Apple's 2022 10.9-inch iPad Air was the first Air with the M1 chip and doubled the previous Air's USB-C data speed to 10 Gb/s (USB 3.1 Gen 2) — that runs DisplayPort Alt Mode for one external display up to 6K@60Hz and handles 20W USB-C PD charging. The 3-pin Smart Connector on the back (introduced on the Air 4) attaches a Magic Keyboard with no cable. There is no Thunderbolt — that remained an iPad Pro feature — and no 3.5mm headphone jack.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Apple
- Release Year
- 2022
- Model Number
- A2588 / A2589 / A2591
- Category
- Tablet
Source: manufacturer product page · Last updated: · How we verify port data →
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Power (PD) | Capabilities | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2) | 1 | 20 W | DP Alt Mode | USB-C (bottom) | USB 3.1 Gen 2 at up to 10 Gb/s with DisplayPort Alt Mode for one external display up to 6K@60Hz. 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. |
Other Apple Tablet models with the same ports
Notes & Compatibility
First iPad Air with M1 silicon. USB-C runs USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gb/s) — double the Air 4’s 5 Gb/s — with DisplayPort Alt Mode for one external display up to 6K@60Hz. 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. Smart Connector (3-pin pogo) on the back contacts the Magic Keyboard / Smart Keyboard Folio. Apple’s spec also lists Apple Pencil (USB-C): it pairs and charges through this USB-C port with a cable, and the magnetic edge only holds it for storage.