iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
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iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 new
iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Starting at
£921.11£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) and iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)?
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) starts at £481.05, £440.06 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen type
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a lighter build: 579 g vs 617 g.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) specs
The iPad Air 6 and iPad Pro differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPad Air 6 offers a balance of power and portability with the Apple M2 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and storage starting at 128 GB, making it well suited for everyday use and general multitasking. The iPad Pro features the Apple M5 processor, more memory at 12 GB, and larger base storage at 256 GB, catering to users who need higher performance and more space for demanding apps. The Pro's screen uses Ultra Retina XDR technology for enhanced visual quality, and it includes advanced features like Face ID and a Lidar scanner. The Air 6 supports touch input and an eSIM, while the Pro is lighter and offers a four speaker audio setup. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise performance and premium features or a simpler, versatile device for everyday tasks.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers the software compatibility and year of release, which affect ongoing support and device updates.
Operating System Compatibility
This means either device will receive ongoing software improvements and security patches, which is important for maintaining smooth and secure performance over time.
Release Year
The iPad Air 6 was released in 2024, and the iPad Pro followed in 2025. The release year simply places each device in context but does not affect their durability or support directly.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) performance
Performance influences how well the device handles apps, multitasking, and storage needs. Differences in processor, RAM, and storage capacity affect who each iPad suits best depending on daily use and workload.
Processor Power
The iPad Air 6 is powered by the Apple M2 processor, which efficiently handles everyday tasks and creative apps. The iPad Pro uses the Apple M5 processor, which is a newer generation chip designed to support more demanding workflows and professional use.
Memory for Multitasking
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPad Air 6 keeps everyday apps running smoothly and handles multitasking well for general users. The iPad Pro offers 12 GB of RAM, which is better suited for users who frequently run multiple intensive apps at once or need extra memory for complex projects.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 6 starts at 128 GB and is available up to 1 TB, making it suitable for users with standard storage needs. The iPad Pro starts at 256 GB and goes up to 2 TB, ideal for those who require more space for large files, apps, and media.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels to use. Both devices have the same screen size, but differences in display technology and resolution influence visual clarity and colour accuracy.
Display Technology
The iPad Air 6 has a Liquid Retina display with standard glass, providing sharp and vibrant visuals suitable for everyday viewing. The iPad Pro features an Ultra Retina XDR display, which offers a higher level of brightness and contrast, making it better for viewing HDR content and detailed graphics.
Resolution and Size
Both devices have a 13 inch screen size, providing ample space for video, apps, and multitasking. The iPad Pro has a slightly higher resolution at 2752 x 2064 pixels compared to 2732 x 2048 on the Air 6, which contributes to finer detail and sharper images.
True Tone Support
Both iPads include True Tone technology, which adjusts screen colour temperature based on ambient lighting to provide a more natural viewing experience.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) camera
Audiovisual features cover cameras, speakers, and video recording capabilities. These affect video calls, media creation, and entertainment quality.
Camera Quality
Both iPads have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras, delivering detailed photos and clear video calls. They both support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, useful for high-quality video capture.
Speaker Setup
The iPad Air 6 has stereo speakers arranged for landscape use, which provide clear sound for videos and calls. The iPad Pro includes four speaker audio, offering a richer and more immersive sound experience, ideal for media consumption or creative work.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, biometric options, and physical attributes that influence daily convenience and device interaction.
Connectivity and SIM Options
The iPad Air 6 is unlocked and supports eSIM, allowing flexible mobile data use without a physical SIM card. The iPad Pro does not have a SIM port, which means it relies on Wi-Fi connectivity.
Biometric Security
Face ID is available on the iPad Pro, offering facial recognition for secure and hands-free device unlocking. The iPad Air 6 does not have Face ID but supports touch input for navigation and security.
Additional Features
The iPad Pro includes a Lidar scanner, which can enhance augmented reality experiences and spatial detection. The iPad Air 6 does not have this feature.
Weight and Handling
Weighing 617 g, the iPad Air 6 is slightly heavier than the iPad Pro, which weighs 579 g. The lighter weight of the iPad Pro may be more comfortable for extended handheld use.
Ports and Compatibility
Both devices use USB Type-C connectors and support headphone connectivity through USB Type-C. Minimum system requirements differ for Mac compatibility, with the iPad Air 6 requiring macOS Catalina 10.15 and the iPad Pro macOS High Sierra 10.13.
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 6 (2024, M2 series) or iPad Pro (2025, M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £481.05, £440.06 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Buy the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a lighter build (579 g vs 617 g)
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) FAQs
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £481.05 compared with £921.11 for the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB) and a lighter build (579 g vs 617 g). Refurbished, it costs £440.06 more (from £921.11 vs £481.05).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
