Faster laptop-level power, rapid wifi and 5G, plus much-improved multitasking make the middle iPad highly capable beyond just watching TV
The latest iPad Air is faster in nearly every aspect, featuring not only a processor upgrade but enhancements to most internal components that drive the tablet’s performance. It delivers laptop-grade power within a slim, versatile touchscreen device.
The new iPad Air M4 starts at the same £599 (€649/$599/A$999) price point as last year’s model and is available in two sizes: an 11-inch screen, which suits most users, and a more expensive 13-inch version, ideal for those seeking a second TV or a laptop replacement.
Externally, the design remains unchanged from recent iPad Air generations. It is still just 6.1mm thick, weighs under half a kilogram, and maintains a premium build quality. The Touch ID power button functions reliably, the display is crisp, bright, and color accurate, the stereo speakers deliver clear and loud sound, and the Centre Stage webcam performs excellently.
While it excels as a media consumption device, the iPad Air’s capabilities extend far beyond. Equipped with suitable accessories like a keyboard case, it can serve as a laptop alternative. The Apple Pencil stylus transforms it into an excellent tool for note-taking or digital sketching. Its battery life supports at least nine hours of intensive use and significantly longer durations for lighter tasks such as browsing or image editing.
Specifications
- Screen: 11in or 13in Liquid Retina display (264ppi)
- Processor: Apple M4 (8-core CPU/9-core GPU)
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
- Camera: 12MP rear, 12MP Centre Stage front
- Connectivity: Wifi 7, 5G (eSIM-only), Bluetooth 6, USB-C (USB3), Touch ID, Smart Connector
- Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm (11in) or 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1mm (13in)
M4 power and rapid wifi
The M4 chip, previously featured in the iPad Pro and MacBook Air, combined with upgraded 12GB of memory, provides the iPad Air with significantly more power than most users will require. It is up to 21% faster on paper than the M3 model it replaces and up to 60% faster than the iPad A16. Few laptops offer this level of performance at this price point, let alone tablets.
The Air now includes Apple’s N1 wifi, Bluetooth, and Thread chip, which has proven highly capable, consistently ranking among the fastest wifi7-enabled devices tested. Additionally, the Apple C1X 5G chip delivers mobile data speeds comparable to some of the fastest smartphones. These chips enhance data speed performance both at home and on the go, and future-proof the device as wifi7 becomes standard.
Overall, the Air handles demanding tasks with ease, whether editing video in LumaFusion, manipulating images in Pixelmator Pro, or word processing in Microsoft Word. The tablet performs these tasks smoothly without strain. This level of power also ensures the device will remain fast for five or more years.
The Air ships with iPadOS 16.3, which continues to evolve Apple’s tablet operating system. It increasingly resembles macOS, featuring a menu bar at the top of the screen, free window sizing and placement, traditional three-dot window controls, and the full Preview app for viewing and editing files, PDFs, images, and more.
Users can still opt for the traditional iPad experience with full-screen apps, games, and media streaming if preferred.
Sustainability
The battery is expected to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 500 full charge cycles and can be replaced for £125. The tablet is generally repairable, with Apple providing parts and repair guides.
The iPad Air contains at least 30% recycled materials, including aluminium, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare-earth elements, steel, and tin. Apple details the device’s environmental impact in its reports and offers trade-in and free recycling programs, including for non-Apple products.
The 11-inch iPad Air M4 starts at £599 (€649/$599/A$999), while the 13-inch model begins at £799 (€849/$799/A$1,299).
For comparison, the iPad A16 starts at £449, the iPad Pro M5 at £999, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE at £549. The MacBook Neo starts at £999, and the MacBook Air M5 at £1,199.
Conclusion
The iPad Air M4 remains the best premium tablet option for most Apple users. It offers much of Apple’s top-tier technology at a more accessible price and outperforms competitors at the same cost.
While it does not feature the best screen on the market or Face ID—both reserved for the iPad Pro—it compensates with long battery life, exceptional performance, a vast library of tablet apps including all major media streaming services, and an expanding collection of desktop-class applications such as Apple’s Creative Suite, Photoshop, Procreate, DaVinci Resolve, and Scrivener. The iPad Air is highly versatile.
The upgrade may not be noticeable for users with recent iPad Air or similar models. However, those moving up from basic iPads, iPad Minis, or older devices will experience a significant performance boost, with the M4 chip ensuring longevity for six or more years.
"The iPad Air can do so much, from media consumption to professional creative work, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of users."
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Laptop-level M4 and wireless performance, choice of sizes, excellent battery life, quality display and speakers, USB-C (USB3), long software support, extensive app ecosystem, numerous accessories, Centre Stage camera
- Cons: Expensive, no multiuser support, no built-in kickstand without a case, lacks Face ID, 60Hz screen refresh rate, base storage starts at 128GB, minimal upgrade over M2/M3 predecessors
