Apple's 2020 10.9-inch iPad Air was the first Air to drop Lightning for USB-C and the first iPad after the Pro to put a Smart Connector on the back for the Magic Keyboard. Its USB-C port is USB 3.1 Gen 1 — up to 5 Gb/s — half the M1 Air's speed but still with DisplayPort Alt Mode for one external display up to 4K HDR. The same port handles 20W USB-C PD charging. No Thunderbolt, no 3.5mm headphone jack, no microSD slot.
Apple’s 2020 iPad Air 4 (A14) with a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port (5 Gb/s, DP Alt Mode, 20W charging) and a 3-pin Smart Connector.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Apple
- Release Year
- 2020
- Model Number
- A2316 / A2324 / A2325 / A2072
- Category
- Tablet
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1) | 1 | USB-C (bottom) | USB 3.1 Gen 1 at up to 5 Gb/s with DisplayPort Alt Mode for one external display up to 4K HDR. Charges via 20W USB-C PD. No Thunderbolt. |
| Apple Smart Connector (3-pin) | 1 | Smart Connector (back) | 3-pin pogo connector on the back for the Magic Keyboard / Smart Keyboard Folio. Carries power and data between iPad and keyboard — no separate cable. |
Notes & Compatibility
First iPad Air with USB-C (replacing Lightning) and first Air with the side 3-pin Smart Connector for the Magic Keyboard. USB-C runs USB 3.1 Gen 1 at up to 5 Gb/s (half the M1 Air’s 10 Gb/s) with DisplayPort Alt Mode supporting one external display up to 4K HDR. Charges via the same port using a 20W USB-C PD adapter. Apple Pencil (2nd gen) charges via the magnetic strip on the long edge — not modelled as a port. No Thunderbolt, no 3.5mm jack, no microSD.
