Read our full review of the Apple iPad Air 2026 (M4).
The iPad Air is not just the best iPad, it’s the best tablet. It will be your new go-to device for streaming, reading, or creative projects. And if you plan on using your tablet as a substitute for a laptop, it’ll work for that, too, especially when paired with the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air or Apple Pencil Pro. Both are sold separately, but add useful versatility to the tablet, essentially transforming it into a full workstation.
It’s fast, moves smoothly between apps thanks to the M4 chip with 12GB of RAM, and has a stunning high-definition display.
While we prefer the iPad Pro for creatives, the iPad Air is a more budget-friendly option that still handles tough design jobs.
When we first published this guide, the iPad Air cost just $599. In the face of the global memory crisis, it’s increased to $749. While this does impact its overall value, considering most other tech prices are on the rise, it’s still well-positioned in the market.
To kick off 2026, Apple upgraded the iPad Air to include the M4 chip. While the update didn’t feel necessary in light of the already powerful iPad with M3 chip, we’ll never say no to more computing power, especially with no price increase.
The iPad Air bridges the gap between tablet and laptop, yet it still remains affordable and user-friendly. With the M4 chip upgrade, the iPad Air got a performance boost, now scoring 13,176 on the Geekbench 6 test, up from its previous score of 11,464.
While the iPad Pro is technically slightly thinner and lighter, the iPad Air still lives up to its name. It’s a great tablet to bring on the go due to its light weight, which helps avoid wrist strain when holding the device.
It has a crisp display for brilliant graphics, and one of its most surprising upgrades in the 2026 model is more memory. Now with 12GB of RAM, it’s better equipped as a gaming device, too. For creatives too, the extra memory makes it even more capable of creative tasks, whether that be in Final Cut Pro or while doing design work with the Apple Pencil.
