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iPad Air M3 vs M4: what changes on the 11-inch model?

Published · VoltVault Team

If an open-box M3 is on your list, the useful question is what an M4 adds. On Apple's tech specs the two 11-inch models share the screen, cameras, GPU core count and Pencil support. The differences Apple documents are the CPU core split, memory (8GB RAM on the M3, 12GB unified memory on the M4) and wireless (Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 on the M3, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 on the M4). Both columns below are the 11-inch models, from Apple's tech specs.

Side by side: manufacturer specs

iPad Air 11-inch (M3) vs iPad Air 11-inch (M4): manufacturer specifications
SpeciPad Air 11-inch (M3)iPad Air 11-inch (M4)
Year introduced20252026
CPU8-core: 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores8-core: 3 performance and 5 efficiency cores
GPU and Neural Engine9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Memory8GB RAM12GB unified memory
WirelessWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 6, Apple N1 wireless chip
Display2360 by 1640, 264 ppi, 500 nits2360 by 1640, 264 ppi, 500 nits
Cameras12MP Wide rear, 12MP Center Stage front12MP Wide rear, 12MP Center Stage front
Apple Pencil supportApple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C)Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Size9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches
Weight (Wi-Fi model)1.01 pounds1.02 pounds

From Apple's tech specs (iPad Air 11-inch M3, iPad Air 11-inch M4). Apple words the media-engine lines of the two pages differently, so we do not read a difference into them. A feature list is not a benchmark: if a drawing, editing or game app is your reason to pay more, check that app's own requirements first.

Choose by what you want to change

  • Notes, reading, streaming and video calls: Apple lists the same display, cameras, GPU core count and Pencil support for both, and the same "up to 10 hours" of web or video use on Wi-Fi. The spec sheets show no gap for these.
  • Bigger files or many apps open at once: Apple lists 12GB of unified memory for the M4 and 8GB of RAM for the M3. We have not measured what that means in a given app.
  • Newer wireless: the M4 lists Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, the M3 lists Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Apple notes that Wi-Fi 7 is available in countries and regions where supported, and a faster network also needs a router that supports it.
  • Pencil, keyboard and case: nothing to change, see the next section.

If the M3 already covers what you do, the spec sheets give no other documented reason to pay for the newer model.

Your Pencil, keyboard and case carry over

Apple's Apple Pencil compatibility list includes the 11-inch Air (M2, M3 and M4) for Apple Pencil Pro (iPadOS 17.5 or later) and Apple Pencil (USB-C) (iPadOS 17.1.1 or later). Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is not listed for these models. The names matter: 2nd generation, USB-C and Pro are three different pencils.

Apple's Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 11-inch (requires iPadOS 18.3 or later) and the Smart Folio for iPad Air 11-inch both list the 11-inch M2, M3 and M4. Some of these accessories are named for the M4, such as "Smart Folio for iPad Air 11-inch (M4)", but Apple's compatibility lists name the M3 as well. Match the exact iPad family and size before ordering: Apple Pencil Pro at $89 USD, Apple Pencil (USB-C) at $59 USD, Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 11-inch at $229 USD, Smart Folio for iPad Air 11-inch at $65 USD. Each is a separate product, not a bundle.

What our M3 listing covers

Our iPad Air (M3, 11") at $479 USD is the 11-inch 128GB Wi-Fi model, open-box, never used. Check the color on the listing before you pay. The M4 is here for comparison only; we do not sell it. Coming from an older Air? See iPad Air M3 vs M2. Deciding on size instead? See iPad Air M3 11-inch vs 13-inch.

Ordering from the US

iPad Air (M3, 11"): Open-box, never used. Free tracked shipping from Utah, USA, and it ships within 2 business days after payment confirms. Pay with Bitcoin (BTC), USDC / USDT, Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), USDT (TRON), or Cash App (eligible orders). Covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee: return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund of the item price. If it arrived dead or not as described, we cover return shipping. Free tracked shipping from Utah. Card payments are refunded to the card you paid with.

See the iPad Air (M3, 11") →

Card on eligible items, or crypto: pay with Bitcoin (BTC), USDC / USDT, Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), USDT (TRON), or Cash App balance (USDC; orders up to $2,000). 30-day money-back for any reason — full item price (terms). Payment choices and step-by-step help.

Common questions

What is the difference between the iPad Air M3 and M4?

On Apple's 11-inch tech specs, the M4 lists a different CPU core split (3 performance and 5 efficiency cores against 4 and 4), 12GB of unified memory against 8GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 against Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Both list a 9-core GPU, the same 2360 by 1640 display and the same Pencil support.

Does the iPad Air M3 have Wi-Fi 7?

No. Apple lists Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3 for the 11-inch iPad Air M3. Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 6 are listed for the M4.

Are the iPad Air M3 and M4 the same size?

Yes. Apple lists 9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches for the 11-inch M3 and M4, and a Wi-Fi weight of 1.01 pounds for the M3 and 1.02 pounds for the M4. Both come in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes; VoltVault sells the 11-inch M3 Wi-Fi model.

Will my Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio work with the iPad Air M3?

Apple lists the 11-inch Air M3 and M4 for Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 11-inch and the Smart Folio for iPad Air 11-inch, so the same accessories fit both. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is not listed for these models.

Are a keyboard, case or Pencil included with the iPad Air M3?

No. They are separate products. Check the tablet listing's Includes line and each accessory listing before ordering.

Related guide

Manufacturer sources

Sources checked November 2026. Specifications and software requirements can change; the linked manufacturer pages are the authority.