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Apple iPad Air 3rd Gen (Wi-Fi+Cell US/CA) 64, 256 GB Specs

Identifers: iPad Air 3rd Gen (Wi-Fi + Cellular) - MV162LL/A* - A2153 - 3316* - iPad11,4

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Apple iPad Air 3rd GenPlease note that this A2153 iPad Air (3rd Gen) model is compatible with Gigabit-class LTE, specifically bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, and 71. It does not support bands 28 or 42. Although it is compatible with carriers worldwide, it is believed to have been sold only in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Regardless of connectivity, the iPad Air 3rd Gen models are marketed as providing "high-end features and performance at a breakthrough price." Each provide newer and faster internals than the iPad Pro 10.5" (Wi-Fi+Cellular) models replaced, but have a lower quality display as well as inferior cameras and speakers.

All iPad Air 3rd Gen devices feature a fully-laminated, antireflective 10.5-inch LED-backlit 2224x1668 (264 ppi, DCI-P3 color gamut) touch-sensitive "Retina" display, but do not support "ProMotion technology" and its 120 Hz refresh rate.

The iPad Air 3rd Gen models are powered by an Apple A12 Bionic processor, 3 GB of RAM, and either 64 GB or 256 GB of flash memory storage packed in a Black and Space Gray, White and Silver, or White and Gold case.

Other noteworthy features include dual cameras -- a rear-mounted 8 megapixel "iSight" camera capable of shooting stills and 1080p HD video and a front-mounted 7 megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera also capable of shooting stills and 1080p HD video, dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi with HT80 with MIMO and Bluetooth 5.0 (in addition to the aforementioned cellular capability), as well as dual microphones and a single set of stereo speakers. They do have a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack and Touch ID support, also.

Connectivity to computers, if desired, and power is provided by a Lightning port. A "Smart Connector" provides connectivity for the same small Apple Smart Keyboard that is compatible with the earlier 10.5" iPad Pro models. It is compatible with the original Apple Pencil (A1603, MK0C2AM/A), as well.

The battery life of this iPad Air 3rd Gen model is reportedly 10 hours "surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music" or 9 hours "surfing the web using [a] cellular data network." This model has a software-based eSIM that can be used to switch between some carriers as well as a nano SIM slot to use "traditional" SIM cards.

Also see:

  • What are all the differences between the iPad Air 3 models? (In-Depth)
  • What are all the differences between the iPad Air 3 and the iPad model it replaced? How does it compare to the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro? (In-Depth)
  • What are the "pros and cons" of the iPad Air 3? Is it the best iPad for me? (Quick Read)

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  • Tech Specs
  • Global Original Prices
  • Popular Q&As

Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.


March 18, 2019 September 15, 2020
Details: The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

Also see: All iPad models introduced in 2019.
1 (6 Cores) N/A
Details: Geekbench 2 is not compatible with this iPad. This number is an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all Geekbench 2 user submissions for devices with the iPad11,4 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, please see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
N/A N/A
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for devices with the iPad11,4 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
N/A N/A
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for devices with the iPad11,4 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 3 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
4799 11396
Details: These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for devices with the iPad11,4 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
1112 2782
Details: These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the iOS are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for devices with the iPad11,4 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models side-by-side, see Everyi.com's Ultimate iComparison.
2.49 GHz* Apple A12 Bionic
Details: *Apple officially reports that the iPad Air 3rd Gen uses an "A12 Bionic chip" with a 64-bit architecture as well as a Neural Engine and an embedded M12 coprocessor. It has six cores; two 2.49 GHz performance cores and four 1.59 GHz high-efficiency cores.

Also see: How fast is the iPad Air 3 compared to earlier iPad Air models? How fast is it compared to the iPad mini and iPad Pro?
3 GB* 64, 256 GB
Details: *Apple provides no official details regarding RAM used by the iPad Air 3rd Gen, but third-party software analysis reports that it has 3 GB of RAM.

Also see: Is it possible to add external storage to the iPad? How?
Sync & Charge (Lightning) None
Details: The iPad Air (3rd Gen) models are capable of charging and syncing by USB via its Lightning connector. They also have a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack.
USB 3 Lightning, Smart Connector, Headphone
Details: N/A
Tablet/Slate iPad Air 3rd Gen*
Details: *The iPad Air 3rd Gen models are size-compatible with accessories that support the earlier 10.5" iPad Pro.
Black or White* Multi-touch
Details: *The iPad Air (3rd Gen) models are available with either a black glass front and a "Space" gray aluminum back, a white glass front and a silver colored aluminum back, or a white glass front and a gold colored aluminum back.
10.5" Color* 2224x1668 (264 ppi)
Details: *The iPad Air (3rd Gen) models have a 10.5" LED-backlit 2224 by 1668 "fully laminated" display (264 ppi) with an "oleophobic" (oil repellent) and antireflective coating. Apple also notes that it is a "wide color" display (DCI-P3) and supports the company's "True Tone" feature that evaluates the color temperature and ambient brightness of your surroundings and dynamically adjusts the display's white balance to match. It does not support ProMotion technology (120 Hz refresh rate).

The iPad Air 3rd Gen line also supports AirPlay Mirroring to Apple TV 2nd Gen and later models as well as provides video mirroring and video out support up to 1080p using the "Lightning Digital AV Adapter" and the "Lightning to VGA Adapter."

