The current iPad Air is the seventh generation, released in May 2024

Apple calls its newest standard iPad Air the "iPad Air (7th generation)" or sometimes just "iPad Air 2024". It's the model you'll see in stores right now if you're looking at a new one. The number matters mainly because it tells you how old the device is and whether it has the latest features — but "newest" doesn't always mean "best for you".

Generation numbers reset to 1 when Apple redesigns a product line completely. The iPad Air line itself started over in 2022 with the 5th generation, which looked and worked very differently from earlier iPad Airs. So when you see "7th generation", that's counting from 2022, not from the very first iPad Air that came out in 2013.

Key Takeaways

  • The newest iPad Air is the 7th generation, released in May 2024, and uses Apple's M2 chip.
  • Generation numbers tell you the age of a device and whether it has current features, but an older generation iPad Air may still work fine for your needs.
  • The 6th generation iPad Air (2023) and 7th generation (2024) are nearly identical — the main difference is the chip inside.
  • You can find the generation number in Settings on any iPad Air, or on the box it came in.

Why Apple uses generation numbers instead of just calling it "iPad Air"

Every time Apple updates a product, it either gives it a new name (like "iPhone 15 Pro") or a generation number (like "iPad Air 7th generation"). For the iPad Air, they use both — the product name stays the same, but the generation number changes. This tells you at a glance whether you're looking at a device from this year or three years ago.

The generation number also matters for repairs and support. If your iPad Air breaks, Apple needs to know which generation you have to send you the right parts. Same goes for software updates — older generations sometimes stop receiving the latest versions of iPadOS after five or six years.

How to find out what generation your iPad Air is

If you already own an iPad Air and want to know which generation it is, the easiest way is to look at the original box it came in. The generation number is printed on the back, usually near the bottom.

If you don't have the box, open Settings on the iPad itself. Tap "General", then "About". Look for a line that says "Model" — it will show something like "iPad Air (7th generation)". You can also search online for your iPad's serial number (listed in that same About screen) to confirm the generation, though the model name is usually enough.

The difference between the 6th and 7th generation iPad Air

The 6th generation iPad Air came out in March 2023. The 7th generation came out in May 2024, just over a year later. From the outside, they look identical — same screen size, same colors, same ports. The main difference is the chip inside: the 6th generation uses Apple's M1 chip, while the 7th generation uses the M2 chip.

The M2 is faster and handles demanding tasks more smoothly, but for everyday use — email, web browsing, reading, video calls — most people won't notice a real difference. If you're doing video editing, 3D design, or running heavy apps, the newer chip matters more. If you already own a 6th generation iPad Air, there's no urgent reason to upgrade.

Older iPad Air generations and when they stop getting updates

iPad Airs from the 5th generation (2022) and newer all run the current version of iPadOS and will continue to receive updates for several more years. The 4th generation (2020) and earlier are still supported but may not get the very latest features.

Apple typically supports iPad models for about five to six years of software updates. This means a 5th generation iPad Air from 2022 will likely receive updates through 2027 or 2028. Older models eventually stop getting updates, but they keep working — they just won't have the newest security patches or features.

Should you buy the newest generation or an older one

The newest generation is worth buying if you plan to keep the iPad for five or more years, or if you do work that needs the latest performance. You'll get more years of software updates and the newest features.

An older generation iPad Air — especially a 6th generation from 2023 — is often a better deal if you're on a budget or don't need cutting-edge speed. The price drops significantly once a new generation comes out, and the older model still works well for most tasks. Check what you actually use the iPad for: if it's mainly browsing and video, a 6th generation is plenty. If it's video editing or running specialized apps, the 7th generation's M2 chip is worth the extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 7th generation iPad Air compatible with the same cases and keyboards as the 6th generation?

Yes. The 6th and 7th generation iPad Airs are the same size and shape, so cases, screen protectors, and keyboards designed for one work with the other. This is one reason older-generation iPad Airs are still useful — accessories are widely available and affordable.

Will my 5th generation iPad Air from 2022 still get software updates?

Yes, the 5th generation is still receiving iPadOS updates and will continue to for several more years. Apple typically supports iPad models for five to six years, so a 2022 model should be covered through at least 2027 or 2028.

Can I tell what generation an iPad Air is just by looking at it?

Not reliably. The 5th, 6th, and 7th generation iPad Airs look nearly identical from the outside. You need to check the Settings menu, the original box, or search the serial number online to know for sure.

Does the M2 chip in the 7th generation make a noticeable difference for everyday tasks?

For most people, no. Email, web browsing, video calls, and reading feel the same on both generations. The M2 matters mainly if you edit video, use design software, or run apps that demand a lot of processing power.