iPad Air (M4) vs iPad Pro (M5)
The iPad Pro adds an Ultra Retina XDR OLED 120Hz screen, the M5 chip and Face ID; the iPad Air gives most of the power for much less.
Updated 11 November 2026
Screen
Pro: Ultra Retina XDR OLED with 120Hz ProMotion, deep blacks and very bright HDR. Air: Liquid Retina LCD at 60Hz, still sharp and colourful for study, video and drawing.
Performance
The M5 in the iPad Pro is faster for pro video, 3D and AI apps. The M4 in the iPad Air is already faster than most people need, so everyday apps and games feel the same on both.
Design and extras
The iPad Pro is thinner, uses Face ID and supports faster Thunderbolt connections. Both work with the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard for iPad.
Storage
The iPad Pro starts at 256GB with options up to 1TB and more; the iPad Air starts at 128GB. Pick the Pro if you shoot and edit lots of video.
Value
For most buyers the Air is the smarter buy (iPad Air 11 (M4)); pros pick the Pro (iPad Pro 11 (M5)). Compare every model on (iPad Pro) and (iPad Air).
