iPad Air M4 Review: Raw Power, Frustrating Compromises

Apple's iPad Air with the M4 chip is a portable powerhouse. The processor delivers serious performance, and iPadOS 26 finally makes multitasking feel competent. The hardware build remains solid across the board.

But here's the thing — the screen still isn't where it should be. For a device that can climb in price quickly, Apple is asking buyers to accept a display that lags behind what the Pro offers. No Face ID either, which feels increasingly inexcusable in 2026.

The Air sits in an awkward middle ground. It's got flagship-tier silicon wrapped in a package that cuts corners where it shouldn't. Great for people who want raw processing muscle without Pro pricing, but the tradeoffs sting harder every generation.

Bottom line: incredibly capable tablet, overdue for a screen upgrade and biometric refresh.