Is the M1 in the iPad Air still sufficient in 2026?
The 5th-generation iPad Air was released in March 2022. So its chip is a good four and a half years old. That sounds like a legitimate concern, which is exactly why many people hesitate before buying.
The short answer: Yes, the M1 is sufficient. The long answer also tells you where it reaches its limits and who the device is not worthwhile for.
What the M1 in the iPad Air 2026 can still do
The iPad Air features an M1 with an 8-core CPU (4 performance and 4 efficiency cores), an 8-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and 8 GB of RAM. It encodes and decodes H.264 and HEVC videos in hardware. When it was introduced, Apple promised up to 60% more CPU performance and up to twice as fast graphics compared with its predecessor. The fact that newer chips are now available does not change what this one can do.
The software runs
Apple released iPadOS 27 on September 14, 2026, and the 5th-generation iPad Air is on the compatibility list. Apple decides how long updates will continue after that. Today, you get the current system.
Apple Intelligence runs too
Apple lists iPad models with M1 and later as a requirement. However, not every feature is designed for the M1. Customizable Siri voices are available only from M4 and with at least 12 GB of RAM.
Multiple apps, one Monitor
The 5th-generation iPad Air was among the first iPads on which Apple offered Stage Manager together with an external Monitor. Apps run in overlapping windows, on the iPad and on a separate screen. You connect the Monitor via USB-C, with support for up to 6K.
What the iPad Air offers in everyday use
The display
The Liquid Retina display measures 10.9 Inch and has a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels (264 ppi). It covers the P3 color gamut, features True Tone, and reaches 500 nits of brightness. The display is laminated, an antireflective coating reduces reflections to 1.8%, and a fingerprint-resistant coating keeps the surface clean.
With a stylus and keyboard
The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) attaches to and charges through a magnetic connector on the device. The Apple Pencil (USB-C) also works. You connect a keyboard via the Smart Connector. The stylus and keyboard are not included.
Camera and video calls
The rear camera has 12 MP and records 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The front camera also has 12 MP and an Ultra Wide lens with a 122-degree field of view. Center Stage is also available for video calls.
On the go with Cellular
This model also has Cellular. It supports 5G and works with Nano-SIM or eSIM. You need a separate data plan, and not every provider supports eSIM. The Cellular models also have GPS. Wi-Fi 6 is included for use at home.
Design and connector
The iPad Air is 6.1 mm thin and weighs 462 grams in the Cellular version. According to Apple, the enclosure is made from 100% recycled aluminum. The USB-C connector charges the device, connects Monitors, and transfers data at up to 10 Gbit/s.
Where the M1 in the iPad Air reaches its limits
Not the latest chip
After the M1, the iPad Air got M2, M3, and M4. If you want every new feature on your device immediately, you need a newer model.
64 GB of storage
64 GB fills up quickly if you keep many movies and photos on the device. You can move large files to an external drive via USB-C.
The battery
Apple states up to 10 hours of web browsing or video over Wi-Fi, and up to 9 hours over mobile data. These figures were measured in 2022 on new devices. A Refurbished battery shows signs of use. In Used condition, its capacity is at least 80%; a new battery has 97% or more. A charging cable is included, but not a power adapter. The iPad charges with 12- to 20-watt power adapters via USB PD.
Who the iPad Air is worth it for
For anyone who wants a Tablet for reading, browsing, streaming, emailing, and taking notes without running into performance limits. The M1 has plenty of headroom for this. With the Apple Pencil, the display becomes a notebook, and with a keyboard, you can also type for longer periods.
For anyone who travels a lot. With Cellular, you are online without having to search for Wi-Fi, and you also have GPS.
For anyone upgrading from an older iPad. Compared with the 9th-generation iPad, the Air brings an M1 instead of A13, USB-C instead of Lightning, the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, and Apple Intelligence. If you want even more headroom, take a look at the iPad Pro.
It is not worth it if you want features that Apple restricts to M4 and 12 GB. Nor is it worth it if 64 GB feels too limited from the start.
What you get when buying from Revendo
Tested and documented
Each iPad receives a Quality Label after testing. You can view the test report via QR code: the camera, display, audio, sensors, buttons, and connectivity are documented individually. This also includes the measured Battery condition with charge cycles and proof of data erasure in accordance with NIST 800-88. Testing takes place in Switzerland, including with our MATT diagnostic robot in Basel.
Which condition is right for you
With “As new,” there are no signs of use. With “Very good,” they are visible only in the best lighting conditions. With “Used,” scratches or wear are visible under normal lighting, while with “Bargain,” they are clearly noticeable. The October deal applies to all available conditions. You can see which ones are currently in stock on the product page.
Warranty and returns
1-year warranty included, with an extension available for an additional charge. You have 14 days to get your money back. As an Apple Service Provider, Revendo repairs the device with original parts in warranty cases.
The iPad Air 5th Gen M1 (2022) with 64 GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular in Space Gray is available in the October deal with -10%, in all available conditions. The M1 is sufficient. The quickest way to see whether the iPad Air is right for you is to try it on the device.