The New iPad Air Price, Release Date, Specs, and News

Here's what you need to know about the iPad Air 4

by
S.E. Slack
S.E. Slack
Strategy Director, Lifewire.com
S.E. Slack has 30+ years' experience writing about technology. She has authored 12 books and thousands of articles, and she has worked for IBM and Microsoft.
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S.E. Slack
Updated on October 16, 2020
The iPad Air 4th generation.

Billed as 'the most powerful iPad Air ever' by Apple, the all-new iPad Air (aka iPad Air 4) is indeed impressive. The latest version of this killer tablet has a larger screen, a faster processor to accommodate graphics-intensive games and 4k-related tasks, and isn't terribly hard on the budget.

When is the New iPad Air Being Released?

The iPad Air is available for pre-order on Oct. 16, 2020 and will be available for direct purchase on Oct. 23, 2020.

It will be available at to buy directly from Apple plus local retailers like Best Buy and Walmart.

How Much is the New iPad Air?

Pricing for the iPad Air 4 starts at $599 for the 64GB version or $749 for the 256GB version. If you want Wi-Fi + Cellular, you'll start at $729 for the 64GB version and jump to $879 for the 256GB version.

Engraving can be added free of charge if you order directly from Apple. You will be able to purchase the device from retailers like Best Buy, too.

What's in the Box?

You'll get three things in the box: The iPad Air, a USB-C to Lightning cable, and a 20W USB-C power adapter.

A visual lineup of colors for the iPad Air.

The Latest News about the iPad Air 4

You can get all the latest news about computers, laptops & tablets from Lifewire; here are more ways to learn about the iPad Air.

iPad Air 4 Features to Know

A hand holding the iPad Air 4 to show sizing.

If you're not familiar with the iPad Air, it's a small tablet that's easy to hold in your hand but packs the punch of a much larger tablet.

The iPad Air 4 shares a variety of features with previous versions in the line, such as compatibility with a trackpad, mouse, Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard but there are still a few differences to separate it from the rest Apple's lineup.

  • The display is now the largest-ever iPad Air at 10.9 inches.
  • It's got more power with the new A14 Bionic chipset that doesn't sacrifice battery life.
  • It comes with the iOS 14 update.
  • Touch ID is now built into the power button.
  • Supports 2nd generation Apple Pencil.
An exploded view of the new Touch ID button.

Plus, it's got everything it needs to be an iPad Pro killer (for now): More than enough power for gaming, music, and movies; digital writing and sketching; a rear camera the can shoot both slow-mo and 4k video at 1080p, a FaceTime camera, and the ridiculously light weight of just one pound. Add in 10 hours of battery life (depending on what you're doing) inside a lightweight, 100 percent recycled aluminum case and you've got a capable gem of a tablet.

At a Glance: iPad Air 4 Specs and Hardware

The iPad Air 4 has a lot people rethinking their iPad. The impressive internal improvements combined with a variety of software upgrades and overall look and feel of the device make it hard to resist even against bigger iPad versions. It comes with a 1 year manufacturer's warranty on parts and labor, too. Here's how it all breaks down.

iPad Air Specs-at-a-Glance
Screen size 10.9 inches
Screen resolution 2360 x 1640/264 ppi
Display type LED backlit w/1.8% reflectivity 
Screen type Liquid Retina display
Processor model A14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
Processor brand Apple
Total Storage  64GB or 256GB
Operating System iPadOS
Battery type Lithium-polymer
Battery life 9-10 hours
Back Camera 12 MP, 4K
Front Camera 7 megapixels, 1080p
Security Fingerprint reader
Internet options Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular
Compatible Wireless Wireless A-X
Bluetooth Enabled, version 5.0
Headphone jack No
Color options Rose Gold, Space Gray, Silver, Green, Sky Blue
Voice Assistant Siri

At a Glance: iPad Air Software

The iPad Air has access to the App Store and more than a million apps. The new iPad Air also includes the following software:

  • App Store
  • Books
  • Calendar
  • Camera
  • Clock
  • Contacts
  • FaceTime
  • Files
  • Find My
  • Home
  • iTunes Store
  • Mail
  • Maps
  • Measure
  • Messages
  • Music
  • News
  • Notes
  • Photo Booth
  • Photos
  • Podcasts
  • Reminders
  • Safari
  • Siri
  • Stocks
  • Tips
  • TV
  • Voice Memos

iPad Air Accessories

The Apple Pencil in use on an iPad Air 4.

You can attach a full-size Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard to the iPad Air, as well as the Apple Pencil. It's also compatible with the headphones every other manufacturer loves to emulate: Airpods. You can see all the rest of the accessories available on the Apple website.