Apple today revealed its 5th generation iPad Air, featuring an M1 processor and 5G connectivity as key new features.
The M1 processor is the same chipset you'll find in most current Macs as well as the iPad Pro, narrowing the gap between the iPad Air and its fancier siblings. When compared to the 4th generation iPad Air, Apple says the new model has a 60% performance increase and 2x graphics performance increase. The chipset also facilitates 5G connectivity.
An upgraded 12MP front-facing camera is also present. This gives it support for Centre Stage, Apple's software solution that automatically reframes your shot based on your position and the number of people in frame.
Otherwise, the 5th generation iPad Air is certainly still an iPad. It still has a 10.9-inch display, starts with 64GB of storage, has a 12MP camera on the back, and charges over USB-C.
The 5th generation iPad Air is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the new Magic Keyboard. As always, these cost extra, and will set you back $199 and $449 respectively.
Pricing for the 5th generation iPad Air is as follows:
- iPad Air (64GB) WiFi only: $929
- iPad Air (256GB) WiFi only: $1,159
- iPad Air (64GB) WiF + 5G: $1,159
- iPad Air (256GB) WiFi + 5G: $1,389
You'll be able to get the new iPad Air in a choice of space grey or silver, as well as three new colours: rose gold, green, and sky blue. Pre-orders for the new iPad Air start at 12am (AEDT) on Saturday ahead of a March 18 release, just as with the new iPhone SE.
We're expecting to see 5G iPad Air models available on a plan through Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
Alex Choros
