iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)
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iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series)
Starting at
£755.45£899.00 new
iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)
Starting at
£929.37£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) and iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)?
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) starts at £755.45, £173.92 less than the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series). The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen type
Weight
- The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series).
- The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) has a lighter build: 582 g vs 616 g.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) specs
The iPad Air 8 has more RAM, which is useful if you keep many apps open at once. The iPad Pro offers higher storage options and a brighter, more advanced screen suited for detailed visuals and bright environments. The iPad Air 8 includes touch input and supports multiple carriers while the iPad Pro has Face ID and comes without a SIM port. The Air supports the newest Wi-Fi 7 standard while the Pro offers Wi-Fi 6E. Choose the Air if you want extra memory and touch interaction or the Pro if you prioritise screen brightness, storage capacity, and facial recognition.
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability considerations focus on software updates and release timing.
Software Support
This is important if you want a device that stays current with new iPadOS versions.
Release Year
The iPad Air 8 was released in 2026 while the iPad Pro came out in 2024.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) performance
Performance varies in memory and storage which affects multitasking and how much data you can keep on your device. Storage options vary more widely on the iPad Pro.
RAM Capacity
The iPad Air 8 includes 12 GB of RAM allowing it to keep more apps running in the background and handle multitasking smoothly. The iPad Pro has 8 GB of RAM suitable for everyday use and many professional tasks but with fewer simultaneous apps kept active.
Storage Options
The iPad Air 8 comes with 128 GB or 512 GB storage options stocked making it a good choice if you want a simpler range. The iPad Pro offers larger capacities including 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB which fits users needing extensive storage for large files such as high-resolution videos or extensive app libraries.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) screen
Screen quality differences affect brightness, display type, and resolution all important for viewing clarity and colour accuracy in different lighting conditions.
Brightness Levels
The iPad Pro has a maximum brightness of 1000 nits which makes it better suited for use in bright environments or when working with HDR content. The iPad Air 8 has a maximum brightness of 600 nits sufficient for most indoor settings and standard viewing.
Display Type
The iPad Air 8 features a Liquid Retina display providing vivid colours and sharp images. The iPad Pro uses an Ultra Retina XDR display designed for higher dynamic range and greater detail which benefits professionals or users who prioritise premium screen performance.
Resolution and Size
Both devices have a 13 inch screen and the same pixel density of 264 ppi offering sharp and clear images. The iPad Pro has a slightly higher resolution at 2752 by 2064 pixels compared to the iPad Air 8's 2732 by 2048 pixels providing marginally more screen detail.
True Tone Support
Both iPads support True Tone adjusting the screen's colour temperature based on ambient light for a more natural viewing experience in different lighting conditions.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) size and design
Several features differ between these iPads relating to connectivity, biometric security, input methods, and wireless standards.
Carrier and SIM Options
The iPad Air 8 supports various carriers. The iPad Pro comes without a SIM port so it cannot use physical SIM cards. This matters if you need cellular connectivity with a SIM card.
Biometric Security
Face ID is available on the iPad Pro providing facial recognition for unlocking and authentication. The iPad Air 8 does not include Face ID which may affect how you prefer to access your device.
Input Methods
The iPad Air 8 supports touch input allowing you to interact directly with the screen. The iPad Pro does not list touch input which could influence how you use the device in everyday scenarios.
Wi-Fi Technology
The iPad Air 8 supports Wi-Fi 7 802.11be the latest Wi-Fi standard offering potentially faster speeds and improved network performance. The iPad Pro uses Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax which is also high performance but an earlier generation compared to Wi-Fi 7.
Weight
The iPad Pro weighs 582 g making it slightly lighter than the iPad Air 8 which weighs 616 g. A lighter device may be easier to hold for extended periods.
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 8 (2026, M4 series) or iPad Pro (2024, M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £755.45, £173.92 less than the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
Buy the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) if
- you want a lighter build (582 g vs 616 g)
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) FAQs
iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) comes down to the RAM, screen type and weight. The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series).
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £755.45 compared with £929.37 for the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series).
The iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2024, 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 £173.92 less (from £755.45 vs £929.37).
Refurbished, the iPad Air 8 (2026, M4 series) comes in 128GB and 512GB, and the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
