We may earn compensation from reviewed products. Learn about our editorial policies.
The iPad Air 5 came out in March 2022, making it a veritable dinosaur in the fast-paced world of tech. Especially because of the rumours that Apple will release a new iPad Air and Pro model in April or May of this year.
The new iPad Air 6 will supposedly feature a larger 12.9-inch screen display option, an M2 processor, as well as more storage and improved battery life.
But for those who want an iPad Air now, you may be wondering if the iPad Air 5, is a worthy investment.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of buying the iPad Air 5 in 2024!
iPad Air 5 vs iPad Air 6: Display and weight
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, there will be two display size options for the iPad Air 6: 10.9 inches (just like the iPad Air 5) and 12.9 inches (just like the iPad Pro).
These choices would bring the iPad Air range in line with other Apple products like the MacBook. The below table reflects the suspected dimensions and weights of the iPad Air 6 compared to the 2022 iPad Air 5.
| Model | iPad Air 5 | iPad Air 6 (10.9) | iPad Air 6 (12.9) |
| Display | 10.9-inch (diagonal) | 10.9-inch (diagonal) | 12.9-inch (diagonal) |
| Height | 9.74 inches | 9.75 inches | 11.05 inches |
| Width | 7.02 inches | 7.03 inches | 8.46 inches |
| Depth | 0.24 inches | 0.24 inches | 0.26 inches |
| Weight | 461 grams | 462 grams | 677 grams |
Considering the display sizes, what are the pros and cons of buying an iPad Air 5 in 2024?
PRO
The 10.9-inch iPad Air 5 model will be marginally smaller and lighter than the iPad Air 6 with the same display size. Buying the iPad Air 5 means you are enjoying pretty much the same dimensions as the soon-to-be-released model.
CON
The iPad Air 5 doesn’t have a 12.9-inch display option. If you like to use your device for software like Procreate or enjoy watching movies and playing games on a larger display, you might want to wait for the iPad Air 6 release.
MINI-CON
The iPad Air 6 is rumoured to have better display performance than the previous Air models due to its oxide backplane. But this won’t be a groundbreaking difference.
iPad Air 5 vs iPad Air 6: M1/M2 Chip (Performance)
Before we dive into the new M2 chip for the iPad Air 6 it’s good to understand what the chips do…
Put simply the Apple M chips are responsible for how fast and efficient your device is. If you want to know more, we have created an in-depth and jargon-free review of the various Apple M chips here.
Back to the M1 and M2 chips for the iPad Air.
The iPad Air 5 contains the M1 chip. Whilst low-demand users wouldn’t have noticed a massive shift from the A14 Bionic chip in the iPad Air 4, it did make a significant difference for video editors. Specifically when it came to software such as Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro.
Without the M1chip, these softwares would have run much less efficiently on iPad Airs, so the update was pretty revolutionary. But will the bump up to the M2 offer a similar performance boost?
Whilst the RAM and storage will be the same, the M2 chip provides a GPU that’s about 35% more powerful and a CPU that is about 18% faster when compared to the iPad Air 5 with the M1 chip.
The M2 will also provide the Air with a 40% faster neural engine, meaning AI functions like Siri will run more efficiently.
Whilst this all sounds like a lot, unless you are a demanding user, performing tasks like video editing and graphic design, it is unlikely that you’ll notice the difference between the two.
The M2 chip boosts efficiency around multitasking, rendering speeds and video production. If you won’t be doing those things, then you don’t categorically need an M2 iPad Air.
That being said, considering performance, what are the pros and cons of buying an iPad Air 5 in 2024?
PRO
The majority of users won’t find a noticeable difference in performance between the iPad Air 6 and iPad Air 5.
CON
If you are big into video editing, you’re missing out on a more capable chip. However, you could consider purchasing an iPad Pro 6 which already boasts a M2 chip and will likely be discounted if/when the iPad Pro 7 launches in May.
iPad Air 5 vs iPad Air 6: Storage
The iPad Air 5 has a base-level storage of 64GB with the option to go up to 256GB for an extra $180/£180.
In comparison, rumours are unclear about the iPad Air 6. Apple could keep the amount of storage the same as above, or they could be uncharacteristically generous and offer a base level of 128GB with the option to go up to 1TB. This would be the consumer-friendly option.
Intensive tasks like video editing and graphic design require more storage. Therefore, a 64GB iPad Air 5 isn’t best equipped to handle these demands. Whilst it would serve the average user, those who need more will be much better off opting for the 256GB iPad Air 5.
Apple isn’t known to be generous with its storage options, but we can hope that the iPad Air 6 will instead start at a base level of 128GB storage. For people who want to use their iPads like a laptop, this will be an attractive pull factor. If the iPad Air 6 costs the same on release as the iPad Air 5, that extra storage will be a no-brainer.
