Apple just raised the bar — again. With the release of the iPad Air (5th generation) in 2022, Apple delivered a powerful, sleek, and surprisingly affordable tablet that punches well above its weight. Whether you’re a student, a creative, or just someone looking for a premium device without going all-in on an iPad Pro, this might just be the perfect choice.
Let’s explore what makes the 2022 iPad Air such a standout release.
A Design That’s Both Familiar and Fresh
At first glance, the iPad Air looks a lot like its predecessor — and that’s a good thing. It carries over the premium all-aluminum build, flat edges, and edge-to-edge display from the 2020 model. But under the hood? It’s a whole new beast.
The Air comes in five gorgeous finishes: Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, and a bold new Blue. It’s thin, light, and fits perfectly in your hand or backpack — ideal for students, travelers, and mobile workers.
A Leap in Power: Hello, M1 Chip!
One of the biggest upgrades in this 2022 release is the inclusion of Apple’s M1 chip — the same one found in the MacBook Air and iPad Pro. This is the first time the M1 has made its way to the iPad Air line, and the performance gains are instantly noticeable.
- Apps open faster
- Multitasking is buttery smooth
- Gaming and video editing? No sweat
With up to 60% faster CPU performance and double the graphics speed compared to the previous iPad Air, it’s ready for just about anything you throw at it.
A Display Made to Impress
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is bright, vibrant, and razor-sharp. With True Tone, P3 wide color, and anti-reflective coating, it’s great for binge-watching Netflix, sketching with Apple Pencil, or reading eBooks for hours.
No, it’s not a ProMotion (120Hz) display — that’s still reserved for the iPad Pro — but for most users, the quality is more than enough to make everything look stunning.
Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Support
Creatives and productivity-focused users will love that the iPad Air supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. Whether you’re taking notes in class, editing a photo in Lightroom, or writing your next novel, the accessories help turn your iPad into a portable workstation.
“It feels like I’m using a mini MacBook that can turn into a sketchpad whenever I need it.” – Ella, freelance designer
5G and Front Camera Upgrade
Apple also upgraded the front camera to 12MP with Center Stage, which keeps you in frame during video calls — perfect for Zoom meetings or FaceTime with family. Plus, the new iPad Air now supports 5G (on the cellular model), giving you faster downloads and streaming on the go.
iPadOS: A Desktop-Like Experience, Built for Touch
With iPadOS 15 out of the box (and full support for newer updates), the Air gets powerful multitasking tools like:
- Split View
- Slide Over
- App Library
- Quick Notes
Combine this with the M1 chip and accessories, and the iPad Air starts to feel like a true laptop alternative — just more fun and more mobile.
Who Is the iPad Air (2022) For?
Here’s the beauty of the iPad Air: it fits into so many lifestyles.
| User Type | Why It Works Perfectly |
| Students | Lightweight, fast, perfect for notes and eBooks |
| Creatives | Ideal for drawing, designing, and editing |
| Remote Workers | Strong video call and multitasking capabilities |
| Casual Users | Great for streaming, browsing, and daily use |
| Small Business Owners | Run apps, manage clients, and stay productive |
Pros and Cons at a Glance
✅ Pros:
- M1 chip delivers blazing-fast performance
- Premium design and build quality
- Excellent display
- Apple Pencil & Magic Keyboard compatibility
- Improved front camera with Center Stage
- 5G support on cellular models
❌ Cons:
- No Face ID (uses Touch ID on the top button)
- Display is 60Hz (no ProMotion)
- Accessories sold separately
Final Thoughts: The iPad Air Is the One to Beat
The 2022 iPad Air isn’t just a refresh — it’s a meaningful step forward. With the power of the M1 chip, Apple has made this tablet incredibly capable without raising the price. For many users, it’s the perfect middle ground: more powerful than the basic iPad, more affordable than the iPad Pro, and just right for everyday use, school, work, or play.
If you’re thinking about getting a new tablet this year, the iPad Air (5th Gen) deserves a spot at the top of your list.