One of the most striking aspects of Apple's transition to its own silicon is the accelerated product release cycle. Consider the iPad Air as a prime example. Just under two years have passed since Apple introduced the M2-powered iPad Air in 11- and 13-inch variants. Now, we’re already seeing the third iteration of the model, equipped with the M4 chip—same processor found in the iPad Pro that launched alongside the M2 version in 2024. (The Pro was later upgraded to an M5 last fall.)
As I noted a year ago when Apple unveiled the M3-powered iPad Air, this latest model doesn’t fundamentally alter the formula. The Air offers a significant upgrade over the base iPad, featuring a more robust processor, increased RAM, an enhanced display, and superior accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. Additionally, it remains the only option for a 13-inch iPad without exceeding $1,300.
However, the lack of substantial updates this year has dampened my enthusiasm compared to the arrival of the 13-inch M2 model in 2024. This is largely due to Apple maintaining the same display for another year. From what I can ascertain, the 11-inch iPad Air I reviewed retains the same screen as the redesigned version released in late 2020 without a Home button. Features like Face ID, which should be standard at this point, are still reserved for models priced at $1,000 or more. While the Air is a mature product with few surprises, if you're using an iPad older than the 2024 refresh, the M4 will deliver a noticeable performance boost.
The M4 still has power to spare
Before diving into deeper questions, let’s briefly recap what’s new with the iPad Air. It starts at $599 for the 11-inch variant with 128GB of storage, while the 13-inch model begins at $799. The unit I tested came in a light purple hue with 1TB of storage and 5G connectivity, priced at $1,249. Seriously, Apple, don’t shy away from bolder color choices next time! As mentioned, the iPad Air now features the M4 chip and 50% more system memory (12GB, up from 8GB on the previous generation). If you're coming from an iPad older than the 2024 model, you'll notice a solid performance leap, and the M4 is so powerful that it should remain capable for years to come.
I conducted Geekbench 6 benchmarks to quantify the performance difference between the M4 and the M3. The GPU saw the most significant improvement, with single-core and multi-core scores rising by 23% and 12%, respectively. More impressively, the GPU score jumped by 39%. While the single-core and multi-core improvements are notable, tasks that heavily utilize the GPU—such as gaming and AI processing—should see more dramatic enhancements.
In practice, the iPad Air M4 feels very similar to the M3 model. This is largely due to my relatively modest workflow. I toggle between multiple apps throughout the day, but none are particularly demanding for a chip like the M4. My daily routine includes Slack, Google Docs, numerous Safari tabs, utilities like Messages and Todoist, continuous music streaming, and other lightweight applications such as Gmail and Trello. However, if you're upgrading from an M1 iPad Air, the M4 should feel significantly faster across the board.
Unsurprisingly, the iPad Air handles App Store games with ease. I tested casual titles like Balatro, Mini Motorways, and Powerwash Simulator from Apple Arcade, all of which ran smoothly. To push the device further, I downloaded Resident Evil 2 and a pre-release build of Control Ultimate Edition, set to launch on iOS soon. Both games looked and performed well, with detailed environments and responsive action that didn't slow down the iPad Air. Although the graphics aren't as sharp as on a PS5, both games were impressive given the portable hardware without fans.
I also tested generative AI apps, even though they aren’t a personal interest. For Apple’s Image Playground, the M4 delivered exceptional speed, completing my quirky queries (like an orange kitten in astronaut gear) in seconds. When compared to the iPad Pro M5, the Air barely lagged behind. However, the M4 struggled with more advanced image generation tools. The Draw Things iPad app, which allows local model downloads, showed the M4 couldn’t keep pace with the M5. The iPad Pro M5 was typically over twice as fast. We already knew the M5 excels in AI, so I’m not criticizing the Air—it’s just important to know that for those pushing the limits, the iPad Pro might be a better choice.
The other major change is the inclusion of Apple’s custom networking chips. The N1 supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, while the C1X manages cellular connectivity for 5G-capable models. These additions don’t drastically change the user experience, but having the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocols ensures future compatibility. During testing, the C1X on Verizon’s 5G network performed exceptionally well in suburban Boston and didn’t show any noticeable differences compared to other devices on the same carrier. This aligns with my experience on other Apple devices with the C1X, such as the iPad Pro, which are reliable and consistent.
