Apple’s latest M4 iPad Air is set to reach consumers this Wednesday, and today marks the arrival of initial reviews for this upgraded iPad. Here’s a summary of what the reviewers are mentioning.
### M4 iPad Air Performance vs the M5 iPad Pro
Numerous reviews draw comparisons between the performance of the M4 iPad Air and the M3 model—which it surpasses moderately—as well as the significantly pricier M5 iPad Pro.
Kyle Barr notes at *Gizmodo*:
> “There remains a disparity between the performance of the iPad Air and the iPad Pro, yet this divide has markedly narrowed with the newest version. The M4 iPad Air is running just a few hundred points behind the M5 iPad Pro in CPU benchmarks. In terms of graphics evaluations, the M5 iPad Pro, equipped with a complete 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, still retains the advantage, scoring 3,984 in the ‘Steel Nomad Light’ benchmark compared to the M4 iPad Air’s 3,166. Performance continues to be a primary factor in choosing the M5 iPad Pro, but for those looking to spend significantly less, the M4 iPad Air represents an excellent option for most creators.”
Maria Diaz remarks at *ZDNET*:
> “As a writer engaged in photography, video, and some graphic design ancillary, I’ve discovered that the iPad Air is the most budget-friendly tablet that can efficiently manage my tasks without a single hiccup. Priced at $599, which is $400 less than the iPad Pro, its M4 processor, enhanced connectivity, and 12GB of unified memory appear almost too exceptional for the cost.”
### Apple’s C1X Chip for Cellular
The introduction of the C1X modem in the M4 iPad Air could be a significant enhancement for frequent cellular users.
David Pierce comments at *The Verge*:
> “Apple’s C1X seems to be quite a game-changer. I have always been a strong advocate for cell-enabled iPads, as that perpetual connectivity enhances the iPad’s usefulness for on-the-go tasks like emailing, reading, or browsing the web—activities the iPad is designed for. They also serve as excellent hotspots due to their large batteries. Based on my current testing, the M4 Air is consistently the fastest cell-enabled device I own and, in areas with poor service, sometimes delivers speeds several times faster than recent iPhones, Pixels, and even other iPads.”
### The Enticing Alternative of MacBook Neo
It is not surprising that some reviews have drawn parallels between the new iPad Air and another noteworthy $599 offering from Apple: the MacBook Neo.
Mike Prospero writes at *Tom’s Guide*:
> “I suspect many will ponder whether to opt for the iPad Air or invest in the MacBook Neo, which is $250 cheaper when considering the price of the Air’s keyboard. While the Air features a touchscreen and is more portable, its value proposition compared to Apple’s laptops is considerably more debatable if you seek a cost-effective productivity device. Indeed, the iPad Air is the premier Apple tablet for the general public, but it may have just been outdone by the Neo as the top budget-friendly Apple option for accomplishing tasks.”
### M4 iPad Air: Video Reviews and Wrap-Up
*TechRadar* encapsulates the new iPad succinctly: “iPad Air has consistently been the ‘pro model for the majority,’ and the 2026 update maintains that stature.”
This isn’t a groundbreaking upgrade, but it does ensure the iPad Air remains a solid intermediate option between the basic iPad and the iPad Pro.
Here are some video reviews that are also worth watching:
### Best iPad Accessories
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