The iFixit teardown of the new base model iPad from 2022 shows a striking level of similarity to the iPad Air from 2020. In a review of internal layout, the parts sit in nearly the same places across the two devices, with only a notable shift in the front camera location. In the 2022 base iPad the camera is placed in the top horizontal frame, while the iPad Air 2020 keeps its camera in a different area that also houses the magnetic charging coil for the second-generation Apple Pencil. This camera relocation in the newer model appears to be one of the reasons why Apple did not move to magnetic charging for the stylus in the updated base configuration.
Another shared choice concerns the motherboard. The 2022 device uses a board the same size and design as the 2020 Air, yet Apple decided to solder a USB Type-C connector directly onto it. This move is seen as a potential drawback for repairability because USB slot repairs become more complex and costly. By contrast, the iPad Air 2020 used a Lightning connection that was modular and easier to detach from the board.
On the upside, experts praised Apple for incorporating stretch-release bands that facilitate safe battery removal. This feature is also present in the iPad Air and the iPad Mini, providing a common toolset that helps technicians avoid damage when servicing the battery.
As of this teardown, iFixit has not published a final repairability score for the 2022 base iPad. The iPad Air 2020, by comparison, earned a score of 2 out of 10, a benchmark that is often used as a predictor for similar devices in the same family. Given the close architectural kinship between the two models, it is reasonable to anticipate that the 2022 base iPad could receive a comparable repairability rating as more test data becomes available.
Beyond the hardware discussion, industry observers remind readers of Apple’s ongoing strategy with accessories and stylus support. The 2022 base iPad continues to emphasize a balance between an integrated, clean design and practical repairability, with minimal changes that would complicate routine servicing. This approach mirrors broader patterns across Apple’s tablet lineup, where innovation often strains against the practicalities of repair and parts availability.
In related notes from the broader tech culture, the focus on portable gaming and visual style remains a strong current for Apple’s devices. Reviews of the platform emphasize that the ecosystem continues to reward unique aesthetics and intuitive controls, while developers keep pushing for more immersive experiences on tablets. The discussion around hardware choices and accessory compatibility continues to shape consumer expectations, especially for buyers in North America who value serviceability and long-term value for money.