Choosing between the base iPad and the iPad Air can feel surprisingly tricky. Both tablets run iPadOS, both look sleek, but the price gap — roughly €200–€300 in Ireland — raises a fair question: what are you actually paying for? This guide breaks down the real differences, from performance and displays to future software support, so you can decide which model fits your needs and budget.
Chip: M4 ·
Display: 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina ·
Operating System: iPadOS 26 ·
Apple Pencil Support: Apple Pencil Pro ·
Keyboard Support: Magic Keyboard
Quick snapshot
- iPad Air features Apple M4 chip (Apple official product page)
- Available in 11-inch and 13-inch Liquid Retina display (Apple official product page)
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro (Apple official product page)
- iPadOS 26 pre-installed (Apple iPadOS page)
- Exact list of iPad models losing iPadOS support in 2026
- Future pricing changes for iPad Air in Ireland
- Battery life under heavy real-world usage
- iPad Air with M4 launched in 2024 (Apple Newsroom official announcement)
- Older iPads (before 2020) may lose updates in 2026 (Intego Apple security analysis)
- iPadOS 27 expected in late 2026
- Current iPad Air eligible for then-extended support
Irish buyers who spend €200+ extra on an iPad Air are buying longevity — the M4 chip and modern port ecosystem mean this model will remain relevant through at least 2029, while the base iPad’s older architecture will start showing its limits sooner.
What is the main difference between an iPad and an iPad Air?
Design and display differences
- The iPad Air features an all-screen design with a Liquid Retina display — 11-inch or 13-inch — and no Home button (Apple official product page).
- The base iPad retains the traditional design with a Home button and thicker bezels, plus a 10.9-inch display (Apple iPad 10th-gen page).
- The iPad Air supports the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard; the base iPad uses the first-generation Apple Pencil (TechRadar consumer technology comparison).
One design drawback: the iPad Air’s camera sits on the landscape edge, making video calls more natural — but the base iPad’s portrait camera placement can feel awkward when typing.
The implication: the iPad Air’s design is built for pros who need accessories and screen real estate; the base iPad is for casual use where cost matters most.
Performance specs comparison
The spec table below shows the iPad Air’s M4 chip puts it in a different class entirely.
| Spec | Base iPad (10th gen) | iPad Air (M4) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A14 Bionic | Apple M4 chip |
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina | 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina |
| Apple Pencil | 1st generation | Apple Pencil Pro |
| Storage base | 64GB | 128GB |
| RAM (reported) | 4GB | 8GB |
| USB-C | USB 2.0 | USB 4/Thunderbolt |
The catch: the M4 chip isn’t just faster — it enables pro-level apps, multitasking with Stage Manager, and external monitor support that the base iPad simply cannot handle (Intego Apple security and hardware analysis).
Price and value differences
- Base iPad starts at $349 / £329 / AU$599 for 128GB (TechRadar consumer technology comparison). In Ireland, Harvey Norman and Currys list it around €429–€469.
- 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599 / £599 / AU$999 for 128GB (Which? UK consumer testing body). Irish retailers price it around €749–€799.
- 13-inch iPad Air starts at $799 / £799 / AU$1,349 (TechRadar consumer technology comparison).
The question for Irish buyers: is €300+ worth the upgrade? For someone who mainly browses, checks email, and streams video, the base iPad is perfectly capable. But for anyone editing photos, using spreadsheets, or wanting a future-proof device, the iPad Air justifies every extra euro.
Irish buyers who choose the base iPad save money upfront but face earlier obsolescence — the A14 chip will likely miss iPadOS 27 or 28 updates, while the iPad Air’s M4 will stay supported for years.
Is the iPad Air really worth it?
Performance value for price
- The M4 chip delivers roughly 2.5× the CPU performance and 4× the GPU performance of the A14 in the base iPad (Apple official product page).
- Real-world difference: the iPad Air can render 4K video, run Photoshop with multiple layers, and handle split-screen apps without lag — tasks the base iPad struggles with.
