iPad Air In praise of......the iPad Air 2???

[UBS28]

Apple doesn’t develop it’s app for the M1 as even my 2017 12.9 iPad Pro runs everything super smooth, unlike the iPad Air 2 which stutters the entire time.

Personally, I would upgrade now if I still was on the iPad Air 2.

The difference between the iPad Air 2 and the 2017 12.9 iPad Pro is a night and day difference already.

 

[Shanghaichica]

To be supported for so long is an amazing feat in itself. I had this device and kept it for 2.5 years. To be honest when I sold it, it was still working perfectly. It always felt like a device that would last a long time just as the iPad 2 did.

 

[MhaelK]

Apple doesn’t develop it’s app for the M1 as even my 2017 12.9 iPad Pro runs everything super smooth, unlike the iPad Air 2 which stutters the entire time.

Personally, I would upgrade now if I still was on the iPad Air 2.

The difference between the iPad Air 2 and the 2017 12.9 iPad Pro is a night and day difference already.

I can honestly say that my Air2 doesn’t stutter the entire time. In fact, I’m very impressed of how smooth it runs on iOS15 and that also includes app likes safari which I find to be surprisingly optimized for the Air2 and its low 2gb of RAM. Sure, it is no racecar, but the ride is nice and smooth.

 

[one more]

Agreed, an amazing device and still works well in our family. ?

 

[Ruggy]

Still used every day as it's perfect on an exercise bike.
Use it to stream Netflix and Prime and it never misses a beat.
Works perfectly with iOS15 never had anything done to it, battery life still ok.

 

[stinkhorn9]

It's true that people don't always need the latest and greatest. But...an Airpad 2? I mean...damn.

I’m reading this thread on an iPad Air 1 😀

 

[savagewatts]

This was an amazing iPad released around the same time as the 5S iPhone which is also my favorite. A good era for sure.

 

[Digitalguy]

the main thing that made the difference with the air 2 is the 2GB RAM (first device to get it), without which it would be stuck on IOS 12, the pro 9.7 that came after the air 2, although identical in appearance, was a much better device (better screen, brighter, less reflective and with true tone, much better speakers, much more power, especially in single core, which is what matters, smart connector and pencil support, and therefore sidecar support too), but people tend to criticize the 9.7 pro for the same reason the air 2 is ultimately praised for, the 2GB RAM, instead of the 4 of its bigger brother, which given all the other specs that would make it an excellent device even today (contrary to the air 2), turned out indeed to be its most limiting factor...

 

[MhaelK]

the main thing that made the difference with the air 2 is the 2GB RAM (first device to get it), without which it would be stuck on IOS 12, the pro 9.7 that came after the air 2, although identical in appearance, was a much better device (better screen, brighter, less reflective and with true tone, much better speakers, much more power, especially in single core, which is what matters, smart connector and pencil support, and therefore sidecar support too), but people tend to criticize the 9.7 pro for the same reason the air 2 is ultimately praised for, the 2GB RAM, instead of the 4 of its bigger brother, which given all the other specs that would make it an excellent device even today (contrary to the air 2), turned out indeed to be its most limiting factor...

It is hard to criticize the Air for having 2GB Ram when it was the first iPad to have it, as you said.

The pro 9.7 came out about 1.5 years after the Air2 to with a hefty price premium of about 50% on top of the regular ipad Air2. Ram being a limiting factor in all heavy duty computer work (As the the pro iPad was advertised usable for) is no secret, so understandable the same amount of 2gb as in the Air was seen as a joke. No doubt the pro 9.7 is better than the Air2, but the iPP 10.5 was what the iPP 9.7 should have been With regards to Ram and better screen. I don’t think anybody now would consider the iPP 9.7 a great long-term value device as the Air2 has been. In fact, I think it is probably regarded as the worst value iPad pro to date.

But again, nobody is arguing that newer iPads and more expensive are not better. The is just a tread in praise of an 2014 iPad that is still recieving The newest iPadOS and being used by people in 2021. Even if some will argue that the Air2 is unusable😂

 

[Digitalguy]

It is hard to criticize the Air for having 2GB Ram when it was the first iPad to have it, as you said.

The pro 9.7 came out about 1.5 years after the Air2 to with a hefty price premium of about 50% on top of the regular ipad Air2. Ram being a limiting factor in all heavy duty computer work (As the the pro iPad was advertised usable for) is no secret, so understandable the same amount of 2gb as in the Air was seen as a joke. No doubt the pro 9.7 is better than the Air2, but the iPP 10.5 was what the iPP 9.7 should have been With regards to Ram and better screen. I don’t think anybody now would consider the iPP 9.7 a great long-term value device as the Air2 has been. In fact, I think it is probably regarded as the worst value iPad pro to date.

