Apple iPad Air M4
The 2026 iPad Air M4 is Apple’s new “value sweet spot” tablet, delivering near‑Pro performance at a significantly lower price. It keeps the familiar design but upgrades the internals with the M4 chip, 12GB RAM, and Apple’s first‑party cellular modem, making it the most future‑proof Air to date.
Jumoka Cobbs 
Apple iPad Air M4 Review Score
9 out of 9 reviewers highly recommend this product
9
Reviews
90.0
Highest
80.0
Lowest
Screen
11", 13"
Processor
Apple M4
RAM
12GB
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Battery
28.93Wh, 36.59Wh
Resolution
2360x1640 2732x2048
Display
LED
Review Sources:
| Publication | Score (100) | Review Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trusted Reviews | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Even though this is another minor spec-based upgrade for Apple’s mid-range tablet, the iPad Air M4 is still impressive. It can do everything most will want in a tablet, has faster memory (and more of it) plus support for newer connectivity options." | |||
| Tom's Guide | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The iPad Air M4 retains all of what we loved about the M3 iPad Air, but now has a speedier processor and Wi-Fi 7 — all while maintaining its same price. Our same criticisms remain, but that doesn't prevent this from being the best tablet for mo" | |||
| CNET | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"I think, after a weekend using the latest iPad Air, that this is the best iPad right now for its price. But it might not be by the end of the year. This is the best balance of future-proofing and price for now, but this may not be the final iPad rele" | |||
| The Verge | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"If your iPad is still in good shape, you don't need this one. Or any other new one. But if it's upgrade time, start here." | |||
| Mashable | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The new iPad Air looks identical to the previous-gen version with the M3 chip, though it delivers faster performance thanks to an improved neural engine and Apple's N1 and C1X connectivity chips. Artists and note-takers will definitely appreciate thi" | |||
| Tech Advisor | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The Apple iPad Air (M4) or the iPad Air (M4) is an excellent tablet for the right person – likely someone upgrading from an older iPad Air, such as the M1, or someone buying an iPad for the first time. The design and display haven't changed from the " | |||
| Express | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The new iPad Air M4 offers more performance at the same price as the M3. Apple has boosted the processor from an M3 to an M4 chip, which basically makes it as quick, if not faster, than some PC laptops. Add it all up, and the iPad Air M4 is a very ca" | |||
| Engadget | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Aside from chip updates, the iPad Air hasn't changed much in the last few years. But it's still a great tablet for those who want more than the basic iPad." | |||
| Gizmodo | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The M4 iPad Air is the perfect little assistant to your main Mac, just don't go shelling out for all the extras." | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
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🤓 Nerd Verdict
Updated: March 11, 2026
The iPad Air M4 is a solid choice for those looking for a powerful and versatile tablet, particularly when paired with iPadOS 26. However, it may not be the best value at $599 for a 11-inch model, especially considering the lack of a Face ID and the need for additional accessories to fully utilize its capabilities.
✅ Strengths
- Both Gizmodo and Engadget praised the M4 chip's performance, noting it provides a significant boost over the M3 version.
- The multitasking capabilities in iPadOS 26 were highly appreciated, making the device more useful for complex workflows and tasks.
- The robust and well-constructed hardware, including the durable Liquid Retina display, garnered positive feedback across multiple sources.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- While the display quality is good, some reviewers noted it still uses an LCD screen rather than OLED, which is a limitation compared to the latest iPad Pros.
- The lack of Face ID for security was a common criticism, especially for users who value biometric authentication.
- The high cost of additional accessories, such as the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, makes the device more expensive than the base iPad, which is a significant drawback for many.
💡 Bottom Line
While the iPad Air M4 offers excellent performance and is suitable for those needing a powerful tablet for work or gaming, it may not be the best value for money, particularly for users who require Face ID and are willing to pay extra for premium accessories. If you prioritize performance and don't mind the higher cost of extras, the M4 is a strong buy, but for those looking for a more affordable option, the base iPad or even a used iPad Pro might be worth considering.