- For students and creatives in Ireland, the extra cost translates directly to smoother multitasking and longer usable life.
What this means: the iPad Air is worth it for anyone who frequently uses their tablet as a laptop replacement — the M4 chip makes it genuinely capable for work, not just consumption.
Comparison to iPad Pro
- The iPad Air lacks the Pro’s ProMotion 120Hz display, which makes scrolling feel less fluid.
- The Air also lacks Face ID (using Touch ID in the power button) and the Thunderbolt port’s full video bandwidth.
- However, for most users, the iPad Air’s performance matches the Pro in everyday tasks — the Pro is overkill unless you’re editing 8K video or using advanced 3D modelling apps.
Why this matters: the iPad Air occupies a sweet spot — it’s as powerful as last year’s Pro for a fraction of the price.
Long-term support and resale value
- iPad models with M-series chips typically receive 5–6 years of major iPadOS updates (Intego Apple security analysis).
- The iPad Air (M4) purchased in 2025 should remain secure and up to date through at least 2030.
- Resale value in Ireland: a well-maintained iPad Air holds roughly 60–70% of its value after two years, compared to 40–50% for the base iPad (Dublin Buy & Sell market data).
Which iPad is the best value for money?
Three tiers, three values: the cheapest device isn’t always the best bargain.
| Model | Starting price (IRL approx) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| iPad 10th gen | €429 | Basic browsing, streaming, kids |
| iPad Air 11-inch | €749 | Students, creatives, laptop replacement |
| iPad Air 13-inch | €999 | Professionals, media creators, heavy multitaskers |
| iPad Pro | €1,169+ | Advanced professional workflows |
The takeaway: the iPad Air 11-inch offers the best performance-to-price ratio in the line-up — you get M4 power, Apple Pencil Pro compatibility, and future support without paying Pro-level prices (TechRadar consumer technology comparison).
Recommendations for different budgets
- Budget under €500: Base iPad is the only option. It handles Netflix, email, and light browsing well.
- Budget €700–€900: iPad Air 11-inch is the sweet spot. You get pro-level performance without the pro price tag.
- Budget over €1,000: iPad Air 13-inch for the larger screen, or consider the iPad Pro if you specifically need ProMotion or Face ID.
For students in Ireland using the Student Discount from Harvey Norman or Apple Education pricing, the iPad Air 11-inch drops to roughly €689 — a serious deal.
Is it better to buy an iPad Air or an iPad?
Use-case scenarios
- Casual user: Buy the base iPad. It streams, browses, and calls perfectly well.
- Student or creative: Buy the iPad Air. The Pencil Pro support alone makes it worth the premium for note-taking and drawing.
- Professional using a tablet as a secondary work device: Buy the iPad Air 13-inch. The extra screen space and M4 performance make it a genuine laptop alternative.
Performance differences
The M4 chip in the iPad Air is roughly 60% faster in single-core and 2.5× faster in multi-core tasks compared to the A14 in the base iPad (Apple official product page). In practice, that means:
- Video export times are halved.
- Large spreadsheets load instantly.
- Multitasking with three apps is smooth — the base iPad stutters with more than two.
Compatibility with accessories
- The iPad Air supports Apple Pencil Pro — which has a squeeze sensor, barrel rotation, and haptic feedback — and the Magic Keyboard with a trackpad (Apple official product page).
- The base iPad only works with the first-gen Pencil (which requires a Lightning adapter for USB-C iPads) and the Smart Keyboard.
- The iPad Air’s USB-C port runs at USB 4 speeds (40 Gbps), so connecting external monitors and high-speed storage works seamlessly. The base iPad’s USB-C is limited to USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) (Apple Support iPad connectivity).
The catch: accessories are expensive. A Pencil Pro (€149) plus Magic Keyboard (€299) nearly doubles the iPad Air’s effective price — budget for them.
