The comparison between the iPad Air 2024 and the iPad Air 2022 aims to assist users in determining if the new sixth-generation model, unveiled at the “Let Loose” event on May 7, justifies an upgrade. For Apple aficionados attracted to the company’s signature blend of elegant design and high performance, choosing between the two options can be challenging. With the introduction of two new sizes for the first time, we have dissected the differences between the old and the new to facilitate your decision-making process.
iPad Air 6 vs iPad Air 5: Size and Design

The iPad Air 5 maintained the design aesthetics introduced by its predecessor, featuring a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640. The device boasts a slim and lightweight build, measuring 6.1 mm in thickness and weighing approximately one pound, combining portability with durability.
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iPad Air 5 colors: Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, and Blue
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iPad Air 6 colors: New Blue & Purple, Space Gray, Starlight
In contrast, the iPad Air 6 will be available in two sizes for the first time: 11-inch and 13-inch. The 13-inch variant with a resolution of 2732×2048 will offer “30 percent more screen real estate,” as stated by Apple. Additionally, the device features the same Liquid Retina display, now equipped with a front-facing landscape camera aimed at enhancing video calling experiences.
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iPad Air 5: 10.9-inch display (1.02 pounds); 12MP-wide camera
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iPad Air 6 11-in: 10.9-inch display (1.02 pounds); 12MP-wide camera
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iPad Air 6 13-in: 12.9-inch display (1.36 pounds); 12MP-wide camera
iPad Air 6 vs iPad Air 5: Price
Upon its launch in March 2022, the iPad Air 5 debuted with a starting price of $599 for the base model featuring 64GB of storage. This pricing strategy aligned with Apple’s approach of maintaining a mid-range price point for the Air series, offering a balance between affordability and premium features.
The iPad Air 2024 will enter the market at $599, with the 13-inch version commencing at $799. Notably, the 6th generation device will introduce a 1TB variant for the first time.
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iPad Air 6 (64GB + WiFI) – $599 / $799
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iPad Air 6 (128GB + WiFI) – $699 / $899
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iPad Air 6 (256GB + WiFI) – $899 / $1,099
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iPad Air 6 (1TB + WiFI) – $1,099 / $1,299
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iPad Air 6 (64GB + WiFI + Celluar) – $749 / $949
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iPad Air 6 (128GB + WiFI + Celluar) – $849 / $1,049
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iPad Air 6 (256GB + WiFI + Celluar) – $1,049 / $1,249
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iPad Air 6 (1TB + WiFI + Celluar) – $1,249 / $1,449
Currently, the availability of the 5th generation model on the Apple store is limited, but it appears that the device has undergone a price reduction across various retailers. For instance, the iPad Air 5 can now be purchased for $499 at Best Buy, down from its original price of $599.
iPad Air 6 vs iPad Air 5: Performance

Apple Unveils iPad Air 5 with M2 Chip
Powered by the Apple M1 chip, the iPad Air 5 represented during its release a significant leap in performance compared to its predecessors, aligning it with the more powerful iPad Pro models. This chipset substantially boosted CPU and GPU performance, ensuring smooth multitasking and high-end gaming capabilities. However, the M1 chip is now close to four years old.
Upgrade to M2 Chip
While still capable, the 2024 version will only be upgraded to the M2 chip. However, this is still a hefty upgrade for the Air, as it’s always been considered the budget-friendly version. The M2 is nothing to scoff at, and it will give the Air three times the performance of its predecessor and 50 percent faster as well.
You can pre-order the new iPad Air today, with Apple planning to ship it out sometime next week.
Topics
Apple
iPad


