iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
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iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 new
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) and iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)?
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) starts at £496, £259.45 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
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a lighter build: 460 g vs 616 g.
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) specs
The iPad Air 7 has an 11 inch screen with 500 nits brightness and 8 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use and portability. The iPad Air 8 has a larger 13 inch screen with 600 nits brightness, 12 GB of RAM for more multitasking, and supports Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, making it a better fit for users who want a roomier display and enhanced wireless speeds. Storage options also differ, with the iPad Air 7 available in four sizes and the iPad Air 8 in two. These differences help you choose which model fits your needs best.
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability here means software support and release context.
Software Compatibility
This means you can expect ongoing access to new features and security improvements on either device.
Release Year
The iPad Air 7 was released in 2025 and the iPad Air 8 in 2026. This provides context about the generation of each device but does not affect their durability directly.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) performance
Performance differences focus on RAM and storage options. Both devices have the same base storage but differ in memory and available capacities, affecting multitasking and file management.
RAM Capacity
The iPad Air 7 offers 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and is suitable for most users. The iPad Air 8 provides 12 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and supports more intensive multitasking.
Storage Options
Both iPads start with 128 GB of storage. The iPad Air 7 is available in 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB sizes, providing a wider range for storing large files or more apps. The iPad Air 8 comes in 128 GB and 512 GB options, balancing choices for typical storage needs.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) screen
Screen quality differences relate to size, resolution, and brightness. Both devices share the same screen type and pixel density but offer different viewing experiences.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 7 has an 11 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels. The iPad Air 8 offers a larger 13 inch screen with a higher resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels. This makes the iPad Air 8 better suited for users who want more screen space for video, drawing, or multitasking.
Brightness Levels
The iPad Air 7 has 500 nits maximum brightness, which works well for most indoor and some outdoor use. The iPad Air 8 reaches up to 600 nits brightness, offering improved visibility in brighter environments or direct light.
Display Features
Both devices use a Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology and standard display glass, providing consistent colour accuracy and comfort for reading and viewing.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) size and design
Miscellaneous differences include connectivity options, weight, and network compatibility, affecting how you use the devices day to day.
Carrier Compatibility
The iPad Air 7 supports eSIM without a SIM port, which is ideal if you prefer digital SIM management. The iPad Air 8 is unlocked, providing flexible carrier options.
Connectivity and Ports
Both iPads use USB Type-C connectors for charging and headphones. The iPad Air 7 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, while the iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7 802.11be, which may provide faster wireless speeds where Wi-Fi 7 networks are available.
Weight
The iPad Air 7 weighs 460 grams, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable to hold for long periods. The iPad Air 8 weighs 616 grams, reflecting its larger screen size and making it a bit heavier to carry.
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 7 (2025, M3 series) or iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £496, £259.45 less than the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (460 g vs 616 g)
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch)
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) FAQs
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) vs iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £496 compared with £755.45 for the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series).
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 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) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch). Refurbished, it costs £259.45 more (from £755.45 vs £496).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) in 128GB and 512GB.
