Apple’s latest iPad Air is a step forward in performance, thanks to its new M4 chip. However, it doesn’t match the full potential of the M4 found in the iPad Pro.
The key difference lies in the CPU configuration. The iPad Air’s M4 has an 8-core design—three performance cores and five efficiency cores—whereas the iPad Pro offers either a 9-core or 10-core variant, depending on the model. This choice significantly impacts multi-threaded workloads, with benchmarks showing a 22.8% performance gap between the iPad Air’s M4 and the top-tier iPad Pro.
Despite this, the iPad Air remains a capable device, especially for everyday tasks. The single-core performance is nearly identical across all three models, meaning real-world differences may not be as pronounced as raw benchmarks suggest. Still, developers and power users should note that heavy multi-threading workloads will run slower on the iPad Air compared to the Pro.
- Key specs:
- Chip: M4 (8-core: 3 performance + 5 efficiency cores)
- iPad Pro comparison: M4 with 9 or 10 cores
- Multi-core performance loss: Up to 22.8% vs. iPad Pro
- Single-core performance: Nearly identical across models
The trade-off is part of a broader strategy by Apple, where binned chipsets are used to balance cost and performance. This approach isn’t new—it was also seen in the recent iPhone 17e—but it’s worth acknowledging for users who prioritize raw power.
For most consumers, the iPad Air remains an excellent choice, offering strong single-threaded performance at a more accessible price. However, those relying on heavy multi-threading should consider the Pro for better efficiency.
