iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
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iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 new
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) and iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)?
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes down to the screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) starts at £316.24, £164.81 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series). The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.9 inch.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a lighter build: 462 g vs 617 g.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) specs
The iPad Air 6 features the Apple M2 processor and starts at 128 GB storage, making it suitable for those needing more space and faster chip performance. The iPad Air 6 also has a larger 13 inch screen with higher resolution and brightness, ideal if you want more room for video and detail. The iPad Air 5 is lighter and more compact with a 10.9 inch display and 64 GB base storage, fitting well for everyday use and portability. Differences in Bluetooth, SIM format and Apple Pencil compatibility may also influence your choice depending on your accessories and connectivity needs.
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) battery life and software updates
This means durability in terms of software support is consistent between them.
Long Term Software Support
The iPad Air 5 and iPad Air 6 both support iPadOS 18, which means you can expect both devices to stay current with software enhancements and security updates for the foreseeable future. This is important if you want a device that remains functional and secure over multiple years.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) performance
Performance centres on processor power, RAM and storage. Both iPads have 8 GB RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. Differences in processor and storage suit different types of users.
Processor Upgrade
The iPad Air 6 uses the Apple M2 chip, which is the next generation after the M1 in the iPad Air 5. This makes the iPad Air 6 better suited for tasks that benefit from higher chip power, such as more intensive multitasking, graphics work or video editing.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 5 starts at 64 GB storage, while the iPad Air 6 starts at 128 GB and offers options up to 1 TB. If you store many apps, photos or large files, the iPad Air 6 provides more flexibility and space. The iPad Air 5 is appropriate for lighter storage needs.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) screen
Screen size, resolution and brightness affect how you experience video, reading and creative work. Both use Liquid Retina displays with True Tone technology, but differ notably in size and clarity.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 5 has a 10.9 inch display with 2360 x 1640 resolution, while the iPad Air 6 features a larger 13 inch screen with 2732 x 2048 resolution. The iPad Air 6 offers more screen real estate and sharper image detail, which benefits watching videos, multitasking with split screens or drawing.
Brightness
The iPad Air 6 has a higher brightness rating of 600 nits compared to 500 nits on the iPad Air 5. This makes the iPad Air 6 easier to see in brighter environments or direct light.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) camera
Both iPads provide similar camera and speaker setups. This section highlights what these features mean in everyday use.
Camera Quality
Both iPads have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras capable of 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. This means either device delivers detailed photos and smooth, high resolution video capture for calls, content creation or scanning.
Speakers
The iPad Air 5 and iPad Air 6 both have stereo speakers, with the iPad Air 6 specifying stereo speakers in landscape mode. This delivers good audio for media consumption and video calls on both devices.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) size and design
This section covers additional differences that affect connectivity, accessories and physical size.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Air 5 works with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil (USB-C), while the iPad Air 6 supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Choose based on the Apple Pencil model you prefer or already own.
Bluetooth and SIM
The iPad Air 5 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and a Nano SIM, while the iPad Air 6 offers Bluetooth 5.3 and eSIM. The newer Bluetooth version may offer slightly improved wireless connections. eSIM allows for digital SIM management without a physical card.
Size and Weight
The iPad Air 5 measures 247.6 mm in height, 178.5 mm in width and weighs 462 g, making it lighter and more compact. The iPad Air 6 is larger at 280 mm by 214.9 mm and heavier at 617 g, which suits users who prioritise screen space over portability.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad Air 5 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, while the iPad Air 6 supports Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax. The iPad Air 6 can connect to newer Wi-Fi 6E networks that use the 6 GHz band, potentially offering faster and less crowded wireless speeds where available.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) or iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £316.24, £164.81 less than the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 617 g)
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.9 inch)
- you want the newer model (2024)
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) FAQs
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) vs iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes down to the screen size and weight. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.9 inch. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a lighter build: 462 g vs 617 g.
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £316.24 compared with £481.05 for the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series).
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) adds a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.9 inch). Refurbished, it costs £164.81 more (from £481.05 vs £316.24).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes in 64GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
