iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
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iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 new
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) and iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)?
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) starts at £481.05, £274.40 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series). The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Weight
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Weight: 617 g on the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series), 616 g on the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) specs
The iPad Air 6 and iPad Air 8 offer many similar features such as screen size, resolution, and display type, making both suitable for everyday use and media consumption. The iPad Air 8 provides more RAM with 12 GB compared to 8 GB on the iPad Air 6, which benefits users who keep many apps open or work on heavier tasks. It also supports Wi-Fi 7, offering faster wireless speeds for compatible networks. The iPad Air 6 includes eSIM support, which may suit those who want cellular connectivity options. Storage options differ slightly with the iPad Air 6 available in more capacities, including 256 GB and 1 TB, while the iPad Air 8 is stocked with 128 GB and 512 GB. Each device fits different user needs based on memory, connectivity, and storage preferences.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers compatibility with software updates and the devices' release years.
Latest Software Updates
This means you can expect ongoing improvements and security enhancements on either device, helping them stay useful over time.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) performance
Performance focuses on memory and storage options. Differences here influence multitasking ability and how much data you can keep on your device.
RAM Capacity
The iPad Air 8 has 12 GB of RAM, which suits users who run multiple apps simultaneously or use memory-intensive applications. The iPad Air 6 has 8 GB of RAM, enough for everyday tasks and smooth app performance.
Storage Options
Both models offer 128 GB storage as standard, but the iPad Air 6 is available in additional sizes including 256 GB and 1 TB, ideal if you need more space for apps, media, and files. The iPad Air 8 offers 128 GB and 512 GB, good for users with moderate storage needs.
Processor
RAM
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) screen
Screen quality is identical on both iPads, making them equally suitable for viewing photos, videos, and working on detailed tasks.
Display Features
Both iPad Air 6 and iPad Air 8 have a 13 inch Liquid Retina display with 2732 by 2048 resolution and 264 pixels per inch. They also reach 600 nits brightness and include True Tone technology for natural colour adjustment in different lighting.
Refresh Rate
Each iPad has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth motion for everyday activities such as browsing and watching videos.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) size and design
This section covers various practical features that affect connectivity, ease of use, and compatibility with accessories and networks.
Wireless Connectivity
The iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7 802.11be, offering the latest Wi-Fi technology for faster data transfer when connected to compatible networks. The iPad Air 6 uses Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax, which still delivers strong wireless performance.
Cellular Network Options
The iPad Air 6 supports eSIM, which enables cellular connectivity without a physical SIM card. The iPad Air 8 does not list eSIM support.
Weight
Both devices are similar in weight, with the iPad Air 6 at 617 grams and the iPad Air 8 slightly lighter at 616 grams, making them equally portable.
Connectivity and Ports
Each iPad uses USB Type-C for charging and headphones, providing a common connection method for accessories and charging cables.
Touch and Face Features
Both iPads support touch input but do not have Face ID functionality.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Network
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) or iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £481.05, £274.40 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want the newer model (2026)
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) FAQs
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM and weight. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. Weight: 617 g on the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series), 616 g on the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £481.05 compared with £755.45 for the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB). Refurbished, it costs £274.40 more (from £755.45 vs £481.05).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) in 128GB and 512GB.
