Apple

Apple 10.5-inch iPad Air - 256GB Cellular Gold

4.8 (6464 reviews)
8MP7MP

Apple's thin and powerful iPad Air with A12 Bionic chip, cellular connectivity, and a stunning 10.5-inch Retina display.

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Overview

The Apple iPad Air (3rd Generation) in the Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB Gold configuration delivers a strong balance of performance, storage, and connectivity in Apple's signature thin-and-light tablet form factor. At its core is the A12 Bionic chip, the same processor that powered the iPhone XS generation, providing snappy app launches, smooth multitasking, and support for demanding augmented reality experiences. The 10.5-inch Retina display features True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen's white balance to match ambient lighting, and wide color (P3) support for rich, accurate color reproduction—qualities that make it well-suited for media consumption, photo editing, and creative work.

This model's Wi-Fi + Cellular capability sets it apart from the Wi-Fi-only variant, enabling Gigabit-class LTE data connectivity so you can stay online even without access to a wireless network. With 256GB of onboard storage, there is plenty of space for a large app library, offline media, and documents without constant cloud storage management. Additional features include an 8MP rear camera, a 7MP FaceTime HD front camera, stereo speakers for immersive audio, and Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay. While this generation has been succeeded by newer iPad Air models with USB-C and updated designs, it remains a solid performer for users who do not need the very latest hardware.

Key Features

10.5-inch Retina display with True Tone and wide color

A12 Bionic chip

Touch ID fingerprint sensor and Apple Pay

8MP back camera, 7MP FaceTime HD front camera

Stereo speakers

802.11ac Wi-Fi and Gigabit-class LTE cellular data

Up to 10 hours of battery life

Lightning connector for charging and accessories

iOS 12 with Group FaceTime, shared augmented reality experiences, Screen Time, and more

Specifications

Display
10.5-inch Retina with True Tone and wide color (P3)
Chip
A12 Bionic
Storage
256GB
Connectivity
Wi-Fi (802.11ac) + Gigabit-class LTE Cellular
Rear Camera
8MP
Front Camera
7MP FaceTime HD
Authentication
Touch ID
Battery Life
Up to 10 hours
Connector
Lightning
Operating System
iOS 12 (upgradeable)
Color
Gold
Brand
Apple
Model
iPad Air (3rd Generation)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • A12 Bionic chip delivers fast, responsive performance for apps, multitasking, and augmented reality
  • 10.5-inch Retina display with True Tone and wide color produces vibrant, accurate visuals
  • Wi-Fi + Cellular model provides internet access anywhere with LTE coverage
  • 256GB storage capacity offers ample room for apps, media, and files
  • Up to 10 hours of battery life supports a full day of use on a single charge

👎 Cons

  • Lightning connector is slower and less universal than USB-C, which Apple adopted in later models
  • 3rd-generation design lacks the slimmer bezels and modern look of newer iPad Air models
  • Touch ID Home button takes up display space compared to full-screen designs with Face ID
  • Cellular connectivity requires an additional data plan, adding to the ongoing cost
  • No longer receives the latest iPadOS updates, which may limit access to newer features and security patches over time

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the 3rd-generation iPad Air supports the 1st-generation Apple Pencil, which connects and charges via the Lightning port.
This model includes both Wi-Fi and Gigabit-class LTE cellular connectivity, meaning you can access the internet through a mobile data plan when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
No, this model uses Touch ID via the Home button for biometric authentication. Face ID is available on iPad Pro models.
The 3rd-generation iPad Air supported iPadOS updates through iPadOS 17. Check Apple's current compatibility list to confirm the latest supported version.
Yes, you will need an active nano-SIM card or compatible eSIM plan from a supported carrier to use the LTE cellular data feature.