It features the new M2 chipset, a repositioned selfie camera, and a new 13-inch screen option. These changes make it a notable upgrade.
iPad Air (2024) vs iPad Air (2022): Price and Availability
The iPad Air (2024) comes in four colors and was announced on May 7, 2024. It became available on May 15. The iPad Air (2022) launched in 2022 and is now discontinued, though some third-party stores may still have stock.
iPad Air (2024) Pricing:
- 11-inch model:
- Starts at $599 / £599 / AU$999 for 128 GB Wi-Fi
- Up to $1,249 / £1,249 / AU$2,129 for 1 TB Wi-Fi and Cellular
- 13-inch model:
- Starts at $799 / £799 / AU$1,299 for 128 GB
- Up to $1,449 / £1,449 / AU$2,429 for 1 TB Wi-Fi and Cellular
iPad Air (2022) Pricing:
- 10.9-inch model:
- Starts at $599 / £569 / AU$929 for 64 GB Wi-Fi
- Up to $899 / £869 / AU$1,389 for 256 GB Wi-Fi and Cellular
The starting price of the iPad Air (2024) is similar to the iPad Air (2022) but offers twice the storage. The 13-inch iPad Air (2024) costs more, and both sizes have higher maximum prices compared to the 2022 model due to increased storage options.
iPad Air (2024) vs iPad Air (2022): Design and Display
The design of the iPad Air (2024) is similar to the iPad Air (2022). The 11-inch iPad Air (2024) has the same dimensions as the 2022 model: 247.6 × 178.5 × 6.1 mm. It weighs 462g, just 1g more than the 2022 version.
The 13-inch iPad Air (2024) is larger and heavier but equally slim at 280.6 × 214.9 × 6.1 mm and 617g. All models feature an aluminum build. The front-facing camera on the 2024 models is on the long edge, unlike the 2022 model, where it’s on the short edge.
Regarding colors, the iPad Air (2024) comes in Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, and Blue. The iPad Air (2022) also offers these colors but includes Pink instead of the exact shades.
| Model | Dimensions (mm) | Weight (g) | Colors (2024) | Colors (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air 11-inch (2024) | 247.6 × 178.5 × 6.1 | 462 | Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, Blue | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue |
| iPad Air 13-inch (2024) | 280.6 × 214.9 × 6.1 | 617 | Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, Blue | — |
| iPad Air (2022) | 247.6 × 178.5 × 6.1 | 461 | — | Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue |
In terms of display, all models feature around 264 pixels per inch using IPS LCD. The 11-inch iPad Air (2024) and the iPad Air (2022) share the same resolution of 1640 × 2360 and a brightness of 500 nits.
The 13-inch iPad Air (2024) has a higher resolution of 2048 × 2732 with the same pixel density and a brighter screen at 600 nits. Our review praised its screen for vibrant colors and immersive visuals. However, all models have a 60Hz refresh rate.
| Model | Resolution | Brightness | Refresh Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air 11-inch (2024) | 1640 × 2360 | 500 nits | 60Hz |
| iPad Air 13-inch (2024) | 2048 × 2732 | 600 nits | 60Hz |
| iPad Air (2022) | 1640 × 2360 | 500 nits | 60Hz |
The major difference is the new 13-inch model in the 2024 lineup, offering a bigger and brighter screen.
iPad Air (2024) vs iPad Air (2022): Cameras showdown
If you were expecting a rear camera upgrade in the iPad Air (2024), you’re out of luck. It still has the same 12MP f/1.8 camera as the iPad Air (2022).
However, the front camera has changed. Both models have a 12MP f/2.4 ultra-wide camera with a 122-degree field of view. On the iPad Air (2022), it’s on the top edge, but on the iPad Air (2024), it’s on the longer edge.
This new placement on the iPad Air (2024) makes it better for landscape use, which is ideal for video calls.
| Feature | iPad Air (2024) | iPad Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 12MP f/1.8 | 12MP f/1.8 |
| Front Camera | 12MP f/2.4 ultra-wide | 12MP f/2.4 ultra-wide |
| Camera Position | Long edge | Top edge |
| Field of View | 122 degrees | 122 degrees |
iPad Air (2024) vs iPad Air (2022): Performance and Software Comparison
One of the biggest upgrades in the iPad Air (2024) is the M2 chip, replacing the M1 chip in the iPad Air (2022). Apple claims the M2 is almost 50% faster than the M1, making it a significant upgrade. However, it still lags behind the M4 chip in the iPad Pro (2024).
The iPad Air (2022) remains powerful, especially for non-demanding tasks, as both models have 8 GB of RAM. The main performance difference lies in the chipset.
A significant improvement in the iPad Air (2024) is its storage options. It starts at 128 GB, double the 64 GB starting point of the iPad Air (2022). It can go up to 1Â TB, compared to the 256 GB maximum in the 2022 model. This means much more storage flexibility with the 2024 version.
Both models run iPadOS 17.4. However, since the iPad Air (2022) has already received two years of updates, it may lose support two years earlier than the iPad Air (2024).
| Feature | iPad Air (2024) | iPad Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | M2 | M1 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage Options | 128 GB — 1 TB | 64 GB — 256 GB |
| Software | iPadOS 17.4 | iPadOS 17.4 |
iPad Air (2024) vs iPad Air (2022): Battery Life
Apple claims all these iPads offer up to 10 hours of web surfing or video watching on Wi-Fi, and up to 9 hours on mobile data.
There shouldn’t be significant differences in battery life. They all charge via USB-C.
In our experience, the 2022 model meets Apple’s claims. However, heavy use or poor 5G coverage can reduce battery life faster than expected.
| Feature | iPad Air (2024) | iPad Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life (Wi-Fi) | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Battery Life (Mobile) | Up to 9 hours | Up to 9 hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
iPad Air (2024) vs iPad Air (2022): Conclusion
The main differences between the iPad Air (2024) and the iPad Air (2022) are a faster chipset, better front camera position, larger screen option, and more storage in the new model.
The iPad Air (2024) will likely receive software updates for longer. Battery life, screen quality, camera performance, and design are similar, and both have the same RAM.
This isn’t a major upgrade, but the iPad Air (2024) offers more value with twice the storage for a similar starting price. It’s the better choice in 2024 unless you find a significantly discounted iPad Air (2022).
| Verdict Criteria | iPad Air (2024) | iPad Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | M2 | M1 |
| Front Camera Position | Long edge | Top edge |
| Screen Options | 11-inch, 13-inch | 10.9-inch |
| Storage | 128 GB to 1 TB | 64 GB to 256 GB |
| Software Update Support | Longer | Shorter |
| Battery Life | Similar | Similar |
| Screen Quality | Similar | Similar |
| Camera Performance | Similar | Similar |
| Design | Similar | Similar |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |