New iPad Air with M4 chip: The upgrade nobody saw coming or Apple's masterstroke?
This week, the lads in Cupertino dropped a bombshell that few saw coming: a new iPad Air with the M4 chip. You read that right – the same beast that powered the Pro version now lands in Apple's best-selling 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 cuppa, and I'll give you the full story.
The new king of the upper mid-range
The first thing that'll strike you is just how slim 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 class for watching Netflix or editing photos on the go. There are folks online already calling it a "pointless" upgrade if you're coming from an iPad Air with an M1, but I think they're missing the point: the jump to M4 isn't just about speed; it's about efficiency and future-proofing yourself for what's coming down the line with iPadOS.
iPad Air vs iPad Pro: Where should you put your money?
Now, this is where things get interesting. If you've been eyeing up the iPad Pro, I've got news for you: the new Air is nipping at its heels. 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 oomph? Only if you're editing 8K video or you're a professional illustrator with an Apple Pillet permanently glued to your hand.
And what about those of us with an older iPad Air?
Here's the honest truth for those still holding onto a fifth-generation iPad Air or even the granddaddy iPad Air 2. If you have the Air 2, mate, you're probably already struggling with apps that won't open or a battery that won't last. This new Air is a quantum leap: you'd be going from a 2014 processor to the 2026 M4, which is like swapping a banger for a BMW. For those with the M1 Air (fifth gen), it's more of a luxury upgrade: the M4 gives you better graphics power and improved multitasking performance. But if your tablet is still flying, you could probably hold out for another year. Although, being honest, that super slim design and the new colours are seriously tempting.
To give you a better idea, here's our buying advice based on your situation:
- If you have an iPad Air 2 or older: Upgrade now. The difference is massive, and it'll bring back the excitement of using a tablet.
- If you have a fifth-generation iPad Air: Consider it if you're a gamer or edit video. If you mainly watch series and scroll through 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 delivers 95% of the Pro experience for less cash.
My two cents after all these years
I've seen dozens of launches, and rarely has an upper mid-range device felt this "pro" – this new iPad Air pulls it off. Yeah, the experts will say a generational change isn't essential for everyone, and they're right. But what Apple has achieved here is putting cutting-edge tech within reach of more people's budgets, and that's always a cracker. The truth is, if you're thinking of treating yourself to a new tablet, this is the one I'd buy today. So now, tell me – are you getting one now, or are you hanging on until next year?