The first iPad Air went on sale on November 1, 2013, after Apple announced it on October 22, 2013.
The name “iPad Air” marked a fresh start for Apple’s full-size tablet. It arrived lighter, thinner, and trimmed down around the edges. Shoppers in late 2013 saw a 9.7-inch slate that finally felt easy to hold with one hand. That launch kicked off a family that’s still rolling today. Here’s the short answer, then the detail, timeline, and how to spot which one you own.
Original iPad Air Release Date And Launch Context
Apple revealed the first model at a media event on October 22, 2013. Sales began on November 1 in dozens of countries. That window—announce, then ship within days—set the tone for this line. The device shared the design language of the smaller iPad mini, shaved weight to about one pound, and introduced a narrower bezel that made reading and sketching feel less cramped. The pitch was simple: a full-size iPad that didn’t feel bulky.
Quick Timeline Of iPad Air Generations
Here’s a fast scroll through the line, from the 2013 debut to recent models. Dates use Apple’s public announcements and on-sale days.
| Generation | Announced | On-Sale Date |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Air (1st) | Oct 22, 2013 | Nov 1, 2013 |
| iPad Air 2 | Oct 16, 2014 | Oct 22, 2014 |
| iPad Air (3rd) | Mar 18, 2019 | Mar 18, 2019 |
| iPad Air (4th) | Sep 15, 2020 | Oct 23, 2020 |
| iPad Air (5th) | Mar 8, 2022 | Mar 18, 2022 |
| iPad Air (M2, 11-in & 13-in) | May 7, 2024 | May 15, 2024 |
| iPad Air (M3, 11-in & 13-in) | Mar 4, 2025 | Mar 12, 2025 |
Those dates show a clear pattern: early models followed a yearly rhythm, then Apple paused before re-energizing the line in 2019 and again in 2020. The move to Apple silicon brought bigger gains and a split into two sizes in 2024, followed by the next chip bump in early 2025.
Why That 2013 Launch Stood Out
The first unit reset expectations for a full-size tablet. Weight dropped to about a pound, and the edges slimmed down so the screen felt front-and-center. The A7 chip doubled CPU and graphics compared with the prior model, and battery life still hit the familiar all-day target. That balance of speed, endurance, and comfort influenced every follow-up.
Announcement Day Versus Release Day
People often ask if the “come out” date means the reveal or the day you could actually buy one. For the original unit, the reveal happened on October 22, 2013, and store availability kicked off on November 1, 2013. Tech launches usually separate those two moments. If you’re dating a product for resale or collection purposes, the retail date is the safer point to cite.
How The Line Evolved After The Debut
Thinner, Then Faster
The follow-up in 2014 made the body slimmer again and added Touch ID. After a pause, 2019 returned with a modern screen and a leap in accessory support. In 2020, flat sides and a larger display with small bezels arrived, plus USB-C and second-gen Apple Pencil support. In 2022, the M-series chip came to this line, boosting creative and gaming tasks.
Two Sizes And Apple Silicon Gains
In 2024, the family expanded to 11-inch and 13-inch sizes and adopted the M2 chip. That change gave buyers a roomy canvas without moving up to the Pro price tier. In early 2025, Apple stepped the chip up again. The pitch stayed steady: near-Pro speed and modern accessories at a friendlier price point.
What “Air” Meant Then—And Now
At the start, “Air” meant light weight and a trimmed bezel. Today, it also signals Apple silicon performance, Pencil and keyboard support, and screens that feel close to the Pro line for many tasks. If you sketch, annotate PDFs, edit photos for social, or stream and browse for hours, this range hits a sweet spot.
How To Tell Which iPad Air You Have
You can confirm your exact model in Settings > General > About, then match the model number against Apple’s official list. That page also shows which accessories and software versions fit your tablet. If you’d rather check the back cover, a small “A-number” near the bottom identifies the hardware revision.
Release History Highlights
First Generation (2013)
Design trimmed down, A7 chip inside, lighter frame, and a bezel that made content feel closer to the edges.
Second Generation (2014)
Thinner body, Touch ID, faster chip, and a display coating that reduced glare compared with the prior model.
Third And Fourth Generations (2019–2020)
Return with support for modern keyboards and pencils, then a redesign with flat sides, USB-C, and a near-edge display.
M-Series Era (2022–2025)
The M1 chip kicked off a big jump in compute. The line then grew into two sizes with M2, and later gained a fresh chip in 2025, keeping pace with creative apps and long OS support windows.
Why Dates Matter To Buyers
Knowing the original release date helps with trade-in value, app support expectations, and accessory picks. App makers target recent chips for features like advanced photo edits or console-style games. Accessory makers often match keyboard trays and pencil charging methods to specific years.
Feature Milestones Across The Family
Here’s a simple cheat sheet that maps years to the big upgrades buyers notice. Use it to match a model on a marketplace listing or to sanity-check a repair estimate.
| Model | Years Sold | Headline Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Air (1st) | 2013–2016 | Lighter frame, A7 chip, narrow bezels |
| iPad Air 2 | 2014–2017 | Thinner body, Touch ID, better display coating |
| iPad Air (3rd) | 2019–2020 | Modern screen, keyboard support, faster SoC |
| iPad Air (4th) | 2020–2022 | Flat-side design, USB-C, 2nd-gen Pencil |
| iPad Air (5th) | 2022–2024 | M1 performance tier, strong creator apps |
| iPad Air (M2) | 2024–2025 | Two sizes (11″/13″), landscape camera, faster Wi-Fi |
| iPad Air (M3) | 2025–present | Next-gen chip, Pencil Pro support, steady battery life |
Practical Uses For A 2013-Era Model Today
Older units still handle reading, light browsing, and some streaming. For privacy and app support, keep the latest available iOS/iPadOS installed for that device. Many buyers repurpose an early unit as a smart home dashboard, recipe screen, or kid-safe reader with downloaded videos.
Buying Tips If You’re Shopping Used
- Match The Model Number: Check Settings or the back cover, then verify it on Apple’s model list.
- Check Battery Health: Ask the seller for charge cycles or plan on a battery service for older units.
- Test The Ports: Confirm USB-C or Lightning works with both data and charging. Wiggle gently and watch for dropouts.
- Try The Pencil/Keyboard: If supported, pair and test before paying. Accessory fit varies by year.
- Look For Activation Lock: Make sure the device is removed from the prior owner’s Apple ID.
Where This Line Sits In Apple’s Range
The Air family rides between the entry iPad and the Pro models. You get a bright display, long battery life, and fast chips, with plenty of headroom for note-taking and creative work. The Pro still wins on screens and cameras, yet many users never feel the difference day to day.
Bottom Line On Dates
The name “iPad Air” entered stores on November 1, 2013. That date anchors any history you see online, from trade-in charts to app support timelines. If you need to cite the reveal instead, October 22, 2013 is the reference point from Apple’s stage. Use the tables above to map later years and find your exact model.
Helpful Links From Apple
For the original reveal, see Apple’s press release. For model identification, use Apple’s step-by-step page. Both open in a new tab so you can cross-check while you shop or list a device.