Apple iPad Air 11 M2 vs iPad Air M4

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified May 21 by Billy G.

Apple iPad Air 11 M2
Apple iPad Air 11 M2
iPad Air M4
iPad Air M4

Verdict: The iPad Air M4 wins overall with superior performance and longevity thanks to the newer M4 chip versus the M2's 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU. The Apple iPad Air 11 M2 at $599 MSRP provides solid value for basic tasks but trails in sustained workloads. M4 on design updates and future-proofing per 2025 generation guidelines.

Winner: iPad Air M4

Apple iPad Air 11 M2: 6.5/10

iPad Air M4: 8/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

Apple iPad Air 11 M2iPad Air M4
Display11-inch Liquid Retina—
ChipApple M2 (8-core CPU, 9-core GPU)Apple M4
RAM8GB—
Storage Options128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB—

Apple iPad Air 11 M2

What works

  • 8GB RAM with M2 chip for smooth multitasking
  • Wide storage range up to 1TB
  • Current status per 2024-05 release

What doesn't

  • Only 8GB RAM limits heavy workloads
  • M2 is outdated per 2025+ generation guidelines

iPad Air M4

What works

  • Newer M4 chip for better performance
  • Updated design and features
  • Current generation per 2025 guidelines

What doesn't

  • Higher starting price likely
  • Limited public benchmark data available

Bottom line

Our pick: iPad Air M4. It edges out the alternative on newer m4 chip for better performance. That said, Apple iPad Air 11 M2 still wins on 8gb ram with m2 chip for smooth multitasking — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.

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