iPad Air 2022: Australian specs, price and release date
Apple is bringing some massive upgrades to the iPad Air including an M1 processor and 5G connectivity.
The Apple iPad Air is getting a serious upgrade compared to its 2020 predecessor. If Apple can be believed, the new model will be up to 60% faster thanks to the inclusion of an M1 processor. The cellular model now comes with 5G connectivity too.
Read on for the Australian specifications, pricing and release date. You can also see how it compares to the existing 2020 iPad Air which was 4G only.
When will the iPad Air 2022 be available in Australia?
The new iPad Air range will be available for pre-order in Australia from 12am AEDT on 12 March 2022. Actual availability starts on 18 March 2022.
How much do the new iPad Air tablets cost?
iPad Air pricing starts at $929. In Australia, the 64GB Wi-Fi model will cost you $929, while the 256GB will sell for $1,129. If you want the SIM card version with 5G, you're looking at $1,159 and $1,389 for the aforementioned storage sizes.
What colours will be available?
The iPad Air will be available in a choice of Space Grey, Starlight, Pink, Purple and Blue. All finishes are coming to Australia, so there's no need to import if your heart is set on a fancier colour.
iPad Air 2022 specs
As mentioned above, the iPad Air's main claim to fame is its M1 processor, which finally puts it on par with the iPad Mini and iPad Pro. This gives the tablet a significant power boost over the current Air model – up to 60% faster in processor terms and up to 2 times faster for GPU calculations. It also gains Center Stage compatibility for Apple's ultra-wide zooming group video chat features.
The other big improvement is 5G connectivity if you stump for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The front camera has also received an upgrade.
Here's how the new 5G model compares to its predecessor:
| Model | Apple iPad Air 2020 (Wi-Fi + Cellular) | Apple iPad Air 2022 (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.9 inches | 10.9 inches |
| Resolution | 2,360x1,640 pixels | 2,360x1,640 pixels |
| Rear camera | 12MP Wide camera | 12MP Wide camera |
| Front camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | Apple M1 chip |
| Storage | 64GB/256GB | 64GB/256GB |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Network | 4G LTE | 5G |
| Colours | Silver, Space Grey, Rose Gold, Green, Sky Blue | Space Grey, Starlight, Pink, Purple, Blue |
| Price | $1,099 / $1,329 | $1,159 / $1,389 |
Apple iPad deals
If you're looking to get an iPad on the cheap, now is a pretty good time to buy. Just be mindful that you won't be getting any of the brand new features as these are all pre-2022 models.
$50 off Apple iPad Air on Amazon
Amazon is selling the 2020 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) for $849, down from an RRP of $899.
Buy now for $849 (was $899)
$160 off Apple iPad Pro
Amazon is selling the 2021 Apple iPad Pro (M1 chip, Wi-Fi, 256GB) in Space Grey for $1,639, down from an RRP of $1,799.
Buy now for $1,639 (was $1,799)
$499 Apple iPad
Amazon is selling the 2021 Apple iPad (10.2-inch iPad Wi-Fi, 64GB) in Silver for $499. Amazon Prime customers also get free delivery.
Buy now for $499
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