Is the M4 iPad Air worth it over the previous iPad Air?

If you run demanding apps, edit video or keep many apps open, the M4 and extra memory are a real step up. For browsing and streaming, an older Air still does the job.

How does it compare with the iPad Pro?

The Air gives you the M4, Wi-Fi 6E and Apple Pencil support for less than the Pro. The Pro adds a brighter tandem OLED display, Face ID and a faster refresh rate.

Does this model work with Apple Pencil and keyboards?

Yes. It supports Apple Pencil and Apple's keyboard accessories for the 11-inch iPad Air, which are sold separately.

Is cellular worth the extra cost?

Cellular lets you stay online without Wi-Fi, which helps for travel and commuting. If you mostly use it at home or school, the Wi-Fi-only version saves money.

How much storage do I need?

256GB suits most people: apps, photos and a few downloaded shows. Go higher only if you store large video projects or big game libraries.

The best new price seen is $972 at Walmart as of November 8, 2026. Apple tablets typically drop around Black Friday and back-to-school sales.

What do buyers say about the Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB - Purple?

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 45 ratings.

Where can I buy the Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB - Purple?

4 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Best Buy, Staples, Verizon.

Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB - Purple

Best price now

$972.00at WalmartVerified

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB - Purple

Best price now

$972.00at WalmartVerified

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Our take on the Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB - Purple

The 2026 iPad Air moves to Apple's M4 chip with 50% more unified memory than the previous generation, plus Wi-Fi 6E and cellular in this 256GB purple model. It keeps the 11-inch Retina display, 12MP front and back cameras, and Touch ID in the top button, and runs iPadOS 26 with the new Liquid Glass design and windowed multitasking. The best new price is $972 at Walmart as of November 8, 2026, with 4 stores listing it new.

Best forStudents and note-takers who want Apple Pencil supportCreative work on the go: drawing, photo and video editingPeople who need cellular data away from Wi-FiBuyers upgrading from an older iPad or iPad Air

Pros

M4 chip with more memory handles pro apps and high-end games
Wi-Fi 6E and cellular cover fast home networks and travel
256GB storage leaves room for apps, photos and offline video
12MP front camera with landscape placement suits video calls
Touch ID in the top button is quick and reliable

Cons

$972 is a premium price for an 11-inch tablet
No Face ID; Touch ID only
Single rear camera, no ultrawide or LiDAR
Accessories like Apple Pencil and keyboard sold separately

Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB - Purple prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Datavision Computer VideoReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$972.00+ $5.00 shippingVerified
Visit Walmart
Best BuyNew
In stock
$999.00Free shippingVerified
Visit Best Buy
StaplesNew
In stock
$999.00Free shippingVerified
Visit Staples
VerizonNew
In stock
$999.99Free shippingVerified
Visit Verizon

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

Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB - Purple price history

Lowest price we've seen: $999.00 on Nov 8 at Best Buy. Tracked across 3 stores since Nov 8.

What reviewers say

4.4 / 545 ratings

Owners rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 45 ratings. Most praise the M4 speed and the larger memory, and many call it the right balance between the Pro and the base iPad. A few question whether the upgrade is worth it over the previous Air.

What people mention

PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 chip keeps apps and games running smoothly with no lag.
MemoryPraisedThe extra unified memory is noticed when switching between many apps.
DisplayPraisedReviewers call the 11-inch Retina screen bright and sharp for video and drawing.
ValueMixedSome see it as a sensible step below the iPad Pro; others find the total price steep.
DesignMixedA few owners say it looks and feels much like the previous iPad Air.
AccessoriesCriticisedBuyers note that the Apple Pencil and keyboard add significantly to the cost.

About the Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB - Purple

Apple introduces the new iPad Air, powered by M4. With blazing performance, more memory, enhanced connectivity, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, iPad Air is a fantastic value. The lightning-fast M4 chip with 50 percent more unified system memory elevates performance for all the things you love to do on iPad Air. It's an AI powerhouse, enabling the AI features and capabilities you use every day to get things done faster, effortlessly. And the GPU architecture delivers even more fluid advanced graphics whether you're working, streaming, creating, or gaming. All with amazing efficiency for all-day battery life. iPadOS 26 introduces Liquid Glass, a stunning new design with a vibrant look and game-changing enhancements that put iPad Air productivity on a new level. A reimagined, intuitive windowing system gives you greater power and flexibility than ever before. Run pro apps, play high-performance games, and take on creative projects of any size with a natural, touch-first experience.

Specifications

color: PurpleSource
size: 11-inchSource
Bluetooth: YesSource
Wi-Fi: YesSource
Manufacturer Color

Questions and answers

Is the M4 iPad Air worth it over the previous iPad Air?: If you run demanding apps, edit video or keep many apps open, the M4 and extra memory are a real step up. For browsing and streaming, an older Air still does the job.
How does it compare with the iPad Pro?: The Air gives you the M4, Wi-Fi 6E and Apple Pencil support for less than the Pro. The Pro adds a brighter tandem OLED display, Face ID and a faster refresh rate.
Does this model work with Apple Pencil and keyboards?: Yes. It supports Apple Pencil and Apple's keyboard accessories for the 11-inch iPad Air, which are sold separately.
Is cellular worth the extra cost?: Cellular lets you stay online without Wi-Fi, which helps for travel and commuting. If you mostly use it at home or school, the Wi-Fi-only version saves money.
How much storage do I need?: 256GB suits most people: apps, photos and a few downloaded shows. Go higher only if you store large video projects or big game libraries.
When is it cheapest?: The best new price seen is $972 at Walmart as of November 8, 2026. Apple tablets typically drop around Black Friday and back-to-school sales.
Where is the Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB - Purple cheapest?: At Walmart, for $972.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB - Purple?: Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 45 ratings.
Where can I buy the Apple 11-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi + Cellular 256GB - Purple?: 4 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Best Buy, Staples, Verizon.