The iPad Air does support external displays for using Stage Manager, but there are specific requirements and limitations.
**Supported Models: The feature is available on the iPad Air 5th generation and later models, which are equipped with the M1 processor or newer (such as the M2 processor)[3][9].
**Requirements for External Display Use:
- Processor: The iPad must have at least an M1 processor to support Stage Manager on an external display[6].
- iPadOS Version: You need iPadOS 16.2 or later to use Stage Manager with an external monitor[3][4].
- Connection: The iPad can be connected to an external display via a USB-C or Thunderbolt connection, or through an adapter[2][3].
- Input Devices: To use Stage Manager on the external display, the iPad must be connected to a keyboard and either a trackpad or mouse[8][9].
**Using Stage Manager with an External Display:
Once connected, Stage Manager allows you to drag windows between the iPad and the external display, effectively extending your workspace. This feature supports resolutions up to 6K and provides a more desktop-like experience by allowing you to manage multiple windows and apps across both screens[7][9].
However, if you have an older iPad Air model that does not meet these criteria, it may only support screen mirroring rather than extending the display with Stage Manager[10].
Citations:[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIfFFk-GUmY
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D-ASUeusNw
[3] https://www.zdnet.com/article/ipados-16-1-stage-manager-multitasking-basics-how-to-use-the-new-ipad-feature/
[4] https://support.apple.com/en-us/105075
[5] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254916102
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj38Ajln03c
[7] https://support.apple.com/en-my/guide/ipad/ipad1240f36f/ipados
[8] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255520927
[9] https://www.arzopa.com/blogs/how-to/external-monitor-for-ipad
[10] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255640383
[11] https://appleinsider.com/inside/ipados-16