The iPad Air with the M4 chip almost caught up with the Pro version in the first Geekbench tests

The new Apple iPad Air with the M4 chip has already begun to attract attention not only due to its updated hardware but also thanks to initial benchmark results, which show its performance is close to what Pro models typically achieve. In the well-known benchmarking app Geekbench, the new model scored approximately 3,714 points in single-core testing and approximately 12,296 points in multi-core testing, making it significantly faster than the previous-generation M3-based Air and bringing it closer to Apple's professional models.

Mar 4, 2026 0 2

The iPad Air with the M4 chip almost caught up with the Pro version in the first Geekbench tests

Geekbench is a popular processor benchmark that measures CPU and GPU performance in single-core and multi-core scenarios.

The new tablet's results confirm that Apple continues to blur the lines between mainstream and professional devices within its lineup. While the iPad Air's M4 chip features an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, the more expensive iPad Pros use higher-core variants, which are required for larger projects. However, for everyday use, the difference may not be as significant.

In benchmarks, the Air shows a 17% increase in single-core performance and almost 8% in multi-core performance compared to the M3-equipped iPad Air, making it a significant upgrade for those planning to upgrade from older models or looking for a powerful tablet. This combination allows Apple to position the new iPad Air, with its powerful processor, between the top-end iPad Pros and the more affordable Air versions with the older M2 processor.

The iPad Air M4 is now available for pre-order, and will reportedly go on sale on March 11. The new tablet with 128GB of storage starts at approximately $659 in China, while the 13-inch version starts at $899. If real-world benchmarks confirm the Geekbench results, the iPad Air could become one of the most well-rounded devices in the Apple ecosystem—powerful and versatile, aimed at a wide range of users.

Apple also announced the MacBook Air, powered by the M5 processor, which delivers exceptional performance and advanced AI capabilities. It features a fast CPU and GPU with a neural network accelerator, along with 512GB of storage (up to 4TB). Available in 13-inch and 15-inch models, the Air will be available in four colors. Pre-orders begin on March 4, with sales beginning on March 11.