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Apple iPad Air 13" M4 vs Apple 13" iPad Air M3

Both are 13-inch iPad Airs with the same Liquid Retina display, the same 12MP Center Stage front camera and the same Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard support. The M4 model is the newer, faster one: it adds Wi-Fi 7, 5G cellular, more base memory and up to 1TB of storage, and owners rate it highly. The M3 model is the sensible pick for anyone who mostly streams, browses and takes notes on Wi-Fi and does not need cellular. Step up to the M4 if you want the longest useful life, faster AI and graphics work, or a cellular connection away from home.

  • Choose the iPad Air 13" M4 if you want the newest chip, Wi-Fi 7, 5G cellular and the headroom of up to 1TB of storage.
  • Choose the 13" iPad Air M3 if you work mostly on Wi-Fi and want the same big screen and Pencil support without paying for cellular or the newest chip.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Air 13" M4: $1,199.00 at Best Buy (checked today)
  • Apple 13" iPad Air M3: $519.99 at Benmos (last seen Nov 11)
  • Difference: the Apple 13" iPad Air M3 is $679.01 cheaper than the Apple iPad Air 13" M4 at the latest prices (Nov 11 and Nov 14)
Apple
Apple iPad Air 13" with M4 Chip Early 2026 1TB Wi-Fi + Cellular

Apple iPad Air 13" M4

Apple iPad Air 13" with M4 Chip Early 2026 1TB Wi-Fi + Cellular

4.8(63 ratings)
$1,199.00at Best BuyChecked 19 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • M4 chip and more memory handle heavy multitasking, pro apps and AI tasks
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G keep it connected on the road
  • Up to 1TB of storage for large projects and media libraries
  • Same excellent 13-inch display and Pencil Pro support as the M3
Cons
  • Cellular adds a running data plan to manage
  • Heavier and pricier than the Wi-Fi-only model
  • Keyboard sold separately
Apple
Apple 13" iPad Air M3

Apple 13" iPad Air M3

$519.99at BenmosChecked Nov 11
See all prices and details
Visit Benmos
Pros
  • Same 13-inch Liquid Retina display and Center Stage camera
  • M3 is fast enough for everyday work, streaming and games
  • Wi-Fi 6E is plenty for most homes
  • Works with Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio
Cons
  • No cellular option
  • 8GB RAM and Wi-Fi 6E are a step behind the M4 model
  • 128GB base fills quickly with apps and video

What separates them

Apple iPad Air 13" M4Apple 13" iPad Air M3
ChipApple M4, octa-core, with a faster GPU for AI and graphics workApple M3, built for Apple Intelligence
MemoryMore unified memory than the M3 Air (Apple cites 50 percent more)8GB RAM
StorageConfigurable up to 1TBStarts at 128GB, configurable up to 1TB
ConnectivityWi-Fi 7 plus 5G cellular (Nano-SIM)Wi-Fi 6E only
Display13-inch Liquid Retina, 2732x2048, P3, True Tone, 600 nits13-inch Liquid Retina, 2732x2048, P3, True Tone, 600 nits
Cameras12MP Center Stage front, 12MP Wide back with 4K video12MP Center Stage front, 12MP Wide back
UnlockTouch IDTouch ID
SoftwareiPadOS with the Liquid Glass design and windowing systemiPadOS with Apple Intelligence

Price history

$1,199.00$1,199.00
Nov 8Nov 14
  • Apple iPad Air 13" M4: lowest $1,199.00 on Nov 8 at Staples; $1,199.00 on Nov 14.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Air 13" M4

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $1,199.00Free shippingChecked 19 min ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • StaplesNew

    In stock

    $1,199.00Free shippingChecked 19 min ago
    Visit Staples
  • VerizonNew

    In stock

    $1,199.99Free shippingChecked 19 min ago
    Visit Verizon
  • QuillNew

    In stock

    $1,600.09Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit Quill

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 7 stores and price history →

Apple 13" iPad Air M3

  • The Huntley Bookstore of the Claremont CollegesNew

    In stock

    $699.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit The Huntley Bookstore of the Claremont Colleges
  • SVA Campus StoreNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $699.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit SVA Campus Store
  • SmartimobileNew

    In stock

    $749.99Checked Nov 11
    Visit Smartimobile
  • BenmosNew

    Availability unknownReturn policy

    $519.99Checked Nov 11
    Visit Benmos
All 6 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Air 13" M4Apple 13" iPad Air M3
Wi-FiYesWi-Fi 6E
RAM12 GB8GB RAM
colorPurple—
size13-inch—
ConnectionsUSB-C—
BluetoothYes—
Active Digitizer (Stylus pen)Yes—
System on Chip (SoC)Apple M4—
Keyboard IncludedNo—
SIM CardNano-SIM—
Telephoto CameraNo—
No. of Back Cameras1—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Air 13" M4Apple 13" iPad Air M3
No. of Front Cameras1—
Memory Card ReaderNo—
Fingerprint ReaderYes—
Processor CoresOcta Core—
Release Year2026—
Mobile Networks5G—
Operating SystemiPadOS—
Storage Capacity256 GB—
Screen Resolution2732x2048—
Battery Technology

What reviewers say

Apple iPad Air 13" M4

  • 4.8 / 563 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 63 ratings, buyers are positive overall. Praise centers on the big screen and M4 speed; complaints are few.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip keeps pro apps and games running smoothly.
  • DisplayPraisedThe 13-inch Retina screen is called sharp and roomy for split-screen work.
  • SizeMixedSome find the 13-inch body heavy to hold for long stretches.
  • AccessoriesCriticisedBuyers note the keyboard and stylus cost extra.

Questions and answers

Which is better for drawing and note-taking?
Both work with Apple Pencil Pro and have the same 13-inch display, so drawing feels the same. The M4 model has more memory and a faster GPU, which helps with large layered canvases and heavy art apps.
Do I need cellular?
Only the M4 model here offers 5G. If you mostly work at home, school or the office on Wi-Fi, the M3 model covers you. If you travel or commute and tethering is a hassle, the cellular M4 is the one to get.
Which lasts longer?
The M4 has the newer chip, more memory and Wi-Fi 7, so it should stay comfortable with new iPadOS features for more years. The M3 is still capable and will serve everyday use well for a long time.
Is the M4 worth stepping up to?
Yes if you edit video, run pro apps, use AI tools heavily or need cellular. No if your use is browsing, streaming, email and notes on Wi-Fi, where the M3 feels the same day to day.
Do both support the same accessories?
Yes. Both take Apple Pencil Pro, the Magic Keyboard and the Smart Folio, so accessories carry over between them.
Is the screen the same on both?
Yes. Both use a 13-inch Liquid Retina panel at 2732x2048 with P3 wide color, True Tone and 600 nits, so brightness and color match.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best iPad Air tablets
Li-Ion
—
Manufacturer ColorPurple—
Screen Size (")13.0—
SeriesApple iPad Air—
Facial RecognitionNo—
Bluetooth Version5.3—
Ultra-Wide Angle CameraYes—
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 7 (802.11be)—
Screen TypeRetina—
Wi-Fi DirectYes—
Processor ModelApple M4—
Total Storage Capacity1000 gigabytes—
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi—
Battery ChemistryLithium-ion—
BrandApple—
Model NumberMH9R4LL/A—
Model FamilyApple iPad Air (M4)—
Year of Release2026—
Display TypeLED—