Don’t hold your hopes though. Apple still hasn’t got past offering 8GB unified memory as the entry-level option on it’s MacBook range.
iPad Air 5 vs iPad Air 6: Bluetooth
The rumour mill is also indicating that the iPad Air 6 will have better Bluetooth compared to the 5.
Anticipated upgrades include support for Bluetooth 5.3, which promises more stable connections, particularly over longer distances, and reduced battery consumption due to its improved power efficiency compared to Bluetooth 5.0 (which the iPad Air 5 uses).
Also, there’s a strong likelihood that Apple will enhance the Wi-Fi module to accommodate Wi-Fi 6E instead of Wi-Fi 6 found in the 2022 iPad Air. This upgrade would empower the new iPad Air variants to link up with 6GHz Wi-Fi networks, offering notably faster speeds compared to other options.
Although, without testing it, it’s hard to say how noticeable these upgrades would be!
Considering Bluetooth, what are the pros and cons of buying an iPad Air 5 in 2024?
CON:
Due to the Bluetooth upgrade, the iPad Air 6 will have more stable connections over long distances and improved power efficiency compared to the iPad Air 5.
CON:
The new iPad Air will likely offer marginally faster WIFI.
iPad Air 5 vs iPad Air 6: Battery life
Whilst the iPad Air 5’s battery life isn’t going to blow you away, it is about average for a tablet. At 10 hours, it matches that of the iPad 10th Generation.
For most users, it won’t be a problem, but if you are into graphics, or video editing, you might find an iPad Air 5’s battery a tad frustrating if you are on the go.
This is unlikely to change much in the iPad Air 6, but there will be minor improvements. The enhanced Bluetooth will afford the iPad Air 6 higher battery efficiency than the Air 5. Not only that but its rechargeable lithium-polymer battery is rumoured to have a capacity of 32.4 Wh, compared to 28.93 Wh.
In all, this should translate into around 10 hours of video playback, which is pretty similar to the iPad Air 5.
When all is said and done, the battery life on your iPad Air depends on individual usage. Whilst the iPad Air 6 may have a marginally better battery life, it won’t be earth-shattering.
Considering the battery, what are the pros and cons of buying an iPad Air 5 in 2024?
PRO:
The iPad Air 5 has the same battery as the 10th-generation iPad.
CON:
The iPad Air 6 will likely have a slightly longer battery life.
iPad Air 5 vs iPad Air 6: Camera
The current iPad Air’s front-facing camera is located centrally at the top of the device.
However, the next-generation iPad Air is rumoured to feature a front-facing camera positioned along the side of the device rather than a single one at the top. This adjustment would enable the camera to remain in portrait when the iPad is held in landscape orientation.
Whilst most people don’t use their iPads primarily to take pictures, it does mean things like video calls will provide a sharper picture. So you can wave goodbye to unflattering angles!
The iPad Air 6 will likely still feature a single-lens camera on the back like its predecessor. Furthermore, if the 12MP resolution remains, then nothing much will have changed from the iPad Air 5.
Considering the camera, what are the pros and cons of buying an iPad Air 5 in 2024?
PRO:
The actual camera quality of the iPad Air 5 should be largely the same as the soon-to-be-released iPad Air 6.
CON:
You miss out on the new front-facing camera placement.
iPad Air 5 vs iPad Air 6: Updated Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
It is rumoured that the new iPad Air 6 will see a more robust Magic Keyboard with an aluminium frame, replacing the current version’s flexible polyurethane material. Style-wise, it will look more like a MacBook’s keyboard.
While there have been several rumours surrounding the Apple Pencil over the past three years, the specifics of what to expect remain somewhat uncertain.
One rumour states that Apple is in the process of developing a “true” third-generation Apple Pencil, which will serve as a complete successor to the second-generation model. This model could feature interchangeable magnetic tips for painting, drawing and technical sketches. But this gossip has been circling for a while now without much substance and is best ignored.
Considering accessories, what are the pros and cons of buying an iPad Air 5 in 2024?
PRO:
The iPad Air 6 might have the same accessories as the 5.
CON:
The iPad Air 6 could have a nice new magic keyboard!
Should you wait for the iPad Air 6 or buy the 5 now?
The decision to buy the iPad Air 5 in 2024 depends on your specific needs and circumstances. On balance, most users won’t benefit significantly from buying the iPad Air 6 over the 5.
That being said, the iPad Air 6 will have the M2 chip which will offer some gains in performance. For power users, it may therefore be worth the wait for the new releases.
But that doesn’t mean you should rush into buying anything. Even if you don’t fancy the newer models, Apple often discounts their older generation products when they release new ones. So you could grab a discount. Just bear in mind though that Apple could also pull the iPad Air 5 entirely from the Apple Store upon a new release. Unfortunately, it’s a total guessing game with Apple.
If you can’t wait, need a new iPad now and find a good deal on the current generation, it is still a very good choice. Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons, consider your budget, and choose the iPad that best suits your requirements.
Image courtesy of Apple.