But again, nobody is arguing that newer iPads and more expensive are not better. The is just a tread in praise of an 2014 iPad that is still recieving The newest iPadOS and being used by people in 2021. Even if some will argue that the Air2 is unusable?

The 9.7 pro was not 50% more expensive but 20% more, with double the initial storage ($599 vs $499 at launch). Sure if you thought it was 50% more expensive that's a totally different value proposition....
The 10.5, which added another $50 to the price, was good value only for those who didn't have the widespread white spot issue....
I have had the air 1, air 2, 9.7 pro, 10.5 pro and 11 pro, as well as the mini 2, 4 and 5. If I could go back in time in hindsight I would skip the air 1 and 2 entirely (and only get the mini 2), then get the 9.7 pro, which is still much more functional than the air 2 (for the reason I mentioned), would totally skip the 10.5 (for me the worst pro ever after the white spot) and would get the 11 pro, which while $150 more expensive than the 10.5 was a much bigger jump than the 10.5 was over the 9.7 and it's still an amazing device today, so much that I have not considered the 2020 or M1 (I would also, in hindsight, skip the mini 4, which is a slightly downgraded air 2, and wait for the mini 5, which is light years ahead of the 4)
Having said this, giving 2GB RAM, probably to hit the $599 price point, was a mistake by Apple, they could have increased the price to $649 and give it RAM parity with the first pro, making it much more relevant today, just like (or even more than) the bigger brother....

 

[MhaelK]

The 9.7 pro was not 50% more expensive but 20% more, with double the initial storage ($599 vs $499 at launch). Sure if you thought it was 50% more expensive that's a totally different value proposition....
The 10.5, which added another $50 to the price, was good value only for those who didn't have the widespread white spot issue....
I have had the air 1, air 2, 9.7 pro, 10.5 pro and 11 pro, as well as the mini 2, 4 and 5. If I could go back in time in hindsight I would skip the air 1 and 2 entirely (and only get the mini 2), then get the 9.7 pro, which is still much more functional than the air 2 (for the reason I mentioned), would totally skip the 10.5 (for me the worst pro ever after the white spot) and would get the 11 pro, which while $150 more expensive than the 10.5 was a much bigger jump than the 10.5 was over the 9.7 and it's still an amazing device today, so much that I have not considered the 2020 or M1 (I would also, in hindsight, skip the mini 4, which is a slightly downgraded air 2, and wait for the mini 5, which is light years ahead of the 4)
Having said this, giving 2GB RAM, probably to hit the $599 price point, was a mistake by Apple, they could have increased the price to $649 and give it RAM parity with the first pro, making it much more relevant today, just like (or even more than) the bigger brother....

You are right about starting price of the Air2 being $499. I just google it quickly and the compared prices of the air2 and pro9.7 was $399 and $599, but that must have been in 2016 when the 9.7 was introduced.

It is always easier to look backwards in time and see which purchases we shouldn’t have done. I‘m the person who tend to buy stuff and use it until it doesn’t suit my needs anymore. And in November 2014 the Air2 was the best of the best and with double the Ram of the Air 1 it was a long term value buy. And while I didn’t expect it to last for 7 years and I have been tempted to buy a newer version a few time since. There is really nothing I haven‘t been able to do on the Air that I would regularly do on a newer iPad. Now, I might as well wait for the expected 11inch pro with mini-led in 2022, which then should last me for many years to come (As the oled screen rumors have just died).

 

[Digitalguy]

You are right about starting price of the Air2 being $499. I just google it quickly and the compared prices of the air2 and pro9.7 was $399 and $599, but that must have been in 2016 when the 9.7 was introduced.

It is always easier to look backwards in time and see which purchases we shouldn’t have done. I‘m the person who tend to buy stuff and use it until it doesn’t suit my needs anymore. And in November 2014 the Air2 was the best of the best and with double the Ram of the Air 1 it was a long term value buy. And while I didn’t expect it to last for 7 years and I have been tempted to buy a newer version a few time since. There is really nothing I haven‘t been able to do on the Air that I would regularly do on a newer iPad. Now, I might as well wait for the expected 11inch pro with mini-led in 2022, which then should last me for many years to come (As the oled screen rumors have just died).

