Apple Unveils M1-Powered iPad Air With 5G GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO News > Computers
Apple Unveils M1-Powered iPad Air With 5G
Preorders start Friday
By Lawrence Bonk Lawrence Bonk News Reporter Florida State University Lawrence Bonk is a tech news reporter for Lifewire, specializing in gaming, AI, VR, and consumer tech, including iOS, macOS, wearables, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on March 8, 2022 02:04PM EST Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Western Kentucky University Gulf Coast Community College Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Computers Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming After all the anticipation, today’s Apple Event did not disappoint. The company just unveiled a refresh of their incredibly popular iPad Air line of consumer-focused tablets, as announced by CEO Tim Cook and detailed via an official press release. Apple This fifth-generation iPad Air comes a full 18 months after the last refresh and arrives with specs-a-plenty. First off, the new Air is powered by Apple’s powerful M1 chip, the very same chip that drives the latest iPad Pro and Macbook Pro models. All told, the tablet’s 8-core CPU promises up to 60 percent faster performance, with the updated 8-core GPU promising twice as fast graphics performance compared to the previous iteration. Cellular models are also outfitted with 5G connectivity for quicker on-the-go web access. All models feature a USB-C port and a new ultra-wide front-facing camera that allows the tablet access to Apple’s proprietary Center Stage camera feature. Not a lot has changed on the outside, with the new Air including the same edge-to-edge screen and TouchID-enabled power button as the fourth-gen tablet. Apple has noted, however, that parts of the device were manufactured using recycled components and materials, including aluminum in the enclosure and tin in the lodging port. Apple The new iPad Air is available in a suite of colors, including the iconic Space Gray, Starlight, pink, purple, and a new blue. As expected, these devices integrate with popular accessories such as the second-gen Apple Pencil. The revamped iPad Air is available for preorders on Friday, starting at $599, with actual availability on March 18. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Apple Seems a Little Confused About Its New, More Expensive iPad Lineup New MacBook Air: News, Price, Release Date, and Specs The M2 iPad Pro Is on the Way, and It’s Bringing a 10th Gen Friend What Is the iPad Air and How Does it Compare? New Apple TV 4K Refresh Boasts Updated A15 Bionic Chip, HDR10+, and More 2021 iPad Pro: News, Price, Release Date, and Specs The iPad Air 5: Price, Release Date, Specs, and News iPad Pro (2021, M1) Review: Desktop Performance in a Tablet 5G: The Latest News & Updates (October 2022) MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro: What's the Difference? What Is the Newest Generation of the iPad? What Is the Difference Between the iPad Pro and the Air? Apple Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2023: Announcements, News, and More How Are 4G and 5G Different? New iPad mini Pro: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors The Ultimate iPad Comparison Chart (2022) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies