Apple iPad Air

[Vin171]

The Apple iPad Air A1474, released in November 2013, is notable for its revolutionary design shift that significantly reduced weight and thickness compared to previous iPads, exemplifying Apple’s move towards more portable yet powerful tablets. It featured the 64-bit dual-core Apple A7 processor with M7 motion coprocessor, a Retina display with 2048×1536 resolution, and maintained impressive battery life, making it a balance of performance, design, and ergonomics that set a new standard in tablet computing history.

Manufacturer: Apple Computer Inc.
Model: A1474
Released: 2013
Type: Tablet
Cost at release: CAD ~$700 (adjusted for inflation)
MIPS: ~7 Gigamips (~7,000 MIPS)

Hardware Specifications

CPU: Apple A7 dual-core 64-bit SoC, 1.4 GHz
Co-processor: M7 motion coprocessor
Display: 9.7-inch Retina display, 2048 x 1536 resolution at 264 ppi
RAM: 1 GB LPDDR3
Storage options: 16, 32, 64, or 128 GB flash memory
Cameras: 5 MP rear camera, 1.2 MP front FaceTime HD camera
Battery: Built-in 32.4 Wh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, up to 10 hours of usage
Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0
Ports: Lightning connector, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Weight: Approximately 469 grams (1.03 pounds)

Operating System & Programming Languages

O/S: iOS 7
Programming Languages:
- Swift (Apple’s modern programming language introduced shortly after the iPad Air’s release, supports iOS development)
- Objective-C (the primary language for iOS development at the time)
- JavaScript (used in web applications and through Safari browser)
- Additionally, other interpreted languages like Python or Lua could be run via specialized apps or development environments available on the iOS App Store

Notables

The Apple iPad Air (A1474) was famously the first iPad to dramatically reduce thickness and weight, weighing only 469 grams, about 28% lighter than its predecessor iPad 4.
It introduced the 64-bit Apple A7 processor to a tablet, marking a key performance leap and embracing desktop-class architecture in mobile computing.
The device was nicknamed the “Air” because it was remarkably light and thin, echoing Apple’s MacBook Air naming legacy.
It was the first iPad available from all four major U.S. wireless carriers with the same hardware, simplifying choice for consumers
The iPad Air played a crucial role in setting the standard for thin, light tablets and influenced the future design direction of iPads and similar devices.

Donated by: Dr. Robert Biddle

Vintage Computing Collection