The iPad Air 2 came out in October 2014 — making it over 10 years old today. For many devices, that would mean retirement. But for this slim, sturdy iPad? It’s still surprisingly useful. Whether you’re thinking about reviving an old one, gifting it to a family member, or just trying to get more value out of it in 2025, here’s everything you need to know: how to identify it, what it still does well, and how the right accessories can stretch its lifespan even further.
Table of contents
The iPad Air 2 Timeline
| Event | Date |
| Announced | October 16, 2014 |
| Released | October 22, 2014 |
| Discontinued | March 21, 2017 |
| Last iPadOS Supported | 15.7.x |
| Age in 2025 | 10+ years |
Confirming the Model: Do You Have an iPad Air 2?
Check the back for the model number:
- A1566 – Wi-Fi
- A1567 – Wi-Fi + Cellular
Or go to:
Settings > General > About > Model Number
If it matches, you’re holding onto a surprisingly durable device — one that can still earn its place in your daily routine.
What Can the iPad Air 2 Still Do in 2025?
While the iPad Air 2 doesn’t run the latest iPadOS, it’s far from useless. For specific types of tasks — especially when paired with the right tools — it’s still functional, responsive, and even enjoyable to use.
Let’s break down where it still performs well in 2025:
1. Writing & Everyday Typing
Emails. Journal entries. Essays. Blog drafts. The iPad Air 2 still handles them all smoothly with lightweight apps like Notes, Notion, and Pages. What helps most here isn’t raw speed — it’s ergonomics: Comfortable angles for your hands. Enough screen visibility in low light. A smooth, stable typing experience that doesn’t feel cramped. Even older iPads feel newer when the physical setup supports your flow.
2. Video Streaming & Content Browsing
Even on iPadOS 15, video apps like YouTube and Netflix run reliably. The 9.7" Retina display still delivers vibrant visuals, and the speakers are loud enough for casual viewing. To make this more enjoyable, angle flexibility matters — whether you're looking at a dorm desk, kitchen counter, or curled up in bed. And when binge-watching becomes a nightly habit, small upgrades like a soft, illuminated keyboard can quietly elevate the experience.
3. Study Mode, Side Desk Mode, or Kitchen Mode
For many students and remote workers, the iPad Air 2 is the perfect secondary device: Pull up a textbook or recipe. Annotate a PDF. Join a Zoom call while you type notes on your main device. And when your workspace moves from desk to bed to table, you appreciate a setup that adapts just as easily — a screen that holds its angle, a keyboard you can pop on or off without effort, a case that doesn’t pick up fingerprints or coffee smudges.
4. Kid-Friendly Tablet
Still fast enough for learning apps, YouTube Kids, or drawing tools, the iPad Air 2 makes a great hand-me-down for younger users. Set it up once, lock it down with parental controls — and give them a case that’s as easy to clean as it is to carry. Bonus points if the Pencil stays tucked in where they can’t lose it (but still think they discovered it).
5. Second Screen or Side Device
Even if your main devices are newer, the Air 2 makes a solid sidekick:
- A full-screen Pomodoro timer
- A dedicated music or calendar display
- A notetaking window during video calls
- A second input screen to bounce between phone and tablet
What makes this work? Seamless switching. A layout that doesn’t distract. A typing experience that feels intuitive — not improvised.
What to Avoid
Some limits are worth respecting:
- Apps that require iPadOS 16+ won’t run
- Advanced security features are no longer updated
- Heavy multitasking or memory-demanding creative apps may lag
That said, for focused, single-task use, the iPad Air 2 still performs without issue.
Keeping It Clean and Useful
Want to keep your iPad looking new? Focus on these small details:
- Use a stain-resistant case that doesn’t yellow over time
- Choose a detachable keyboard that you can remove for handheld reading
- Store your Apple Pencil in a secure top-mounted holder
- Match your setup to your space — Step Series comes in black, pink, and sky blue to suit your style.
Final Thought
The iPad Air 2 is no longer cutting-edge — but it doesn’t have to be. Its value today comes from how thoughtfully you use it.
If your workspace is adaptable, your accessories forgiving, and your expectations realistic, this 10-year-old iPad becomes something even newer tech can’t always promise: familiar, focused, and functional.
Sometimes, giving an old device a second life isn’t about changing the hardware — it’s about choosing tools that let it keep up with you.
