Is the M4 iPad Air worth it over the M2 model?

If you already own an M2 Air, the jump is modest for everyday tasks. The M4 helps most with heavy editing, games and Apple Intelligence features, and the 13-inch size is the main reason to pick this model.

How does it compare with the iPad Pro?

The Pro has an OLED display, ProMotion and a thinner body. The Air keeps the LCD at 60Hz but offers the same large screen size and M-series performance for less.

Does it work with Apple Pencil Pro?

Yes. It supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), plus the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and Smart Folio.

The iPad Air, a USB-C charge cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter. The Pencil and keyboard are sold separately.

Is the 13-inch screen too big to carry?

It is heavier than the 11-inch Air, so it suits desk, studio and bag use more than one-handed reading. Many buyers accept the weight for the extra workspace.

Where is the iPad Air 13" (M4) cheapest?

At SVA Campus Store, for $899.00, as of our latest check.

Apple

iPad Air 13" (M4)

Best price now

$899.00at SVA Campus StoreChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit SVA Campus Store

Apple

iPad Air 13" (M4)

Best price now

$899.00at SVA Campus StoreChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit SVA Campus Store

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Price facts

Last seen at $899.00 at SVA Campus Store on Nov 12.

Our take on the iPad Air 13" (M4)

The iPad Air 13" (M4) is Apple's large-screen mid-range tablet, now with the M4 chip instead of the M2. It keeps the Air formula: a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, a 12MP Center Stage front camera, and support for Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air. It sits below the iPad Pro, which adds an OLED display, ProMotion and a thinner body, and above the 11-inch Air for people who want more screen for split view and drawing. Buyers pick it for the big canvas and long software support; reviewers note it lacks the Pro's display tech and 120Hz refresh.

Best forStudents and note-takers who want a large canvasArtists and designers using Apple Pencil ProSplit-screen multitasking and document workAnyone who wants Pro-size screen without Pro pricing

Pros

M4 chip handles heavy apps, editing and games
Large 13-inch Liquid Retina display suits split view
Works with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard for iPad Air
12MP Center Stage camera keeps you framed on calls
Apple Intelligence features built in
Long iPadOS update support

Cons

No OLED or ProMotion; the iPad Pro screen is better
60Hz refresh looks less smooth than Pro models
Accessories like the Magic Keyboard sold separately
Heavier and bulkier than the 11-inch Air
Not a laptop replacement for heavy desktop software

iPad Air 13" (M4) prices at every store

SVA Campus StoreNew
In stockReturn policy
$899.00Checked Nov 12
Visit SVA Campus Store

What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers treat the 13-inch Air as the sensible big-screen iPad: fast, well built and good for drawing and multitasking. Most criticism centers on the display, which stays LCD at 60Hz while the Pro gets OLED and ProMotion, and on the cost of adding a keyboard.

What people mention

PerformancePraisedOwners say the M4 handles editing, games and multitasking without slowdown.
DisplayCriticisedReviewers note the LCD lacks the Pro's OLED contrast and 120Hz smoothness.
Size and weightMixedThe 13-inch screen is loved for work, but some find it heavy to hold for long.
AccessoriesMixedPencil Pro and Magic Keyboard work well, though buyers dislike paying extra for them.
BatteryMixedBattery life is described as all-day for light use but shorter under heavy creative apps.

About the iPad Air 13" (M4)

The iPad Air 13" is a tablet from Apple powered by the Apple M4 chip, which handles graphics and on-device AI. It has a Liquid Retina display and supports Apple Intelligence, which helps with creating, communicating and getting things done, with privacy protections built in.

A 12MP Center Stage front camera is made for video calls. The iPad Air works with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and Smart Folio.

Chip: Apple M4
Front camera: 12MP Center Stage
Intelligence: Apple Intelligence
Compatibility: Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, Smart Folio
In the box: iPad Air, USB-C charge cable, 20W USB-C power adapter

Questions and answers

Is the M4 iPad Air worth it over the M2 model?: If you already own an M2 Air, the jump is modest for everyday tasks. The M4 helps most with heavy editing, games and Apple Intelligence features, and the 13-inch size is the main reason to pick this model.
How does it compare with the iPad Pro?: The Pro has an OLED display, ProMotion and a thinner body. The Air keeps the LCD at 60Hz but offers the same large screen size and M-series performance for less.
Does it work with Apple Pencil Pro?: Yes. It supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), plus the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and Smart Folio.
What is in the box?: The iPad Air, a USB-C charge cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter. The Pencil and keyboard are sold separately.
Is the 13-inch screen too big to carry?: It is heavier than the 11-inch Air, so it suits desk, studio and bag use more than one-handed reading. Many buyers accept the weight for the extra workspace.
Where is the iPad Air 13" (M4) cheapest?: At SVA Campus Store, for $899.00, as of our latest check.