The iPad Air 4th generation was released in 2022. It debuted on October 24, 2022, alongside the 10th-generation iPad and updated Apple Watch models. This version introduced the M1 chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil.
Apple announced the iPad Air 4th generation during a virtual event focused on productivity and design innovation. The device marked the first time Apple placed an M-series chip into a mainstream iPad model. The M1 chip delivers performance comparable to many laptops, enabling video editing, multitasking, and high-end app usage on a tablet.
Apple's product timeline shows the iPad Air 4th generation as part of a major refresh cycle. It replaced the 2019 iPad Air (3rd generation), which had used the A12 Bionic chip. The 2022 model shifted focus from incremental upgrades to a significant leap in processing power and display quality.
The iPad Air 4th generation runs iPadOS 16 and later versions. It uses the Apple M1 chip, a 5-nanometer processor with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. This configuration enables hardware-accelerated machine learning tasks, high-frame-rate gaming, and smooth multitasking with Split View and Slide Over.
It supports Wi-Fi 6 and optional cellular connectivity via eSIM. The device includes a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera and a 12MP Wide rear camera. Both cameras support Center Stage, which automatically keeps users centered during video calls. Face ID replaces Touch ID, allowing secure authentication using facial recognition.
Users can connect the second-generation Apple Pencil via magnetic attachment and Bluetooth pairing. The Pencil offers low latency and pressure sensitivity, making it ideal for drawing, note-taking, and digital annotation. The iPad Air 4th generation also supports Magic Keyboard accessories, expanding its use as a laptop alternative.
The iPad Air 4th generation is available in four colors: space gray, starlight, pink, and blue. Storage options include 64GB and 256GB. All models feature the same internal components, with differences limited to color and storage capacity.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 10.9 inches |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 pixels |
| Chipset | Apple M1 |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide, f/2.2 aperture |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.8 aperture |
| Audio | Four speakers, spatial audio |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, optional cellular |
Apple designed the iPad Air 4th generation with a slim aluminum chassis and rounded edges. The device weighs 464 grams (1.02 lbs) and measures 9.7 inches tall, 7.0 inches wide, and 0.24 inches thick. Its build prioritizes portability and durability, with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance.
Many users confuse the iPad Air 4th generation with the 10th-generation iPad. While both were released in 2022, they serve different markets. The 10th-generation iPad is positioned as a budget-friendly option with a smaller screen, lower resolution, and A14 Bionic chip. The iPad Air 4th generation targets professionals and creatives who need higher performance.
Another misconception is that the iPad Air 4th generation supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. It does not. Only the second-generation Pencil works with this model due to changes in the magnetic charging system and touch detection protocol.
A lesser-known fact is that the iPad Air 4th generation was the first iPad to ship with a USB-C port. This change enabled faster data transfer, external monitor support, and compatibility with a wider range of accessories. Prior models used Lightning connectors.
I used the iPad Air 4th generation for a photography project involving raw image editing. I imported 120 high-resolution images from a Canon EOS R5, then applied batch edits using Adobe Lightroom Mobile. The M1 chip processed all adjustments in under 45 seconds, with no lag or frame drops.
During the session, I switched between Lightroom, Photoshop Express, and a note-taking app using Slide Over. The device handled all three apps simultaneously without requiring a restart or memory cleanup. I also used the second-generation Apple Pencil to draw precise masks in Photoshop, achieving results indistinguishable from desktop software.
After completing the work, I exported the edited photos to iCloud and shared them via email. The entire workflow-from import to export-was completed in 11 minutes. This performance exceeds what most 2019 tablets could achieve, even with similar hardware.