Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) review

The iPad Air with M4 takes first place because it pairs laptop-class performance with the note-taking tools most students actually use. Apple's spec sheet lists the M4 chip with an 8-core CPU, a 9-core GPU and 12GB of unified memory in every model, which gives it the most headroom of any iPad here for large PDFs, many open apps and Apple Intelligence features. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display is fully laminated with an antireflective coating and supports Apple Pencil Pro with hover, which the base iPad does not support. It weighs 1.02 pounds and is rated for up to 10 hours of web browsing or video. A 13-inch model is available for students who want two pages side by side. The weak point is the add-on cost: Apple Pencil Pro is $119 and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air is $249 at education prices, so a full setup costs more than many laptops.

Who it is for

College students who want an iPad for handwritten notes, reading and heavier apps that should stay quick for several years.

Price

From $699 with Apple education pricing ($749 regular) when checked.

iPad Air From $699
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Apple M4 chip with an 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU and 12GB of unified memory
• 11-inch Liquid Retina display at 2360 by 1640, fully laminated with an antireflective coating
• Supports Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil hover
• Up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or watching video
• Wi-Fi 7, Touch ID and a 12MP Center Stage front camera on the long edge

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The most memory of any iPad on this list, 12GB in every model
• Strength: Laminated, antireflective screen is easier to write on with a pencil than the base iPad's
• Strength: Weighs 1.02 pounds and is 6.1 mm thin for the 11-inch model
• Weakness: Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard are extra, $119 and $249 at education prices
• Weakness: Base model has 128GB of storage
• Weakness: Battery rating of 10 hours trails the Samsung tablets here

Key facts

• Price: From $699 education, $749 regular
• Chip: Apple M4, 8-core CPU, 12GB memory
• Display: 11-inch, 2360 by 1640, 500 nits
• Battery: Up to 10 hours web or video
• Weight: 1.02 pounds (11-inch Wi-Fi)
• Pen: Apple Pencil Pro, sold separately

Where it ranks

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) is No. 1 in our Best Tablets for Students verdict.