iPad Air M4 Reviews: Faster Performance and Strong Value [Video]

Apple's new iPad Air with M4 is now getting its first wave of reviews following the lifting of Apple's media embargo. Early impressions suggest the updated tablet remains one of the best values in Apple's lineup, with reviewers pointing to faster performance, more memory, and improved connectivity as the key upgrades.



Below is a roundup of early impressions from major publications. The new iPad Air starts at $599 and is currently available with a $40 pre-order discount on Amazon. You can also track current pricing across retailers using the iClarified iPad price tracker.


Tom's Guide says the update is mostly iterative but still keeps the Air at the top of the tablet market for most buyers.

"The iPad Air M4 retains all of what we loved about the M3 iPad Air, but now has a speedier processor and Wi-Fi 7 — all while maintaining its same price. Our same criticisms remain, but that doesn't prevent this from being the best tablet for most people."

"If it ain't broke, why fix it? Like many other 2026 releases (see the iPhone 17e and Google Pixel 10a), this year's update to the iPad Air is largely iterative."

Read the full review.



Mashable highlights how the tablet's performance enables demanding creative workflows while still keeping the same design.

"The new M4 iPad Air isn't a shiny new thing… Instead, it delivers iterative updates that improve an already stellar tablet."

"With the M4 chip, I was able to run Google Docs, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Pixelmator, YouTube, Notes, ChatGPT, CollaNote, Safari, and other apps all at the same time, and never felt like the tablet was slowing down."

Read the full review.


Engadget notes that while the design remains familiar, the additional performance and memory make it a strong upgrade for older iPads.

"As mentioned, the iPad Air now has a more powerful M4 chip as well as 50 percent more system memory (12GB, up from 8GB on last year's model). If you're coming from an iPad older than the 2024 model, you'll likely notice solid performance gains."

"The iPad Air isn't an exciting gadget at this point, but I still think it's the best iPad for most people."

Read the full review.





The Verge says the Air continues to occupy a sweet spot in Apple's lineup by delivering strong performance at a reasonable price.

"The newest iPad Air is a chip bump iPad — maybe the chip-bump-iest iPad Air yet."

"At times, it has also led to the Air being Apple's most compelling tablet for most people: Good tech at a good price."

"In fact, right now, if you're in the market for a new iPad, I'd probably tell you to buy an Air."

Read the full review.


TechRadar says the addition of the M4 chip and more memory helps extend the Air's value proposition.

"The iPad Air with M4 isn't a reinvention of the tablet, but it meaningfully improves what was already one of Apple's best devices."

"With the powerful M4 chip, 12GB of RAM, and improved connectivity, the new Air again blurs the line between this model and the iPad Pro while maintaining a much more approachable price."

Read the full review.


CNET says the Air currently offers one of the strongest combinations of price and performance in Apple's tablet lineup.

"I think, after a weekend using the latest iPad Air, that this is the best iPad right now for its price."

"I've been living with the 11-inch model as my everyday home-casual computer for the past week, and it's a wonderful little powerhouse."

Read the full review.


MobileSyrup took a slightly different approach, comparing how the tablet feels to both new and long-time iPad users.

"Since pretty much everyone else is going to have a more technical review breaking down its exact specs and performance, I thought I'd look at it in a more general consumer sense."

Read the full review.


Overall, reviewers say the M4 iPad Air focuses on refining an already strong formula. While it lacks major design changes, the faster chip, increased memory, and improved wireless connectivity help extend the tablet's longevity while maintaining the same $599 starting price.

For more details on Apple's announcement, check out our coverage of the new iPad Air with M4, and track current deals using the iClarified iPad price tracker.