Apple’s newest iPad Air was unveiled on March 8 and you can preorder the 10.9-inch iPad now. This fifth-generation iPad sticks with the $599 starting price but comes with the zippy M1 processor and offers a choice of a new blue color.
How to preorder the iPad Air fifth generation
You can preorder the iPad Air from Apple, carriers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, and retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. The fifth-generation iPad Air comes in five colors (Space Gray, Starlight, pink, purple or that slick blue) and in 64GB or 256GB storage sizes. It’s also available in a Wi-Fi-only model or one that sports a cellular connection. As expected, you’ll need to pay extra for more storage or on-the-go connectivity.
- iPad Air 64GB Wi-Fi ($599.99; Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Expercom and Walmart)
- iPad Air 256GB Wi-Fi ($749.99; Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Expercom and Walmart)
- iPad Air 64GB Cellular ($729.99; Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Expercom and Walmart)
- iPad Air 256GB Cellular ($899.99; Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Expercom and Walmart)
What you need to know about the iPad Air
The fifth-generation iPad Air looks just like the previous fourth generation. Both iPads feature a vibrant, crisp 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a thin bezel, weigh in at just over a pound and sport a sleek aluminum build. We’re also eager to check out the new blue color.
The 2022 iPad Air still supports a Magic Keyboard, Smart Folio Cover and Smart Keyboard cases, and the second-gen Apple Pencil that magnetically attaches to the side of the device. You’ll even find the same 12-megapixel camera on the back.
It’s also running iPadOS 15, but the changes become more apparent with Apple’s M1 chip, which is the same processor that’s been making waves across the Mac line and currently powers the iPad Pro. This chip is not only speedier than the previous A14 Bionic found in the fourth-generation iPad, but it’s also more affordable at just $599. It also better equips the iPad Air for multitasking creative projects like photo or video edits and should increase the tablet’s longevity.
Apple also finally upgraded the front camera here with a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens that supports Center Stage, a feature that uses pan and zoom technology to keep you perpetually in the frame during video calls. Additionally, the iPad Air will support 5G Sub-6, but if you want mmWave 5G access you’ll need to pay more and upgrade to an iPad Pro.
You can see our full comparison guide on how the 2022 iPad Air stacks up here, and it’s available for preorder now.
