Scientists confirm: This is the most effective way to get your cat’s attention, according to new research
Elderly Couple Refuses Reserved Seats—Viral Train Standoff Sparks Fiery Debate on Courtesy
Why change something that’s already working well? Like several other products launched in 2026, including the iPhone 17e and Google Pixel 10a, the latest iteration of the iPad Air predominantly maintains the status quo. Apple has introduced the M4 processor and upgraded to Wi-Fi 7 for its networking capabilities, yet the rest remains unchanged: identical cameras, design, display, and even battery life persist.
The specifications of the iPad Air are almost identical to those of the iPad Air 4 released six years earlier. It features the same screen resolution, dimensions, rear camera, and weight. However, Apple has maintained the initial price over the years while boosting the base storage capacity to 128GB, among other minor enhancements.
Despite these similarities, does it still hold up as the ideal tablet for most consumers? I’d argue yes, but whether it’s the best Apple device you can get for $599 is a different debate entirely.
Why You Should Never Reheat These Foods in the Microwave – The Hidden Dangers Experts Warn About
I tried the top 5 guard dogs—here’s what makes these breeds the ultimate protectors
Among the updates, this year’s model includes the M4 chip from Apple. The tablet also boasts new N1 networking chips offering Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread networking. Models that include cellular capabilities feature the C1X chip, enabling 5G and Gigabit LTE with enhanced performance.
Network performance can vary based on many factors, but in a test on Verizon’s 5G network with optimal signal, a 2.98GB video was downloaded in just 85 seconds.
The iPad Air M4 is now available for preorder and will officially be released on March 11, 2026. The entry-level 11-inch model starts at $599 with 128GB of storage, and the 13-inch model begins at $799, also with 128GB. Both versions can be configured up to 1TB of storage and are available in four colors: space gray, blue, purple, and starlight.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
11-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi) |
13-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi) |
|
128GB |
$599 |
$799 |
|
256GB |
$699 |
$899 |
|
512GB |
$899 |
$1,099 |
|
1TB |
$1,099 |
$1,299 |
If you want cellular connectivity, add an extra $150 to each of these prices.
Apple sent us an 11-inch Air with 1TB of storage and cellular connectivity, which boosts the price to $1,249. At that point, I would advise springing for a laptop or an iPad Pro.
Then of course, there’s the accessories. An Apple Pencil will set you back $79, while the Apple Pencil Pro costs $129. The Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air costs $269. At least you get free engraving.