“Introducing the most powerful Apple iPad Air ever…” is the traditional way to begin these types of reviews (as if Apple would baffle reviewers one year and make a new product worse).
But this year, there is a little bit more nuance to the phrase. This year Apple decided to put its supercharged M1 chip inside the dinky tablet – the same M1 chip that appears in the MacBook Air, and in the MacBook Pro (albeit, a slightly souped up one).
That makes the iPad Air not just a device for those who like pretty thin things. The iPad Air now has enough oomph to take care of creator-type tasks; creating graphics, editing movies, streaming while playing AR games, and the like.
In fact, now Apple’s thinnest iPad really blurs the line between it, and the venerable iPad Pro. And that’s only a good thing for tablet buyers.
Apple iPad Air: super svelte
Let’s be honest, you know what the iPad Air looks like. Because it looks like most of Apple’s recent gadgets – think boxy rectangular frames, angular sides wrapped in gorgeous aluminium, and a selection of eye-friendly hues.
The design hasn’t changed since last years – meaning it rocks a 10.9-inch display, and weighs slightly less than an iPad Pro and the regular iPad. It’s all screen surrounded by a thin black bezel – what’s not to love?
Apple iPad Air: screen saver
Ditto on the iPad Air’s screen – the new version has the same bright, laminated display with great colours and deep blacks.
There’s no ProMotion on this one because that at least is reserved for the Pro tablet models, so instead expect 60Hz refresh rates.
Apple iPad Air: make it snappy
If you’re one of the twelve people on the planet that uses their tablet as a camera, then you’ll be happy to know that you get a 12MP sensor that’s the same as the wide-angle camera on the iPad Pro and the iPad Mini. There is no LiDAR and no True Tone flash. It can shoot 4K video, so that’s a plus.
The biggest upgrade has come from the selfie cam – which sports another 12MP ultra wide sensor. Like the rest of the iPad line, that now comes with Center Stage – Apple’s fancy camera tech that can follow your face around on video calls.
Apple iPad Air: power!
The iPad Air now has the same Apple M1 chip that powers the iPad Pro – and also most of its Macs.
That puts this dinky little tablet in real performance territory, especially when combined with 8GB of RAM. There is really little it can’t do – from high-end gaming to Photoshop to LumaFusion. Which is incredibly, given the price tag.
Combine that with the fact that this works with Apple’s latest-generation Pencil, and fits perfectly into Apple’s Magic Keyboard (which basically turns it into a proper computer, mouse and all) and it makes for one heck of a performance for value proposition.
Apple iPad Air: the five Gs
It’s worth noting that this year’s iPad Air also makes the most of 5G connectivity, and comes with the latest generation wi-Fi support.
You also get a USB-C port (which is far more useful than having to cart a lightening cable around with you) which you can use for data transfers are fast charging.
The only real downer with the new iPad Air is really its memory. It starts at 64GB which is honestly not enough, for anyone. And especially consider that every model in this year’s iPhone 13 line starts with 128GB and works up from there.
Apple iPad Air: where does that leave us?
This is certainly the most powerful iPad Air that Apple has ever made. Although, the inclusion of that M1 chip almost puts too much power under the hood – an iPad Pro worrying amount of power.
Sure, the iPad Pro has a few nifty screen and camera tricks, not to mention a thunderbolt port. But to most people; it if looks the same, does the same things, and works with the same accessories… it’s the same device.
Yet, the new iPad Air starts at US$600 and that’s directly comparable to the Pro’s US$800 price tag. And you can put that extra cash towards a Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil to really kit out your new tablet.
The new Apple iPad Air matches superb stylings with powerful performance, and at truly great value. What’s not to like? Nothing.
The Apple iPad Air (2022) is now available for pre-order via Apple – and you can pick one up in stores starting tomorrow, March 18.