A very familiar experience
Other than these new chips, the iPad Air remains essentially the same as the past two models. (This year, Apple sent an 11-inch M4 Air for review, whereas the last two were 13-inch models. Beyond the larger screen, the devices are otherwise identical.) Same display, same cameras, same 10-hour battery life estimate, and the same USB-C 3 port. Naturally, it supports the $129 Pencil Pro introduced alongside it in 2024 and works with the updated Magic Keyboard released last year. The keyboard remains expensive at $269 ($319 for the 13-inch model), but it’s essential for anyone looking to use the iPad for serious work. The Pencil, however, isn’t something I personally need, though it’s an excellent tool for artists or note-takers. There are many top-tier apps in both categories, and the iPad app ecosystem remains unmatched.
Battery life meets expectations for an iPad. I didn’t achieve the full 10 hours during my testing, as I used the iPad Air as my main device over several days. In that scenario, I got between seven and eight hours of battery life. That’s sufficient for a half-day trip without a charger, but not enough for extended use without one. In a more casual, mixed-use setup, most iPads approach the 10-hour mark, and I expect this model to perform similarly. Of course, if you're gaming, video editing, or doing heavy AI tasks, battery life will drop noticeably.
I’d be remiss not to mention iPadOS 26, which was released last fall. It runs on iPad Air models dating back to 2019, so it’s not a reason to upgrade alone. However, it significantly improved multitasking on the iPad. It still feels native to the platform, but there are numerous Mac-like features that make it easier to use as a primary computer. That said, it really shines on larger-screen models; the 11-inch Air still feels most comfortable running an app fullscreen or side-by-side.
My main frustration with the iPad Air continues to be the screen. Apple’s LCD Retina display still looks good in isolation—bright colors and sharp text. However, the company’s decision to reserve higher refresh rate displays for models priced at $1,000 or more becomes increasingly frustrating each year. While it bothers me less on a product like the MacBook Air, with an iPad, you’re directly interacting with the screen as your main interface. A 120Hz refresh rate would make everything feel more responsive to touch.
The consolation is that even Apple’s standard displays still feel smooth, so unless you’re comparing the Air directly to the Pro, you likely won’t notice the difference. I mostly forgot about it during my review, only recalling it when I switched back to the iPad Pro.
I also wish Apple would incorporate more advanced display technology. Last year, I envisioned that the mini-LED display used in the iPad Pro in 2021 and 2022 could serve as a great upgrade for the Air. It wouldn’t match the OLED screen in the Pro, but it would offer HDR, significantly increased brightness, and better contrast. Unfortunately, we’re stuck with a standard LCD again this year. While it’s mostly acceptable, playing games like Control made me wish for more contrast, and movies don’t have the same visual impact on the Air as they do on the Pro.
Wrap-up
If it's not obvious, I deeply wish Apple would bring some of its advanced technology to the iPad Air. But at this point, I have to accept that the Air is what it is. Much like the MacBook Air hasn’t changed much since the M2 model arrived in 2022, the same applies to the iPad Air. Both products feature displays that haven’t been cutting-edge for years, and that’s simply how it is.
Once I started comparing the iPad Air to its Mac counterpart, my negative feelings largely subsided. I believe the MacBook Air is an excellent laptop and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to many users. Sure, its screen isn’t cutting-edge, but it’s good enough for its intended audience. And the many positives it offers outweigh the few areas where Apple cut corners. The same can be said for the iPad Air.
The iPad Air provides significant upgrades over the basic $349 iPad, which is equipped with the A16 chip from 2022. The Air will outperform the base model for much longer, and additional features like a better screen and accessory support are worth considering. Furthermore, it doesn’t compete with the iPad Pro, which costs $400 more; between its screen, enhanced performance, superior industrial design, and various other small benefits, it's easy to understand what you're paying for in every case.
So while I wish Apple would innovate more with the iPad Air and give me something that feels more like a Pro-lite, I understand why it hasn’t happened yet. The iPad Air isn’t an exciting gadget anymore, but I still think it's the best iPad for most people.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/ipad-air-m4-review-still-apples-best-overall-tablet-with-a-few-caveats-130000409.html?src=rss