2 things have made the air 2 last long, the removal of the 1GB RAM bottleneck and industry leading updates of mobile devices by Apple (and the 2 things are indeed related). I think how much a device is usable depends on the priorities... Personally devices without pencil support are now of very little use to me, except to some extent for minis.
Also the smart connector was a big deal (I never found a decent keyboard for the air 2, while the logitech create for the 9.7 was a God-sent back then). And the speakers are night and day...
Maybe some people don't care about all this, but even without taking into account the addition CPU and storage speed of the pro, for me (and probably others) it makes the air 2 not even close to the air 2 (even considering the $100 price difference)
Also I don't think that the air 2 will go down in history as the most future proof iPad... Even if more recent iPads won't get more updates, iPads like the 2015 pro or the M1 pro will probably end their life after 7-8 years of updates (or more) in a much better shape than the air 2 will.... The air 2 will have been the first to get those many updates, since it's the oldest, but it's already struggling pretty hard, depending of what you use it for, while newer device have much more room in terms of RAM and CPU power (hardware has been advancing much faster than the OS has)

 

[MhaelK]

2 things have made the air 2 last long, the removal of the 1GB RAM bottleneck and industry leading updates of mobile devices by Apple (and the 2 things are indeed related). I think how much a device is usable depends on the priorities... Personally devices without pencil support are now of very little use to me, except to some extent for minis.
Also the smart connector was a big deal (I never found a decent keyboard for the air 2, while the logitech create for the 9.7 was a God-sent back then). And the speakers are night and day...
Maybe some people don't care about all this, but even without taking into account the addition CPU and storage speed of the pro, for me (and probably others) it makes the air 2 not even close to the air 2 (even considering the $100 price difference)
Also I don't think that the air 2 will go down in history as the most future proof iPad... Even if more recent iPads won't get more updates, iPads like the 2015 pro or the M1 pro will probably end their life after 7-8 years of updates (or more) in a much better shape than the air 2 will.... The air 2 will have been the first to get those many updates, since it's the oldest, but it's already struggling pretty hard, depending of what you use it for, while newer device have much more room in terms of RAM and CPU power (hardware has been advancing much faster than the OS has)

Even today, I dont Think the iPad Can fully replace an laptop (due to the limitations of iPadOS), although I would like it too. So external keyboard has little value to me, as i use the iPad as an consumption device mainly. With a new iPad, the pencil Will become valuable.

Of course the Air2 will not go Down in history as the most future proof iPad ever, but nobody is stupid enough to claim that. As Technology matures, upgraded get smaller and smaller while lifespands extends, but that doesn‘t take away from the value of the air2 from 2014 to 2021 . It seems like you really want to compare the Air2 against newer and better versions of the iPad - of course stuff improve which each gen, but few generations just have a longer usefull lifespan that others and the Air2 is most likely the champ of the 2GB iPads.

 

[Digitalguy]

Even today, I dont Think the iPad Can fully replace an laptop (due to the limitations of iPadOS), although I would like it too. So external keyboard has little value to me, as i use the iPad as an consumption device mainly. With a new iPad, the pencil Will become valuable.

Of course the Air2 will not go Down in history as the most future proof iPad ever, but nobody is stupid enough to claim that. As Technology matures, upgraded get smaller and smaller while lifespands extends, but that doesn‘t take away from the value of the air2 from 2014 to 2021 . It seems like you really want to compare the Air2 against newer and better versions of the iPad - of course stuff improve which each gen, but few generations just have a longer usefull lifespan that others and the Air2 is most likely the champ of the 2GB iPads.

the air 2 value was nothing special even back in 2014, a 16GB device at $499, praise is mainly due to the choice of Apple to keep it up to date much longer than anyone expected, which is probably a trend that will continue or even strengthen with future models (today nobody expects an iPad to be updated 10 years, but then nobody expected the air 2 to be updated until now either...). Other devices have offered much more value in the meantime even at a higher price points. But value is relative, as user priorities are.
And let's not turn this into an endless discussion, for my part I have given enough info to illustrate my point.... I respect your view even I don't agree with it, end of the story.

 

[MhaelK]

the air 2 value was nothing special even back in 2014, a 16GB device at $499, praise is mainly due to the choice of Apple to keep it up to date much longer than anyone expected, which is probably a trend that will continue or even strengthen with future models (today nobody expects an iPad to be updated 10 years, but then nobody expected the air 2 to be updated until now either...). Other devices have offered much more value in the meantime even at a higher price points. But value is relative, as user priorities are.
And let's not turn this into an endless discussion, for my part I have given enough info to illustrate my point.... I respect your view even I don't agree with it, end of the story.

