Apple’s newly released M4 iPad Air is already seeing price drops, with discounts appearing across major retailers just hours after its launch. The 13-inch model with 128GB of storage is currently available for $749 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart – a $50 reduction from its $799 MSRP, marking its lowest price to date. This launch day deal extends to the 11-inch version as well, which remains discounted at $559, a $40 savings from its original price.
The availability of these discounts so quickly after release suggests strong competition and a potentially aggressive pricing strategy from retailers eager to capture early adopters of Apple’s latest tablet. The M4 iPad Air, unveiled last week, boasts Apple’s new M4 chip, promising enhanced performance and efficiency. The discounts apply to all color options – Space Gray, Blue, Purple, and Starlight – offering consumers a choice without sacrificing savings.
According to a review by tech editor Timothy Beck Werth, the M4 iPad Air delivers “iterative updates that improve an already stellar tablet.” Werth suggests the device is particularly well-suited for creators, artists, and students, highlighting its power and portability. The tablet features a Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, and support for Apple Intelligence, alongside Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.
Here’s a breakdown of the M4 iPad Air’s key specifications:
- Chip: Apple M4 chip with an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU
- RAM: 12GB
- Display: Liquid Retina touchscreen display with True Tone, a 60Hz refresh rate, 500/600 nits of brightness, and an anti-reflective coating
- Cameras: 12MP Wide rear camera and 12MP Center Stage camera
- Audio: Landscape stereo speakers, Dual mics
- Connectivity: Apple N1 wireless networking chip (WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6)
- Compatibility: Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard support
- Software: Apple Intelligence support
- Colors: Blue, purple, starlight, and space gray
For those considering a slightly older model, the 13-inch M3 iPad Air with 512GB of storage is also on sale at Amazon for $949, a $150 discount from its usual price of $1,099. This matches its record-low price from last Black Friday. While the M3 model features older connectivity technology and 8GB of RAM compared to the M4’s 12GB, it still offers a comparable design, display, and camera system, and remains a powerful option for many users. Werth notes that the M4’s upgrades primarily enhance its ability to handle AI-driven features.
The M4 iPad Air’s launch discounts are available now at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. These deals provide an opportunity for consumers to experience Apple’s latest tablet technology at a reduced price point.
As Apple continues to integrate AI capabilities into its devices, the M4 iPad Air’s enhanced processing power and support for Apple Intelligence position it as a compelling option for users seeking a versatile and future-proof tablet experience. The availability of these early discounts suggests a competitive market and a willingness from retailers to attract customers to Apple’s newest offering.
What impact will these early discounts have on future iPad Air pricing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.