New iPad Air with M4 chip: The upgrade nobody saw coming or Apple's masterstroke?
This week, the folks in Cupertino dropped a curveball that few saw coming: a new iPad Air with the M4 chip. Yep, you read that right – the same beast that powered the Pro version is now landing 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 secretly want? Grab your coffee, and let me give you the full rundown.
The new king of the upper mid-range
The first thing that'll blow you away is just how thin it feels. Apple has managed to cram the M4 into a chassis that feels like paper, but with a Liquid Retina display that's still absolutely brilliant for binging 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 the 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?
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 breathing right down its neck. Sure, the Pro still rocks 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 seriously need that extra oomph? Only if you're editing 8K video or you're a pro illustrator practically glued to your Apple Pencil.
And what about those of us with an older iPad Air?
Here's the real talk for those still rocking an iPad Air (fifth generation) or even the granddaddy iPad Air 2. If you're on the 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 2026 M4 – that's like trading in your old bomb for a brand new electric vehicle. For those with the M1 Air (fifth gen), it's more of a luxury upgrade: the M4 gives you better graphics grunt 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 body and the new colours are pretty tempting.
Just to give you an idea, here's the buying tip 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 joy of using a tablet.
- If you have an iPad Air (fifth generation): Consider it if you're a gamer or edit video. If you mostly just watch shows and scroll 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 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 nails it. Yeah, the experts will say the generational change isn't essential for everyone, and they're right. But what Apple has pulled off here is putting cutting-edge tech within reach of more wallets, and that's always a win. Honestly, if you're thinking about treating yourself to a new tablet, this is the one I'd be buying today. Now, tell me, are you jumping on board now or hanging out until next year?