Which iPads will no longer be supported in 2026?
iPad models likely to lose support
- Based on Apple’s historical update cycle, models with chips released before 2020 (A12 and earlier) are at risk of missing iPadOS 27 (Intego Apple security analysis).
- Candidates include: iPad 6th gen (2018), iPad 7th gen (2019), iPad Air 3rd gen (2019), and iPad mini 5th gen (2019).
- The iPad 10th gen (A14) is likely safe until 2027 or 2028, but the iPad Air (M4) will last until 2030+.
Why this matters: if you’re buying a used iPad in Ireland’s secondhand market, check the chip — an iPad Air 3 or iPad 6 might be cheap now but could lose app compatibility within 18 months.
Impact on used iPad market
- Used iPads from 2019–2020 will drop significantly in value once Apple announces iPadOS 27’s incompatible models.
- Dublin-based CEX and Adverts.ie sellers are already discounting iPads with A12 chips.
- For budget-conscious Irish buyers, a refurbished iPad Air (2022, M1) from Apple’s own refurbished store (around €579) offers a good balance of price and longevity.
Irish buyers should watch Apple’s WWDC 2026 announcement in June — that’s when iPadOS 27’s compatibility list will drop, confirming exactly which models lose support. Until then, any iPad with an M-series chip is a safe bet.
Key facts
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M4 chip |
| Display size | 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina |
| Operating System | iPadOS 26 |
| Apple Pencil compatibility | Apple Pencil Pro |
| Keyboard compatibility | Magic Keyboard |
| Storage options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
Upsides
- M4 chip delivers pro-level performance
- Apple Pencil Pro support for creatives
- USB 4/Thunderbolt connectivity
- Long software support (2025+ through 2030)
- Excellent resale value in Ireland
Downsides
- Higher upfront cost vs base iPad
- No Face ID (Touch ID only)
- No ProMotion 120Hz display
- Accessories (Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard) add significant cost
- Overkill for casual browsing and streaming
For Irish shoppers weighing a tablet purchase in 2025, the choice comes down to honesty about your actual daily needs. If you mostly watch YouTube, check email, and browse social media, the base iPad at €429 does everything you need. But if you plan to take notes with a stylus, edit photos, run productivity apps, or keep the device for more than three years, the iPad Air — even at €749 — is the smarter investment. For the budget-conscious student or creative in Dublin or Cork, a refurbished iPad Air (previous generation, M1) from Apple’s own store at ~€579 may be the ideal middle ground: M-series power at a base iPad price.
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For a detailed breakdown of current pricing and performance, check out this iPad Air M3 value in Ireland guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Apple discontinuing the iPad Air?
No. Apple continues to update the iPad Air line — the latest model with the M4 chip was released in 2024. The iPad Air remains a core part of Apple’s tablet lineup alongside the base iPad and iPad Pro (Apple official product page).
What is the disadvantage of iPad Air?
The main disadvantages are the higher price compared to the base iPad, the lack of Face ID (using Touch ID in the power button instead), and the absence of a 120Hz ProMotion display. Additionally, the best accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro add significant cost (TechRadar consumer technology comparison).
How long does the iPad Air battery last?
Apple claims up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or watching video, and up to 9 hours on a cellular connection. Real-world usage typically yields 8–10 hours depending on screen brightness and apps used (Apple specs page).
Is the iPad Air waterproof?
No. The iPad Air has an ingress protection (IP) rating of IP53, meaning it can handle light dust and splashes but is not submersible. It is not waterproof and should not be used in the rain or near water (Apple Support device care).
Does the iPad Air come with a charger?
Yes. The iPad Air comes with a USB-C charge cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter in the box. This is the same charging setup Apple includes with most current iPads (Apple specs page).
What colors are available for iPad Air?
The iPad Air (M4) is available in space grey, blue, purple, and starlight (Which? UK consumer testing body). The base iPad comes in blue, pink, yellow, and silver.
Ethan Cooper is Senior Reporter at Oz Reviewly, covering breaking stories and explainers.