Also see: Can the iPad models be used as an external display for a Mac or PC? How?

In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this iPad. No fix, no fee!

In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, motherboard, charging port, and more for this iPad.
802.11a/b/g/n/ac (HT80)* 5.0
Details: *All iPad Air (3rd Gen) models support 802.11a/b/g/n/ac on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (dual band) as well as HT80 with MIMO. They support Bluetooth 5.0, also.
GSM/LTE* 8 Megapixels**
Details: *This specific A2153 iPad Air (3rd Gen) model supports "UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)" as well as "Gigabit-class LTE" on bands "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, [and] 71." It does not support bands 28 (700 APT MHz) or 42 (CBRS).

**The iPad Air 3rd Gen has dual cameras. The rear camera has an 8 megapixel sensor and supports still photographs as well as 1080p HD video recording. It has a f/2.4 aperture and a five-element lens. It has auto image stabilization and video image stabilization and 3x video zoom, too.

The front mounted "FaceTime HD" camera, designed primarily to be used for video conferencing in conjunction with Apple's provided FaceTime software over a Wi-Fi network (as well as selfies for those who insist), has a 7 megapixel sensor and takes videos up to 1080p at 30 FPS.
Lithium Polymer (30.2 Whr) 9-10 Hours*
Details: *Apple estimates that this iPad Air (3rd Gen) provides "up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music" and 9 hours "surfing the web using [a] cellular data network."
N/A N/A
Details: Apple does not report the standby time for the iPad Air 3rd Gen.
MV162LL/A* iPad Air 3rd Gen (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
Details: *MV162LL/A refers to the configuration in white/silver with 64 GB of storage. In white/silver with 256 GB of storage, the order number is MV1F2LL/A. In white/gold, with 64 GB and 256 GB of storage, the order numbers are MV172LL/A and MV1G2LL/A, respectively. In black/space gray, with 64 GB and 256 GB of storage, the order numbers are MV152LL/A and MV1D2LL/A, respectively.
A2153 (EMC 3316*) iPad11,4
Details: The Model Number (external) is unique to this model.

*Please note that the EMC number is not externally listed on this device.

Also see: All iPhones with the A2153 Model Number, the 3316* EMC Number, and the iPad11,4 Model Identifier.
iOS 12.2 (16E227) Current
Details: This model fully supports the final version of iOS 12, with the exception of the minor Memoji feature; fully supports the final version of iPadOS 13; fully supports the final version of iPadOS 14, with the exception of the ARKit Depth API; and fully supports iPadOS 15.

This iPad Air also supports iPadOS 16, but it does not support the advanced Stage Manager, Reference Mode, Accessibility Detection, and Virtual Memory Swap features as well as Apple Music Sing (Karaoke).

Finally, this model supports the current version of the iPadOS -- iPadOS 17 -- but it lacks support for the React with Your Hands; Screen Distance; More Accurate Autocorrect in English, French, and Spanish; Inline Predictions (English); and External Camera for FaceTime features.

On iPadOS 13 and later, this model does support the Sidecar feature when paired with a Mac.

Also see: Which iPad models support iPadOS 16? Do some models "partially" support iPadOS 16? Which ones?
9.8 x 6.8 x 0.24 1.02 lbs. (464 g)
Details: The iPad Air 3rd Gen (held vertically) is 9.8 inches tall, 6.8 inches wide, and 0.24 of an inch deep (250.6 mm x 174.1 mm x 6.1 mm).

This iPad Air 3rd Gen equipped with Wi-Fi and cellular networking capability weighs 1.02 pounds (464 g).
OS X 10.11.6* Windows 7*
Details: If syncing with iTunes is desired, Apple notes that Mac OS X 10.11.6 or later and iTunes 12.8 or later is required to use this iPad with a Mac. To sync this iPad with a PC, Windows 7 or later and iTunes 12.9 or later are required.
Apple reports that the iPad Air 3rd Gen models support "AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Dolby Digital (AC-3), Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3), Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV."
N/A
Apple reports that the iPad Air 3rd Gen models support "H.264 video up to 4K, 30 frames per second, High Profile level 4.2 with AAC LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio or Dolby Audio up to 1008 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo or multichannel audio, in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG 4 video up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio or Dolby Audio up to 1008 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo or multichannel audio, in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; Motion JPEG (M JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format."
The iPad Air 3rd Gen models also include a Lightning to USB cable and USB power adapter.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells accessories like cases, stands, keyboards, speakers and more for this iPad.
US$629, US$779* US$300-US$400
Details: *This iPad Air 3rd Gen (Wi-Fi+Cellular) model originally cost US$629 with 64 GB of storage and US$779 with 256 GB of storage. The price was the same regardless of color.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.



Global original prices for the iPad Air 3rd Gen (Wi-Fi+Cell US/CA) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region. Please note that prices with an asterisk (*) are bound by carrier contractual obligations.

For global original prices for all iPod, iPhone, and iPad models in one particular country on a single page, please refer to Everyi.com's Global Original Prices section.

If you have additional original prices for this iPad Air, please share. Thank you.


Original Prices - North & South America

C$819, C$1019 N/A
N/A US$629, US$779*

Original Prices - Europe

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Original Prices - Asia

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Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

A$979, A$1199 NZ$1069, NZ$1319


Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iPad Air line follow.




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