Is the New iPad Air M4 Worth It?

AI-generated, human-reviewed.

Apple’s latest iPad Air M4 introduces major performance upgrades without significantly increasing the price, making it a compelling option for many users. On iOS Today, Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard highlighted how the new Air stacks up against both the standard iPad and the iPad Pro, focusing on real-life uses, value for money, and who should actually consider upgrading.

What's New with the iPad Air M4

The iPad Air M4 comes with the powerful M4 chip, offering:

• Up to 30% faster CPU performance than last generation
• 2.3x speed improvement over the M1 Air
• New 9-core GPU (great for graphics-heavy tasks, gaming, and creative work)
• Support for hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing (important for advanced gaming)
• 12GB RAM, up from previous models
• Storage from 128GB up to 1TB
• Available in two sizes: 11-inch ($599) and 13-inch ($799)
• New color options: blue, purple, Starlight, Space Gray
• Now compatible with Apple Pencil Pro for enhanced drawing and note-taking

iPad Air M4 vs iPad Pro & Standard iPad: Key Differences

The hosts noted that the Air sits between the standard iPad and iPad Pro, addressing a broad audience:

• Compared to standard iPad: The Air offers better performance, more storage options, and an anti-reflective coating on its Liquid Retina display—helpful for outdoor or well-lit usage.
• Compared to iPad Pro: Unless you need high-end video editing or pro-level workflows, the Air is often “more than good enough” for most people. The Pro is best reserved for those with demanding creative or professional needs.

Apple Pencil Pro support gives the Air extra appeal for aspiring artists and creative users.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Significant speed boost and future-proofing with the M4 chip
• Larger RAM and storage capacity
• Crisp display with anti-reflective coating
• Apple Pencil Pro support for creative work
• Good battery life, consistent with Apple’s reliable standards

Cons:

• Not a huge leap for last-year’s Air owners and upgrading yearly isn’t cost-effective
• Lacks some of Pro’s advanced video editing and gaming features
• Still pricier than the standard iPad

Who the iPad Air M4 Is For

Based on the show, the iPad Air M4 is especially suited for:

• Students: Need speed, versatility, and a reliable device for digital note-taking, document editing, and entertainment.
• Parents or retirees: Want a simple, reliable tablet for internet access, appointments, and online banking without the complexity of a MacBook.
• Creative users (non-professional): Want responsive drawing/sketching with Apple Pencil Pro, but don’t need full “Pro” power.

If you’re considering upgrading, think about whether your current device struggles with speed or multitasking. If it’s still running well, especially if it’s an M1 or newer, you may not need to upgrade yet.

Still Up in the Air?

• The iPad Air M4 is a powerful, future-ready option for most users, especially if you want more speed and storage than the standard iPad.
• Only upgrade if you need the new features (like M4-level speed or Apple Pencil Pro support); annual upgrades aren’t necessary.
• Creative users and frequent travelers benefit from the higher storage and improved display.
• Battery and performance are reliable for real-world use and not just in “ideal” marketing scenarios.

If you’re shopping for a new tablet, the iPad Air M4 is the “sweet spot” between cost and capability in Apple’s lineup. It’s excellent for most people—not just tech enthusiasts or professionals. Consider your actual needs: if you’re happy with your current iPad’s performance, wait for a future upgrade. But if you want more power, better display, and Apple Pencil Pro support for graphics or creative work, this is the model to beat.

Subscribe for more tips and practical Apple advice:
https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today/episodes/793