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Freedom251 › Blog › Apple iPad Air

iPad Air 5 Cellular Review: What You Get With the Keyboard and Pencil 2

By Freedom251 Team · · 4 min read

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The 2022 iPad Air (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model A2589, works with Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the compatible Magic Keyboard for iPad Air. That makes it a flexible tablet setup, but this is a specification-led review, not a hands-on test: there are no independent performance, battery, display, keyboard, Pencil, or cellular measurements here. Whether it is a sensible buy now depends on the unit’s condition, price, storage, and carrier compatibility.

What this iPad Air configuration includes

Apple introduced the iPad Air (5th generation) in 2022. A2589 is the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, offered with 64 GB or 256 GB of storage. It weighs 462 g, compared with 461 g for the Wi-Fi-only version, and measures 247.6 × 178.5 × 6.1 mm. Apple lists Wi-Fi 6 with 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, Touch ID, stereo speakers, and dual microphones. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent test results. Apple’s iPad Air specifications

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The tablet does not include the Magic Keyboard or Apple Pencil as part of its standard configuration; Apple identifies the keyboard as sold separately. Factor compatible accessories into the total cost rather than treating them as included equipment. Apple Magic Keyboard technical specifications

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How good is the display on paper?

Apple describes the screen as a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. Its listed rectangular diagonal is 10.86 inches; the actual viewable area is smaller. The IPS display has a 2360 × 1640 resolution at 264 pixels per inch, P3 wide color, True Tone, full lamination, an anti-reflective coating, 1.8% reflectivity, and a rated brightness of 500 nits. Apple’s iPad Air specifications

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What cellular connectivity does A2589 support?

The cellular model supports the 5G NR and LTE bands listed by Apple, as well as nano-SIM and eSIM. Apple also lists integrated GPS/GNSS. Cellular service is data-only; Apple advises checking with the carrier for availability. Supported bands alone do not guarantee that a specific plan, roaming arrangement, activation, or location will work. Confirm the exact regional model and carrier requirements before buying, especially for a used device. Apple’s iPad Air specifications

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Compared with Wi-Fi-only, the practical distinction is mobile data connectivity and GPS/GNSS on this cellular configuration. The Wi-Fi-only model is one gram lighter. Whether cellular is useful depends on where and how you use the tablet and whether a compatible data plan is available.

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Which Magic Keyboard works with iPad Air 5?

Apple lists the Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air as compatible with iPad Air (5th generation), provided the iPad runs iPadOS 14.5 or later. Apple specifies backlit keys with 1 mm travel, a trackpad with iPadOS cursor support, USB-C pass-through charging, magnetic attachment, an adjustable floating cantilever angle, and front-and-back protection when folded. Apple Magic Keyboard technical specifications

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Apple’s current keyboard guide also lists iPad Air (5th generation) as compatible with both “Magic Keyboard for iPad Air” and “Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad Pro.” The newer Magic Keyboard for iPad Air entry requires iPadOS 18.3 or later. Check the exact keyboard generation and model before ordering: “Magic Keyboard” is also the name of Apple keyboards for Mac, and newer iPad keyboard products have different compatibility requirements. Apple’s iPad keyboard compatibility guide

The keyboard adds a trackpad, adjustable viewing angle, and a pass-through USB-C charging port, while attaching magnetically. Those are useful design features for a laptop-style setup, but they do not prove that the typing feel, trackpad behavior, or comfort will suit you; this setup was not tested hands-on.

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Does Apple Pencil 2 work with iPad Air 5?

Yes. Apple lists Apple Pencil (2nd generation) as compatible with iPad Air (5th generation), which has a magnetic Pencil connector. Apple also lists Apple Pencil (USB-C) as compatible, but compatibility does not mean the two models have identical features. Match the Pencil name carefully to the features you need; no comparative drawing, latency, or charging-workflow test was conducted here. Apple’s iPad Air specifications

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What software support is established?

Apple’s 2025 iPadOS 26 feature document includes iPad Air (5th generation) among the supported models for the listed features. It specifically describes a more precise and responsive cursor when the iPad is connected to Magic Keyboard or a Bluetooth mouse or trackpad. This documents support for those features; it does not establish performance parity with newer iPads or how long future versions will be supported. Apple’s iPadOS 26 feature document

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Should you buy an iPad Air 5 cellular setup now?

It can make sense if you specifically want mobile-data capability, the 64 GB or 256 GB configuration meets your storage needs, and the tablet is offered in verified condition at a price that makes the separately purchased accessories worthwhile. Apple’s specifications establish compatibility, not current value: prices, stock, and used or refurbished condition have not been checked.

  • Confirm whether the listing is for Wi-Fi + Cellular model A2589 and which storage capacity it has.
  • For cellular use, verify the regional model, carrier and plan support, activation status, and whether the device is locked.
  • Check the keyboard’s exact name and generation against Apple’s compatibility guide; do not rely on the generic “Magic Keyboard” label.
  • Choose Apple Pencil (2nd generation) explicitly if that is the stylus you want, and verify the listing includes the accessory if it is part of the bundle.
  • Inspect the condition and return terms for any used or refurbished unit; those details depend on the seller and listing.
  • Compare the complete bundle cost with alternatives available where you live. No current price comparison establishes a value winner.

Because there are no hands-on tests here, this review cannot determine battery endurance, speed under your workload, display performance, accessory comfort, or cellular reception. Treat the device and accessories as a compatible combination on Apple’s published specifications, then assess the individual listing and your own requirements.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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