The iPad Air 5, released a few years ago, remains a worthy purchase in 2025. Its Apple M1 chipset still delivers strong performance and supports the latest Apple Intelligence features.
Currently, second-hand prices are more affordable, making it ideal for users upgrading from an older iPad or buying their first iPad on a budget. The device balances cost and capability effectively.
Powerful Apple M1 Chipset
The iPad Air 5 is equipped with the Apple M1 chip featuring an 8-core CPU, divided into 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. It also includes an 8-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, supporting advanced tasks smoothly.
Having 8GB of RAM allows for seamless photo editing on apps like Photoshop and Lightroom. The chipset still handles productivity apps and light gaming exceptionally well in 2025.
Apple Intelligence Support for Future Updates
This iPad supports the latest Apple Intelligence features within the Apple ecosystem. According to industry sources, users can expect software updates and feature support for at least another 2 to 3 years.
This extended software support enhances the device’s longevity, making it a sensible investment for users concerned about future-proofing.
Display and Design
The device sports a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display with sharp IPS panel quality. Its thin bezels give a modern look while accommodating Touch ID on the top power button, a reliable alternative to Face ID.
The front camera remains in portrait orientation, unlike newer models with landscape positioning. This setup suits video calls with Center Stage and Cinematic Video Stabilization for a smooth meeting experience.
Camera Capabilities
The rear camera features a 12-megapixel wide sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, digital zoom up to 5x, and Smart HDR 3 for enhanced image quality. It also supports 4K video recording at 60fps and 3x video zoom.
While not designed for professional filmmaking, the camera works perfectly for document scanning and everyday photography.
Support for Apple Pencil Generation 2 and Accessories
Users can pair the iPad Air 5 with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation, which offers excellent responsiveness without needing the more expensive Apple Pencil Pro. This enhances creative and note-taking tasks.
Additionally, the Logitech Combo Touch keyboard is highly recommended. It offers a large trackpad, detachable keyboard, flexible kickstand, and smart connector support without relying on Bluetooth, optimizing productivity.
Battery and Connectivity
The tablet includes a 7,600 mAh battery with USB-C charging, allowing faster charge and data transfer compared to the older Lightning connector.
It comes in two variants: Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi plus cellular with 5G connectivity. Touch ID is still located on the side, whereas Face ID remains exclusive to higher-end iPad Pro models.
Price and Availability
The iPad Air 5 is no longer produced new, so only second-hand units are available. Prices vary based on condition and included accessories but have generally declined compared to the newer M2 and M3 iPad Air models.
Buyers should be cautious and inspect devices carefully before purchasing to avoid potential issues common in used units.
Overall Value in 2025
Despite being released years earlier, the iPad Air 5 still offers high value in 2025. The combination of the powerful M1 chip, continued software support, solid display, and good accessory compatibility makes it a smart choice.
Its affordable second-hand pricing extends Apple’s ecosystem reach to budget-conscious consumers. For productivity, casual gaming, and multimedia, the iPad Air 5 remains a reliable and worthy investment in the current market.
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