I cant see how you could find a better tablet than the Air2 in 2014 - Time has shown the A8X and 2GB ram to have been a great match. Something you yourself agreed the more powerful a9X and 2gb was not. I Can only see you have tried to say/illustrate newer iPads are of course better than the Air2, but that doesnt change the value of the Air2 and the fact that some people still enjoy using it on IPadOS15 almost 7 years after purchase. Apple keeping the Air2 updated is part of its Long-term value - the sole reason this tread exists.

But yes, we agree to disagree.

 

[Digitalguy]

I cant see how you could find a better tablet than the Air2 in 2014 - Time has shown the A8X and 2GB ram to have been a great match. Something you yourself agreed the more powerful a9X and 2gb was not. I Can only see you have tried to say/illustrate newer iPads are of course better than the Air2, but that doesnt change the value of the Air2 and the fact that some people still enjoy using it on IPadOS15 almost 7 years after purchase. Apple keeping the Air2 updated is part of its Long-term value - the sole reason this tread exists.

But yes, we agree to disagree.

You couldn't find better tablets before or after at that size.... this has always been the case.... I think that there is a difference between the newer iPad being "better" (of course they are) and some of them providing more value for the money...
The air 2 was a big jump in RAM (double), a zero improvement in base storage, which was already terrible before at 16GB with the previous air, and mixed improvement in CPU (very little in single core, much more in multi core). As I said value is subjective, and I can totally see how some air 2 users are happy 7 years later (just like I am still happy with my 2015 pro 6 years later, despite having the 2018 12.9, while I sold my air 2 in 2019). We can disagree on value, which again depends on what we attach importance to, but having more value and being better are 2 different things.

 

[MhaelK]

You couldn't find better tablets before or after at that size.... this has always been the case.... I think that there is a difference between the newer iPad being "better" (of course they are) and some of them providing more value for the money...
The air 2 was a big jump in RAM (double), a zero improvement in base storage, which was already terrible before at 16GB with the previous air, and mixed improvement in CPU (very little in single core, much more in multi core). As I said value is subjective, and I can totally see how some air 2 users are happy 7 years later (just like I am still happy with my 2015 pro 6 years later, despite having the 2018 12.9, while I sold my air 2 in 2019). We can disagree on value, which again depends on what we attach importance to, but having more value and being better are 2 different things.

Honestly, at this point I cant figure out if you are just trolling. Or are you seriously trying to argue against the praise/value of an device people have been using with pleasure for almost 7 years - because you personally like and value a newer model better??

The A8X was a massive improvement over the A7 in the Air due to the extra core. Clearly people in this tread didn’t buy the Air2 in 2014 because they needed to use it with a future Apple Pencil or a future magic keyboard. They bought it for a usecase which it still serve 7 years later thanks to the A8X and 2gb Ram. Where I live the trades-ins for an old iPad2 was out of this world, and 64gb version was a no-brainer (Even the 32GB base storage of the 9.7 would be limiting today). Also, I personally thinks it runs better now on IPadOS15 than it did in 2019 on 13.

But yes, you indeed should be happy with your 2015 9.7 Pro model, especially since the 9.7 Pro wasn’t announced until march 2016. - but then again it would have an even better value if you have bought it in 2014, 2010 or even 2001 ?

I’m sure there is a tread called “In praise of… the iPad Pro 9.7”. But then again, it is likely trolled by a iPad Pro 10.5 or 11 user trying to convince everybody that the 9.7 can’t have no value because the newer models has more (eg 120hz display).

 

[Digitalguy]

Honestly, at this point I cant figure out if you are just trolling. Or are you seriously trying to argue against the praise/value of an device people have been using with pleasure for almost 7 years - because you personally like and value a newer model better??

The A8X was a massive improvement over the A7 in the Air due to the extra core. Clearly people in this tread didn’t buy the Air2 in 2014 because they needed to use it with a future Apple Pencil or a future magic keyboard. The bought it for a usecase which it still serve 7 years later thanks to the A8X and 2gb Ram. Where I live the trades-ins for an old iPad2 was out of this world, and 64gb version was a no-brainer (Even the 32GB base storage of the 9.7 would be limiting today). Also, I personally thinks it runs better now on IPadOS15 than it did in 2019 on 13.

