IPad Air M4: Powerful performance in a compact design

The 2026 iPad Air gets the M4 chip, previously only found in pro models. The tablet retains its slim design, but now handles video and complex graphics faster. The addition of 12GB of RAM allows for more demanding tasks. The main changes here are aimed at making the capabilities of a powerful processor available in a portable form factor.

Design and Ergonomics

The new iPad Air M4 (2026) is available in two formats: 11 and 13 inches. The smaller version weighs just 464 grams, which makes it easy to hold with one hand while reading or browsing the Internet. The larger version offers more space for working with text or editing. The 33 cm (13-inch) diagonal makes the tablet a fully functional work tool, especially when paired with a keyboard.

The case is made of recycled aluminum, a tradition that has become a feature of the entire series. The matte metal surface is resistant to fingerprints and maintains a clean look. The tablet is extremely thin, but rigid: it does not bend or flex under load. The metal is pleasantly cool in the palm of your hand, which emphasizes its high-quality construction.

This year's color scheme is calm and restrained. You can choose from "Space Gray", "Starlight", soft purple or light blue. The colors are restrained, modern and do not get bored over time.

For data security, a Touch ID scanner built into the top power button is used. It responds immediately and accurately. At the bottom of the case is a USB-C port that allows you to connect flash drives, external monitors or other peripherals. .

Thus, the design has not changed, and for those who are waiting for something radically new, this may be a cause for concern. On the other hand, this stability has its positive side: the cases and accessories of the previous generation tablet fit the new model. This eliminates unnecessary costs and the search for new accessories when updating your gadget.

M4 chip

The main feature of the new iPad Air is the introduction of the modern M4 chip. Now the gap between the mid-range tablet and the professional series has become smaller. The processor has 8 CPU and 9 GPU cores. In practice, this means that the tablet performs demanding tasks without unnecessary or noticeable lag.

For those who edit 4K video or work with 3D modeling programs, the increase in productivity will be immediately noticeable. Rendering complex scenes is faster, and working with layers in graphic editors is smoother. The device does not slow down when applying heavy filters or processing large data sets, which makes it a truly powerful working tool.

Another significant improvement: RAM has increased to 12 GB. Previously, the standard was 8 GB. Memory bandwidth has increased to 120 GB / s, accelerating the operation of applications and switching between them.

Additional memory allows you to run more applications in the background at the same time. Now you can easily switch between dozens of tabs, including a heavy browser, e-mail, and video editor.

The graphics core supports ray tracing, a technology that makes lighting and reflections more realistic and improves the quality of graphics in games. In modern games, light, shadows, and reflections look more realistic, which brings the image quality closer to the quality of game consoles. This will be appreciated not only by gamers, but also by those working with visualization.

The device does not have an active cooling system, so the aluminum back panel of the device itself acts as a heat exchanger. During prolonged load, for example, during long video exports or heavy games, the back panel heats up noticeably. Aluminum dissipates heat well, but during peak load, the case heats up noticeably. However, this usually does not lead to serious overheating or a drop in productivity.

Screen

The screen of the new iPad Air M4 is already a familiar variant - the same Liquid Retina panel with an IPS matrix. Many were waiting for the transition to OLED in 2026, but the company decided to stay on the old technology. Color reproduction here is calm and natural. Support for the P3 wide color gamut is still present, so the image looks rich. True Tone technology is also present - it adjusts the white balance in accordance with the lighting in the room. This reduces eye strain, even when reading text for a long time.

The screen refresh rate is 60 Hz. In today's reality, when even budget smartphones have switched to 90 or 120 Hz. If you want super-smooth ProMotion work, you should consider the iPad Pro version. For frequent browsing or watching videos, this refresh rate is enough.

The powerful M4 processor partially saves the situation. Thanks to the high performance of the chip, interface animations work quickly and smoothly. The standard 60 Hz refresh rate does not seem like a big problem during everyday operations. This is a compromise that allows you to get powerful, modern equipment without paying more for an expensive, high-Hz OLED panel.

There is a small difference in brightness between the models. The 11-inch tablet produces 500 nits, while the 13-inch version produces 600 nits. In practice, this difference is barely noticeable, but both models provide sufficient light output. The content on the screen remains readable even in a brightly lit room or near a window. When used indoors, this brightness level is sufficient for normal perception of information.

An important feature is the anti-glare coating and full lamination of the screen. There is no air gap between the protective glass and the screen, so the image seems to be directly on the surface. Reflections from lamps and windows are effectively reduced, eliminating unnecessary screen blur. Working with graphics and text is comfortable, as the image maintains normal contrast from different angles.

Cameras

The “Center stage” function still works reliably. It tracks your movements and keeps your face in the frame, even if you get up and walk around the room. This is convenient during online classes or calls with colleagues, when you need to show something with your hands without constantly adjusting the tablet.

The rear camera is 12 MP and can shoot 4K video. Thanks to the new M4 processor, processing has been improved. Smart HDR 4 technology creates more detailed images in difficult lighting conditions.

The tablet copes well with scanning documents. The system automatically detects the edges of the page, removes unnecessary shadows and straightens the text. You can use the tablet as a compact office scanner that is always at hand. The received files can be immediately sent to the cloud or edited, significantly speeding up the paperwork process.

Let's summarise

iPad Air M4 is not just another update, but a powerful and versatile device that can meet the needs of both everyday and more demanding use. It is suitable for both work and study, as well as creative projects, providing speed and convenience in one device. It all depends on your needs: if you are looking for a modern, fast and long-lasting solution, then iPad Air M4 deserves your attention. You can buy iPad Air M4 in Armenia at the nearest AllSell store or order online.