New iPad Air with M4 chip: The upgrade nobody saw coming or Apple's absolute belter?
This week, the boffins in Cupertino dropped a bombshell that hardly anyone saw coming: a new iPad Air with the M4 chip. Yep, you read that right – the same powerhouse that used to be reserved for the Pro model is now landing in Apple's best-selling tablet. And, naturally, it's kicked off a lively debate in the office: is it an unnecessary luxury, or the tablet we've all been secretly wanting? Grab a brew, and let's get into the full story.
The new king of the upper mid-range
The first thing that'll knock you sideways is just how thin it feels. Apple has managed to cram the M4 into a chassis that feels almost impossibly slim, all while sporting a Liquid Retina display that's still absolutely cracking for watching Netflix or editing photos on the go. There are already a few voices online calling it a "pointless" upgrade if you're coming from an M1 iPad Air, but I reckon they're missing the point: the leap to M4 isn't just about raw speed; it's about efficiency and future-proofing yourself for where iPadOS is headed.
iPad Air vs iPad Pro: where should you put your money?
Right, this is where it gets really interesting. If you've got your eye on the iPad Pro, I've got news for you: the new Air is breathing right down its neck. Sure, the Pro still boasts the 120Hz display (ProMotion) and better speakers, but for 90% of folks, the Air M4 is more than enough. Plus, the price difference is nothing to sniff at. Do you genuinely need that extra oomph? Only if you're editing 8K video or you're a pro illustrator practically welded to your Apple Pencil.
And what about those of us with an older iPad Air?
Here's the honest truth for anyone still lugging around a fifth-generation iPad Air, or even the granddaddy iPad Air 2. If you're on an Air 2, mate, you're probably already struggling with apps that won't open or a battery that's on its last legs. This new Air is a quantum leap: you're going from a 2014 processor to the M4 in 2026 – it's the difference between a Ford Fiesta and a Ferrari. For those on the M1 Air (fifth-gen), it's more of a luxury call: the M4 gives you better graphics grunt and improved multitasking, but if your current tablet is still flying, you could probably hang on for another year. Although, if I'm being honest, that super-slim body and the new colours are seriously tempting.
Just to give you a clearer picture, here's our buying advice based on your situation:
- If you have an iPad Air 2 or older: Upgrade now. The difference is night and day, and it'll bring back the excitement of using a tablet.
- If you have a fifth-generation iPad Air: Have a think about it if you're into gaming or video editing. If it's mostly for streaming and social media, stick with what you've got.
- If you're torn between the iPad Air M4 and the iPad Pro: Unless you make your living from professional design work, the Air gives you 95% of the Pro experience for significantly less cash.
My two cents after all these years
I've seen dozens of product launches, and it's rare that an upper mid-range device feels this "pro". And yes, the experts will say a generational leap isn't essential for everyone, and they'd be right. But what Apple has done here is put cutting-edge tech within reach of more people, and that's always a result. Honestly, if you're thinking about treating yourself to a new tablet, this is the one I'd be buying today. So, over to you – are you getting one now, or are you holding out until next year?