Apple’s powerful M1 chip continues to embed itself in the brand’s products. After the MacBooks and the iPad Pro, here it is in the new version of the iPad Air, which Apple has just presented.
iPad Air 2022: the characteristics
| screen size | 10.9 inches |
|---|---|
| Screen type | IPS LCD |
| Screen definition | 2360 x 1640 pixels |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Puce | Apple M1 |
| Storage | 64 / 256 Go |
| Battery | 28,6 Wh |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6 / Bluethooth 5 / 5G (en option) |
| Photo sensors | 12MP rear / 12MP front (ultra wide-angle |
| connectors | USB-C |
| Dimensions | 247,6 x 178,5 x 0,6 cm |
| Weight | 458 grams |
Design and screen: nothing very new
At the end of 2020, Apple completely renewed its iPad Air, giving it an iPad Pro look. Thin edges, no button on the front… Apple’s thinnest and lightest tablet had it all. This new version is mainly an internal refresh and retains most of the design specifics. We therefore find a very thin iPad (6.1 mm) and very light (461 grams) which relies on thin edges and a 16:10 format. The screen diagonal remains the same: 10.9 inches. The panel is still IPS type but looks brighter than on the 2020 model, with a peak brightness of 500 cd / m2. The screen definition goes up to 1640 x 264 pixels and the refresh rate is blocked at 60 Hz (ProMotion technology, which allows you to go up to 120 Hz, remains reserved for the iPad Pro).
An Apple M1 chip that should give a serious boost
For this new iPad Air, exit the A14 Bionic chip inherited from the iPhone 12 and welcome the M1 chip inaugurated on the MacBooks and recently seen on the iPad Pro. This very powerful chip with a CPU and an 8-core GPU allows the iPad Air 2022 to be, according to Apple, 60% more efficient on the CPU side and 2 times faster on the GPU side than the iPad Air of 2020. The power of this chip is no longer really to be proven, so much so that one wonders if such debauchery is not useless on a product of this type… But be it, the promise is to be able to use Lightroom without any slowdown, to run the latest 3D games and to create its interior with an architect’s tool.
A new 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera on the front
On the front, Apple has added a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera that uses the “center frame” feature already found on the latest entry-level iPad. The camera lens will thus follow the subject(s) so that it is always centered in the frame. More than ever, the iPad is a communication and videoconferencing tool. On the back, there’s a 12-megapixel “wide-angle” sensor, which looks identical to that of the previous iPad Air. It allows you to shoot in 4K at 60 FPS.
Now with optional 5G
Another novelty that will interest most nomads: the iPad Air is now 5G compatible. An option that is paid for, of course, and you have to add 170 to the bill. Otherwise, you can settle for the “WiFi” model, which supports WiFi 6.
Most compatible accessories
During its presentation, Apple made it clear that most recent iPad accessories are compatible with this new iPad Air. So you can use the Magic Keyboard or the Smart Keyboard Folio (cheaper) and use the Apple Pencil stylus. The USB-C connection also allows you to connect external storage devices.
iPad Air 2022: price and release date
The new iPad Air is available at the following prices:
- 699€ (64 Go/ WiFi)
- 869€ (64 Go/ WiFi + 5G)
- 869€ (256 Go / WiFi)
- 1039€ (256 Go / WiFi + 5G)
Pre-orders begin Friday, March 11, and in-store availability is scheduled for March 18.