But yes, you indeed should be happy with your 2015 9.7 Pro model, especially since the 9.7 Pro wasn’t announced until march 2016. - but then again it would have an even better value if you have bought it in 2014, 2010 or even 2001 ?

I’m sure there is a tread called “In praise of… the iPad Pro 9.7”. But then again, it is likely trolled by a iPad Pro 10.5 or 11 user trying to convince everybody that the 9.7 can’t have no value because the newer models has more (eg 120hz display).

This is a forum where people are entitled to express their opinions, to not share the view of the OP, to make comparisons with other devices etc, as long as they do it politely. Anyway given your aggressive tone, and the the fact that you call trolls people because their opinion does not suit you or your view, we can end this discussion here.

 

[niray9]

Bought my Ipad Air 2 64gb brand new in Sept 2015. Paid $450 for it.

Good deal

 

[Digitalguy]

Bought my Ipad Air 2 64gb in Sept 2015. Paid $450 for it.

Good deal

It's a great move to wait some time and buy a device at much less than the launch price, especially if you can get a higher specced one that the entry model.
I bought my 2018 11pro 1TB cellular (with 6GB RAM) new in 2020 on sale paying under $900 instead of the $1700 launch price. One of the best purchases ever. Battery is still 104% after a year (down from 106%). Planning on keeping it for a decade...

 

[Homme]

I cant see how you could find a better tablet than the Air2 in 2014 - Time has shown the A8X and 2GB ram to have been a great match. Something you yourself agreed the more powerful a9X and 2gb was not. I Can only see you have tried to say/illustrate newer iPads are of course better than the Air2, but that doesnt change the value of the Air2 and the fact that some people still enjoy using it on IPadOS15 almost 7 years after purchase. Apple keeping the Air2 updated is part of its Long-term value - the sole reason this tread exists.

But yes, we agree to disagree.

keeping the Air 2 ( and Mini 4 and other older devices ) updated is part of apples plans to extend its services to older models like the new iCloud storage/VPN thing for iOS/iPadOS 15 as well as newer AirPods/beats headphones as well to further maximize profits from those sales

even when something like AirTag is compatible from the iPhone 13 to the Air2/Mini 4 you can best be sure services play a big part of the reasoning why the Air 2 being updated to as it is now

 

[saudor]

the devices where there's a boost in RAM seems to last longer than expected. There are some exceptions like ipad 3 but that's mainly because apple cheapened out on GPU and re-used ipad 2 hardware (with a slightly faster GPU) and stuck a retina display on it. Same deal with iphone 4- basically a 3GS with a higher CPU clock but same GPU.

Sold my Air 2 for a M1 ipad recently but that thing was a beast.

On another note, M1 macbook might run into issues quicker. As things get massive, who knows how long a 8gb laptop will fare a few years later. Even today, something like games i play crash with 16gb and only run fine with 32gb.

 

[MhaelK]

keeping the Air 2 ( and Mini 4 and other older devices ) updated is part of apples plans to extend its services to older models like the new iCloud storage/VPN thing for iOS/iPadOS 15 as well as newer AirPods/beats headphones as well to further maximize profits from those sales

even when something like AirTag is compatible from the iPhone 13 to the Air2/Mini 4 you can best be sure services play a big part of the reasoning why the Air 2 being updated to as it is now

Yes, Apple is clearly pushing its other services hard in many ways. However, while I personally see it limiting some of its newer products to sell iCloud service and extra storage (e.g. ligthning port on the new iPhone), and limiting iPadOS not to cannibalise it Mac-line. I only see it as a positive the Old Air2 still getting new features and extra reach beyond what it had on the time of purchase.

 

[MhaelK]

the devices where there's a boost in RAM seems to last longer than expected. There are some exceptions like ipad 3 but that's mainly because apple cheapened out on GPU and re-used ipad 2 hardware (with a slightly faster GPU) and stuck a retina display on it. Same deal with iphone 4- basically a 3GS with a higher CPU clock but same GPU.

Sold my Air 2 for a M1 ipad recently but that thing was a beast.

On another note, M1 macbook might run into issues quicker. As things get massive, who knows how long a 8gb laptop will fare a few years later. Even today, something like games i play crash with 16gb and only run fine with 32gb.

Yes, the M1 iPad and its massive jump in Ram & power seems like a good time to buy. As long as the non-pro versions have less Power/Ram I believe the M1 will last a long time as a table, although there might be pro-level app/games that demands more in the future. I just wished the 11inch came with mini-led, as I use the iPad as a reader - but this will hopefully happen next gen.