Apple
Apple iPad Air 11-inch M4 Wi-Fi 256GB
The iPad Air 11-inch with M4 is Apple's mid-range tablet, sitting between the entry-level iPad and the pro-grade iPad Pro in both price and capability.
### Overview The iPad Air 11-inch with M4 is Apple's mid-range tablet, sitting between the entry-level iPad and the premium iPad Pro. It isn't a reinvention of the tablet form, but it meaningfully improves on an already strong device — bringing the powerful M4 chip, 12GB of RAM, and improved connectivity while maintaining a more approachable price than the Pro. It strikes a nice balance between power and price, making it an appealing option for anyone wanting a tablet capable of laptop-level tasks.
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### Standout Features - **M4 Chip Performance:** The Apple-designed M4 chip features an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, delivering up to 30% faster overall performance compared to the M3 version. - **12GB Unified Memory:** The M4 chip with 50% more unified system memory elevates performance for multitasking, creative apps, and AI-driven features. - **Liquid Retina Display:** The 11-inch screen features anti-reflective coating, True Tone technology, high brightness, and support for P3 wide color. - **Wi-Fi 7 Connectivity:** Wi-Fi 7 with Apple's N1 chip delivers fast wireless connections for quick transfers of photos, documents, and large video files. - **Apple Intelligence Support:** The tablet features Apple Intelligence along with Touch ID, advanced cameras, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro. - **Dual 12MP Cameras:** The 12MP Center Stage front camera is well-suited for video calls, while the 12MP Wide back camera handles document scanning, photos, and 4K video.
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### Who It's For Casual users can comfortably spend less on the standard iPad, but the iPad Air provides the best balance of price and performance for students and creators. The 11-inch size is easy to hold for extended video sessions and light enough to barely notice in a bag. The M4 chip also future-proofs the device for several years of iPadOS updates, especially as Apple Intelligence grows more demanding.
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### Important Considerations - **No ProMotion display:** Unlike the iPad Pro, this model does not include a ProMotion (high refresh rate) display — motion smoothness during scrolling and gaming won't match the Pro tier. - **LCD, not OLED:** The iPad Air continues to use an LED-backlit Liquid Retina display across generations; Apple's more expensive iPad Pro uses tandem OLED panels, which offer superior contrast and HDR. - **Touch ID, not Face ID:** Touch ID on the power button has worked reliably, but it's starting to feel dated compared to Face ID's fluid, effortless unlocking on the iPad Pro. - **Accessories sold separately:** The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro — which unlock much of the productivity potential — are not included and add significant cost to the overall investment. - **Current pricing:** The 256GB Wi-Fi model is currently available at Best Buy for $649.
Key features
- M4 chip performance
- thin-and-light design
- 11-inch Liquid Retina display
Seen at 3 retailers from $599.99 to $748.00 as of 2026-06-25. Prices change — check the retailer for the current price.
The M4 chip gives this Air more processing headroom than most users will ever need — which is precisely the point.
What stands out
- The M4 chip delivers performance well ahead of everyday tablet tasks, keeping the device relevant for years of software updates.
- The Liquid Retina display offers accurate colour reproduction and smooth rendering in a compact 11-inch footprint.
- The thin-and-light chassis makes it one of the more portable full-size tablets available.
- 256GB of base storage is a practical starting point for apps, media, and local files without constant cloud management.
What to weigh
- No ProMotion (120Hz) adaptive refresh rate, which is reserved for the iPad Pro line and is noticeable in direct comparison.
- Still relies on a USB-C port without the Thunderbolt speeds found on iPad Pro, limiting high-bandwidth accessory use.
- No built-in headphone jack, requiring an adapter for wired audio.
Great fit if
- Users who want a capable, future-proofed tablet for creative work, study, or media consumption without stepping up to Pro pricing.
- People who prioritise portability and want a light device for travel or commuting.
- Those planning to use Apple Pencil or a keyboard folio for light productivity tasks.
Skip it if
- Power users who need ProMotion display smoothness or Thunderbolt connectivity for professional peripherals.
- Anyone primarily consuming media at home who would be equally well served by the less expensive standard iPad.
- Users who rely on wired headphones and would find the lack of a headphone jack a persistent inconvenience.