Compare iPad Air models

The iPad Air is aimed at people who want to do more than browse and stream: handwritten notes, photo editing, video editing for social media or working with a keyboard case. For several generations now, Apple has fitted the Air with M-series chips, the same family used in Macs. That gives the device plenty of headroom, and it's likely to receive updates for a long time.

Newer generations come in two sizes, usually around 11 and 13 inches. The smaller one is lighter and easier to carry; the larger one is worth it for split screen, drawing and as a laptop replacement.

Because the Air has been around for years, you'll find very different devices in the comparison: older models with an A-series chip and Lightning port, and newer ones with an M-series chip and USB-C. You can identify the generation by the year, the chip name or the model number on the back (the A number). Older models are much cheaper, but some only support older Pencil and keyboard models.

With used devices, ask about the battery health, check the screen for damage and make sure the previous owner's Activation Lock has been removed.

The Pro typically offers the better display with a higher refresh rate, faster ports and more power. For most creative hobbies, though, the Air is more than enough. If smooth scrolling and a particularly high-contrast picture matter most to you, look at both side by side in a shop.

Older Air generations started at 64 GB, newer ones at 128 GB. For creative apps and offline films, 256 GB is the more relaxed choice, as storage can't be upgraded later. You can spot Cellular models by the “Wi-Fi + Cellular” label; newer generations rely on eSIM. If you mostly use the Air at home, the Wi-Fi model is enough.