The iPad Air is compatible with both the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil. (Amazon)(Amazon)
Not only are the leaves falling, but so are the prices of Apple products — yes, even though we're still nearly a month away from Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The latest gadget to get price cuts? The powerful iPad Air. It's $100 off, regardless of how much storage you get. (Not sure what Apple tablet is the right one for you? Check out our guide to the best iPad of 2024.)
Having an iPad is like having your own portable entertainment studio, and Apple’s most affordable model — available in two finishes — is now even more accessible with an additional 24% off. Enjoy a high-definition 10.2-inch Retina display, slim Smart Keyboard, ultra-wide front camera and all-day battery life (an Apple Pencil also transforms the screen into an immersive art canvas).
Want a powerful tablet without paying the mind-boggling $1,000-plus smackeroos for an iPad Pro? The Air is a good bet, experts say.
Apple tech rarely goes on sale, so when the prices drop, it's worth taking a look. The iPad Air is $100 off across the board (in some cases, the discount is even a few bucks more). That's its lowest price ever.
You might be thinking, "I've got a phone. I've got a laptop. Why do I need a tablet too?" This iPad is a sweet spot between the two, especially for anyone who wants a little more computing power and screen size than the regular iPad and iPad mini offer. Need a little more than the touchscreen and onscreen keyboard? It's compatible with both the wireless Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (the first version), so writing and drawing are a breeze. Reading and watching videos on the iPad is much more enjoyable than on your phone as well.
"You know how a Corvette will get you where you're going, fast and in style, the same way a Lamborghini will? That's my take on the iPad Air, " says Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida. "Ultimately, the Air makes a good choice for anyone seeking a pro-level iPad without the Pro's price." (The Pro, if you're wondering, starts at $999 — ouch.)
Over 750 reviewers have given this sleek, powerful tablet a five-star rating.
"I really like this iPad Air!" raved a happy customer. "It's beautiful, lightweight and has plenty of storage and features! Since my M1 only had 64 GB; it was easy to fill up. But, with this new beauty, I can add as many apps as I wish!"
Other than storage, the ability to use the Apple Pencil is a big selling point, especially for digital artists. "I love to draw, so I mainly use it for Procreate. The battery life is great. I can draw almost a whole day or two on one charge," said a five-star reviewer. "The weight is incredible. It feels like nothing."
Another reviewer said that while the iPad Air is often overlooked, it should be the go-to for most people. "Let's face it, unless you are a video editor or use your iPad as your computer replacement, an M2 chip is way more powerful than what your average user uses their iPad for," they said. "I mainly use it to consume entertainment, fire off iMessages with my friends, watch YouTube, surf the web, or play a few games, and the iPad Air M2 does all of this seamlessly. And the 11-inch form factor is perfect when you are lying in bed or traveling."
While the iPad Air is more powerful than the regular iPad and the iPad mini, it still pales in comparison to the iPad Pro. "I have a 2019 iPad Pro 11 first-gen, so the specs are not impressive with the new iPad Air. First things you notice: No Face ID support. No 120Hz display. Not as bright," cautioned a four-star reviewer. "That's a lot to cut from five-year-newer unit. That being sad, it is as snappy as it gets."
Speaking of critiques, here's what Broida had to say: "As for performance, the Air will more than satisfy the vast majority of users. Only if you're capturing and editing a lot of video should you consider going Pro." But he added, "If you already own an Apple Pencil 2, it won't work here. For shame, Apple." (The first-gen Apple Pencil is compatible, however.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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