iPad Air 9.7" 2014, 2nd gen.

iPad Air 2 — dimensions and features that matter for accessories

The 2014 iPad Air 2 measures 240 × 169.5 × 6.1 mm and weighs 437 g (Wi-Fi). The 9.7-inch Retina IPS display has an oleophobic coating and an anti-reflective layer. Below the screen there is a Home button with a Touch ID reader, a Lightning port on the bottom edge and a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the top. On the back there is an 8 MP iSight camera. The tablet does not support Apple Pencil and has no Smart Connector.

Height and width are the same as on the iPad Air 1st generation and the iPad 9.7" 6th generation, but the Air 2 is 1.4 mm thinner. That difference is enough to make cases for the thicker models sit loosely on it, with buttons and openings out of place. Choose cases labelled iPad Air 2 or iPad Air 9.7 2014.

Which iPad Air 2 case should you choose?

The most popular type is the folio case (smart case). A rigid back protects the rear and corners, while the cover protects the screen and folds into a stand. Magnets in the cover put the tablet to sleep and wake it when you close and open it. Such cases work well both in a bag and on a table for watching films or video calls.

You will find cases for the Air 2 from Tech-Protect, among others.

Tempered glass and films for the iPad Air 2

Tempered and hybrid glass

Tempered glass protects the screen from scratches and from cracking in a fall. The display is 9.7 inches and its dimensions match the iPad Air 1st generation and the iPad Pro 9.7", which is why some glass is described as fitting all three models. Hybrid glass is thinner and more flexible, and less prone to chipping at the edges.

Matte and paper-like films

A matte film reduces reflections and fingerprints. The paper-like variant has a texture close to paper, which is useful when writing with a capacitive stylus. Screen protection is offered by 3MK, Hofi and GrizzGlass, among others.

What to look for when buying accessories for the iPad Air 2

• Cases must be made for the Air 2 — models for the iPad Air 1 and the iPad 9.7 5th/6th gen are thicker.
• Glass and films can be chosen from a wider list of 9.7-inch models, as long as the manufacturer lists the Air 2 in the description.
• For notes, use a capacitive stylus from the styluses for phones and tablets category, because Apple Pencil does not work with this model.

You will find other generations in the iPad Air category.

Frequently asked questions

Does an iPad Air 1 case fit the iPad Air 2?

No. The Air 1 is 7.5 mm thick and the Air 2 is 6.1 mm, so the case would be too loose.

Does the iPad Air 2 support Apple Pencil?

No, this model is not on the Apple Pencil compatibility list. Standard capacitive styluses work with it.