Apple iPad Air M4 Review: The Premier Tablet Maintains Its Crown
The iPad Air seamlessly transitions from a basic tablet to a laptop replacement with a simple finger swipe. This latest iteration builds on its legacy, offering enhanced capabilities that extend far beyond mere media consumption.
Unmatched Performance and Design
Priced from £599, the iPad Air M4 is available in two sizes: an 11-inch model ideal for most users and a 13-inch version perfect as a secondary display or laptop alternative. Externally, it retains the sleek design of previous generations, measuring just 6.1mm thick and weighing under half a kilogram. The device features a crisp, bright Liquid Retina display, a responsive Touch ID power button, loud stereo speakers, and an excellent Centre Stage webcam.
With the right accessories, such as a keyboard case or Apple Pencil, the iPad Air transforms into a versatile tool for productivity, note-taking, or digital art. Its battery life impresses, delivering at least nine hours of heavy use or extended periods for browsing and light editing.
Powerhouse Specifications and Connectivity
Equipped with the Apple M4 chip and 12GB of RAM, the iPad Air M4 offers up to 21% faster performance than its M3 predecessor and up to 60% faster than the M1 model. This laptop-grade power is rare in tablets at this price point. The device also includes advanced connectivity features:
- Wifi 7 and 5G: The N1 wifi chip and C1X 5G chip provide rapid data speeds, future-proofing the tablet as wifi7 becomes standard.
- USB-C Port: Supports USB3 speeds for charging, Ethernet adaptors, external SSDs, displays, and other accessories.
This combination allows for seamless performance in demanding tasks like video editing in Final Cut Pro or image manipulation in Pixelmator Pro, ensuring the device remains fast for years to come.
Enhanced Multitasking with iPadOS 26.3
Running iPadOS 26.3 out of the box, the iPad Air introduces improved multitasking tools that bring it closer to a Mac-like experience. Features include a menu bar, free window sizing and placement, traditional window controls, and the Preview app for file management. Users can still opt for the traditional full-screen app interface for games and media streaming.
Sustainability and Repairability
The iPad Air M4 emphasizes environmental responsibility, with at least 30% recycled content in materials like aluminium, cobalt, and glass. The battery lasts over 1,000 charge cycles while retaining 80% capacity and can be replaced from £125. Out-of-warranty repairs start at £429, and Apple offers trade-in and recycling programs.
Pricing and Competition
The 11-inch model starts at £599, while the 13-inch version begins at £799. Competitors include the iPad A16 from £329, iPad Pro M5 from £999, Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE from £399, MacBook Neo from £599, and MacBook Air M5 from £1,099.
Verdict: A Top-Tier Choice
The iPad Air M4 stands as the best premium tablet for most Apple buyers, offering cutting-edge technology at a reasonable price. While it lacks Face ID and a 120Hz screen—features reserved for the iPad Pro—its long battery life, powerful performance, and extensive app library make it highly capable. It may not be a significant upgrade for recent iPad Air owners, but those with older models will notice a substantial improvement, with the M4 chip ensuring longevity for over six years.
Pros: Laptop-level M4 performance, rapid wireless connectivity, dual size options, excellent battery life, quality display and speakers, USB-C support, long software support, vast app selection, Centre Stage camera.
Cons: High cost, no multiuser support, requires a case for a kickstand, no Face ID, 60Hz refresh rate, 128GB base storage, minimal upgrade from M2/M3 models.
