New iPad Air with M4 chip: The upgrade nobody saw coming, or Apple's biggest win yet?
This week, the crew in Cupertino dropped a bombshell that hardly anyone saw coming: a new iPad Air with the M4 chip. That's right, the same beast that was reserved for the Pro version now lands in Apple's most popular model. And of course, the debate has already kicked off in the office: is it an unnecessary luxury, or the tablet we all want? Grab your coffee, and I'll give you the full rundown.
The new king of the upper mid-range
The first thing that'll blow you away is how thin it feels. Apple has managed to cram the M4 into a chassis that feels paper-thin, but with a Liquid Retina display that's still absolutely brilliant for watching Netflix or editing photos on the go. Some people are already saying it's a "pointless" upgrade if you're coming from an iPad Air with an M1, but I reckon they're missing the point: the leap to M4 isn't just about speed, it's about efficiency and future-proofing yourself for what's coming in iPadOS.
iPad Air vs iPad Pro: where should you put your money?
This is where things get interesting. If you've been eyeing the iPad Pro, I've got news for you: the new Air is breathing down its neck. Sure, the Pro still has the 120Hz display (ProMotion) and better sound, but for 90% of us mere mortals, the Air M4 is more than enough. Plus, the price difference is nothing to sneeze at. Do you really need that extra punch? Only if you're editing 8K video or you're a professional illustrator glued to your Apple Pencil.
And what about those of us with an older iPad Air?
Here's the truth for those still hanging onto a fifth-generation iPad Air or even the granddaddy iPad Air 2. If you've got the Air 2, mate, you're already struggling with apps that won't open or a battery that barely lasts. This new Air is a quantum leap: you're going from a 2014 processor to the 2026 M4 – it's the difference between a ute and a Tesla. For those with the M1 Air (fifth-gen), it's more about want than need: the M4 gives you better graphics power and improved multitasking, but if your tablet is still flying, you could probably wait another year. Though, to be fair, that super-slim body and the new colours are pretty tempting.
Just to give you an idea, here's our buying tip based on your situation:
- If you have an iPad Air 2 or older: Upgrade now. The difference is massive, and you'll fall in love with using a tablet all over again.
- If you have a fifth-generation iPad Air: Think about it if you're a gamer or edit video. If you just watch shows and scroll socials, stick with what you've got.
- If you're tossing up between the iPad Air M4 and the iPad Pro: Unless you make a living from professional design, the Air gives you 95% of the Pro experience for a lot less dough.
My honest take after all these years
I've seen dozens of launches, and rarely has an upper-mid-range device felt this "pro" as this new iPad Air. Yeah, the experts will say a generational change isn't essential for everyone, and they're right. But what Apple has done here is put cutting-edge tech within reach of more wallets, and that's always a win. The truth is, if you're thinking about getting a new tablet, this is the one I'd buy today. Now, tell me, are you in, or are you waiting until next year?