Apple iPad Air 2 (Cover+Data Cable+Charger)

### Apple iPad Air (2nd Generation) Description

The **Apple iPad Air (2nd generation)**, commonly referred to as the **iPad Air 2**, was announced on October 16, 2014, and released on October 22, 2014. It built on the redesign of the first-generation iPad Air by introducing groundbreaking features like Touch ID and full lamination of the display, while shaving off another millimeter of thickness for an even more premium, lightweight feel. Priced starting at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model, it was Apple's thinnest full-size tablet at launch (just 6.1 mm thick) and emphasized enhanced performance, security, and visual clarity. The iPad Air 2 was discontinued in March 2016 with the arrival of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro but remains a capable device for media, browsing, and basic productivity.

#### Key Features and Improvements
- **Design and Build**: Even thinner and lighter than the original Air—measuring **9.4 inches tall, 6.6 inches wide, and 0.24 inches (6.1 mm) thick**, weighing **0.96 pounds (437 g) for Wi-Fi models** and **0.98 pounds (444 g) for cellular**. It retains the aluminum unibody with chamfered edges but adds a **Touch ID fingerprint sensor** integrated into the home button for secure unlocking and Apple Pay. Available in **Space Gray**, **Silver**, or the new **Gold** finish, with a scratch-resistant glass front.
- **Display**: 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD **Retina display** with **2048 x 1536 resolution** at **264 ppi**, now featuring **full lamination** (bonding layers for a paper-like feel) and an **anti-reflective coating** that reduces glare by up to 56%. This results in sharper, more vibrant visuals with better contrast and color accuracy, ideal for outdoor use or creative work.
- **Performance**: Powered by the **Apple A8X chip** (a 64-bit tri-core 1.5 GHz processor with an 8-core PowerVR GX6850 GPU) and **M8 motion coprocessor** (including a barometer for precise altitude tracking), paired with **2 GB of RAM**—double that of the iPad Air (1st gen). This enabled up to 2.5x faster graphics and 40% faster CPU performance, supporting demanding apps, multitasking, and early AR experiences.
- **Storage Options**: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB (no expansion via microSD).
- **Cameras**: Upgraded **8 MP rear iSight camera** (3264 x 2448 pixels, f/2.4 aperture, autofocus, HDR, 10 fps burst mode, 1080p HD video at 30 fps, slow-motion at 120 fps) and **1.2 MP front FaceTime HD camera** (720p video)—improved pixel processing for better low-light performance over the previous model.
- **Connectivity**: Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi with **MIMO** for speeds up to 866 Mbps, Bluetooth 4.0, **Lightning connector**, and optional **4G LTE** (Bands 1–41 with speeds up to 150 Mbps downlink; GPS and GLONASS on cellular models).
- **Battery Life**: Up to **10 hours** of Wi-Fi web browsing, video playback, or music; up to **9 hours** on cellular data. Powered by a 28.6 Wh (7340–8600 mAh) lithium-polymer battery, optimized for the efficient A8X chip.
- **Software**: Launched with **iOS 8.1**, upgradable to **iOS 12.5.7** (final supported version as of 2023). It introduced Split View multitasking in iOS 9 and supported Siri, but lacks modern iPadOS features like Stage Manager.
- **Audio and Sensors**: Dual stereo speakers (bottom-firing for richer sound), dual microphones with noise cancellation, 3.5mm headphone jack, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, digital compass, and barometer.

#### Specifications Table

| Category              | Details                                                                 |
|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Display**           | 9.7-inch Retina IPS LCD, 2048 x 1536 (264 ppi), multi-touch, anti-reflective coating |
| **Processor**         | Apple A8X (64-bit, tri-core 1.5 GHz Cyclone) + M8 motion coprocessor   |
| **RAM**               | 2 GB LPDDR3                                                             |
| **Storage**           | 16  GB                                                   |
| **Cameras**           | Rear: 8 MP (1080p video, slow-mo 120 fps); Front: 1.2 MP (720p)         |
| **Battery**           | 28.6 Wh (7340–8600 mAh), ~10 hours Wi-Fi / 9 hours cellular             |
| **Connectivity**      | Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (MIMO), Bluetooth 4.0, Lightning; optional LTE (Bands 1–41) + GPS |
| **Dimensions**        | 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.24 inches (240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm)                          |
| **Weight**            | 0.96 lb (437 g) Wi-Fi / 0.98 lb (444 g) cellular                        |
| **OS Support**        | iOS 8.1 to iOS 12.5.7 (latest)                                          |
| **Colors**            | Space Gray, Silver, Gold                                                |
| **Sensors**           | Touch ID, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, ambient light, compass   |

Notable Milestones
- **First iPad with Touch ID**: Brought biometric security from the iPhone to tablets, enhancing privacy and ease of use.
- **Laminated Anti-Reflective Display**: A first for iPads, improving readability and immersion; this coating was later removed in some models due to scratching issues.
- **A8X Chip**: A tablet-optimized variant of the iPhone 6's A8, marking Apple's push toward unified silicon across devices.
- **No Apple Pencil Support**: Like the first Air, it predates Pencil compatibility (introduced with iPad Pro in 2015).

As of November 2025, the iPad Air 2 is classified as **obsolete** by Apple (over 7 years since discontinuation), meaning no hardware service or parts from Apple. However, it still runs iOS 12 apps smoothly for email, streaming (e.g., Netflix, YouTube), e-reading, and casual gaming. Its slim design and Touch ID keep it relevant as a secondary device, though it misses out on 5G, USB-C, and iPadOS 13+ features like widget stacks or external drive support. For security, avoid sensitive tasks without updates. If upgrading, consider the modern iPad Air (M2/M3) for vastly superior performance and longevity. The Air 2 exemplified Apple's 2014 focus on "thinner, lighter, faster" without compromising portability.