At the same time, the question remains across almost every iPad generation. Can it replace a laptop? Let’s get that out of the way early. It can’t.
What it can do, however, is deliver a solid multimedia and productivity experience that gets almost everything done for most users. The real question is, to what extent? That’s exactly what we’re answering in this review.
Beyond that, the positioning is now clearer than ever. With Apple’s M-series chip inside, the iPad Air is no longer just a mid-tier tablet. It sits in a space where it starts overlapping with both Pro iPads and even entry-level laptops.
Price & Availability
The 11-inch iPad Air starts at ₹59,900, while the larger 13-inch variant is priced from ₹79,900. These prices are for the Wi-Fi models.
If you’re considering cellular variants, pricing begins at ₹79,900 for the 11-inch and ₹99,900 for the 13-inch, going higher depending on storage configurations.
The iPad Air is available via Apple’s official website, along with leading e-commerce platforms and authorised retail stores across India.
Design & Build
There is virtually no change in design, and that is not a bad thing. The iPad Air continues with its flat-edge aluminium build, available in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.The design hasn’t changed because it doesn’t really need to. This is a classic example of a product engineered to a point where improvements are difficult. Most of the meaningful changes are now happening under the hood.
One thing that does stand out is the continued absence of Face ID. Apple has stuck with Touch ID on the iPad Air for years now, while keeping Face ID exclusive to the Pro lineup. Touch ID works fine, but in 2026, it does feel slightly out of place.
If you are someone who is used to Face ID on your iPhone, the transition feels a bit jarring, especially when even more accessible devices now offer it.
We used the 13-inch variant, and the extra screen real estate is immediately noticeable. It is great for productivity and creative work, especially in client-facing scenarios.
That said, the larger size does take away some of the Air’s original charm. It starts to feel less like a casual tablet and more like a work-first device. If your usage leans toward design or presentations, the 13-inch makes sense. Otherwise, the 11-inch remains the more balanced option.
Display
The iPad Air continues with its Liquid Retina display, and this is a panel that has already proven itself over time. It is sharp, colour accurate, and great for both interaction and content consumption.
There is no option for nano-texture coating, so that is something to keep in mind if you work in reflective environments.
The bigger drawback, however, is the lack of ProMotion. The iPad Air is still limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, and that is increasingly noticeable.
After Apple started bringing higher refresh rates to more mainstream devices, there was an expectation that the Air would follow. That hasn’t happened, and it feels like a deliberate move to maintain separation from the Pro lineup.
Even then, the display holds up well. Apple Pencil support across generations is reliable, and the overall interaction feels smooth.
Typing directly on the screen is manageable, but on the 13-inch model, it can get uncomfortable over longer sessions. If you plan to use this as a primary device, the keyboard folio case is highly recommended as it significantly improves usability.
The quad speaker setup complements the display nicely, making the iPad Air a well-rounded entertainment device.
Performance
This is where the iPad Air really stands out.
It is powered by Apple’s M4 silicon, paired with 12GB of unified memory, up from 8GB in the previous generation. That jump is quite significant, especially if you tend to juggle multiple apps at once. The extra headroom is noticeable and also helps future-proof the device.
In everyday use, performance is fast, fluid, and consistent. Whether it is jumping between multiple apps, working on timelines in Adobe Premiere Pro, designing thumbnails on Adobe Illustrator, or playing games like Call of Duty Mobile, the iPad Air handles everything without breaking a sweat.
What stands out is not just raw speed, but consistency under load. While editing on Premiere Pro, scrubbing through timelines, adding transitions, layering clips, and exporting videos felt smooth, with no noticeable lag or stutter. Even with multiple apps running in the background, the device held its performance well.
On the design side, using Adobe Illustrator for creating thumbnails was equally seamless. Working with vector elements, layering graphics, adjusting typography, and using tools like the pen tool, shape builder, and real-time previews felt responsive and precise. The larger canvas, especially on the 13-inch model, really helps when you are dealing with detailed compositions. Paired with the Apple Pencil, tasks like fine adjustments and quick edits become even more intuitive.
Gaming is equally impressive. Titles like Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly with stable frame rates and responsive controls, making it a solid option for both casual and extended gaming sessions.
It is this balance of performance, stability, and versatility that makes the iPad Air feel reliable, whether you are working, creating, or just unwinding.
We had the 1TB variant for this review, and it felt more than sufficient. That said, we would recommend going for at least the 512GB variant, especially if you plan to design or work on larger files. Exports and assets can quickly take up space, and having that buffer makes a difference over time.
At the same time, there is still a ceiling. Users who consistently push from light to heavy workloads may still find a MacBook better suited for more demanding tasks.
Software
Software is where the iPad Air has evolved significantly.
With iPadOS 26, Apple has introduced a far more flexible windowing system that allows you to move and resize app windows freely using touch or a mouse. This makes multitasking feel much more natural than before, and a lot closer to how you would operate on a desktop.
In daily use, this genuinely changes how you interact with the device. You can have multiple apps open, resize them based on priority, and switch between workflows without feeling restricted. Whether you are referencing notes while editing, or browsing while working on a document, the experience feels smoother and more intuitive.
File management has also improved significantly. It is now reliable and far more usable than before. Organising files, accessing external storage, managing downloads, and moving assets between apps feels seamless. For workflows involving video editing, design files, or large exports, this removes one of the biggest friction points iPads used to have.
The benefits of Apple’s ecosystem also play a big role here. Features like continuity make the experience feel connected across devices. You can take calls directly on the iPad, copy something on your iPhone and paste it instantly on the iPad, and use AirDrop to quickly transfer files without any hassle. These small things add up and make day-to-day usage much smoother.
Combined with better app optimisation and tighter ecosystem integration, the iPad Air starts to feel like a serious productivity machine rather than just a tablet.
It still does not fully replace a laptop, especially for more complex workflows, but it is closer than ever. For a lot of users, it may already be enough.
Battery Life
Battery life continues to be one of the iPad Air’s strong suits.
In regular usage, including writing, browsing, and watching content, the device delivers around 9 to 10 hours on a single charge. That is enough to comfortably get through a full day without worrying about charging.
Even with heavier usage, the battery remains reliable and predictable.
Connectivity
The iPad Air supports Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring fast and stable wireless performance.
We had the cellular variant for this review, and the benefits are immediately clear. Having internet access on the go makes the device feel truly mobile, especially if you are working remotely or travelling frequently.
The USB-C port also enables faster data transfer and external display connectivity, adding to its versatility in productivity setups.
Cameras & Audio
The camera setup is simple and functional. The 12MP rear camera works well for scanning documents and occasional use.
The 12MP ultra-wide front camera, positioned in landscape orientation, is more relevant. It makes video calls feel natural, and Center Stage works reliably.
Audio is another strong point. The quad speaker setup delivers clear, balanced sound that complements both media consumption and casual usage.
Verdict
The iPad Air continues to hit a very sweet spot in Apple’s lineup.
It brings together strong performance, a proven display, and a design that is still among the best in the tablet space. With improvements in software, it gets closer than ever to being a laptop alternative, even if it does not fully replace one.
There are compromises. The lack of a higher refresh rate display and the absence of Face ID stand out.
But taken as a whole, this is a device that gets most things right. For users who want power, portability, and versatility without stepping into Pro pricing, the iPad Air remains one of the most sensible and well-rounded choices available today.
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