How the M1-powered iPad Air compares to other iPad models

Image: Apple

During its performance event on March 8th, Apple announced a new iPad Air. The design is similar to the last-gen Air, but Apple did introduce a few changes.

The M1 processor found in the most recent iPad Pro is the same one found in the iPad Air. Apple's Center Stage feature, which can automatically follow you in the frame during video calls, is included in the new Air. There is also 5G on the cellular models, as well as a faster port, 10Gbps of data transfer speeds, and a larger battery.

The new iPad Air is the same price as the last-gen model, but it costs $20 more. It won't be available until March 18th, but you can pre-order it starting Friday, March 11th.

Is the new iPad Air worth buying? Many of Apple's current tablets share a lot of these features, including support for Apple's Center Stage feature and the same battery life. If you're looking for a smaller, cheaper iPad, you might want to consider one of the smaller ones, even if it's powered by an M1 chip.

The new iPad Air lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, but the new entry-level iPad has 64 gigabyte and 128 gigabyte storage options, a 3.5mm audio jack, and up to 10 hours of battery life. If the lack of 5G support, A13 Bionic chip, compatibility with only the first-gen Apple Pencil, and lack of USB-C is a turnoff, then the new iPad Mini is also a turnoff. You can get a more affordable iPad with the A15 Bionic processor, but you will also get the same chip found in the current iPhone 13 lineup and support.

Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

At the top of the iPad spectrum, there's the 2021 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which offer everything the iPad Air does and more, starting at $799 and $1,099, respectively. The new iPad Air doesn't come with 5G, but both size configurations offer a maximum of 2 terabytes of storage and faster 5G. ProMotion support is a technology that improves display quality and reduces power consumption by automatically adjusting refresh rates. The maximum 120Hz refresh rate option makes for a smooth gaming experience and allows for greater responsiveness while using the Apple Pencil for a more fluid experience as you draw.

The new iPad Pros have a better front camera with a 10MP ultra-wide camera, a four-speaker system, and support for the latest technologies such as Thunderbolt and USB-C, as opposed to the two found in the latest iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Air. If you don't like Touch ID, you can use Face ID tounlock your iPad Pro.

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The current lineup is just a glimpse. If you're curious as to how the forthcoming Air stacks up against the last-gen model and Apple's current slate of tablets, we've compiled the raw specs of each model in the chart below.