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Apple announced the M4 iPad Air in Canada on March 2, 2026. Pre-orders opened March 4 and retail availability began March 11. The current Apple Canada store price observed on August 18, 2026 starts at $999 CAD for the 11-inch Wi‑Fi model and $1,299 for the 13-inch Wi‑Fi model—$200 more than the starting prices Apple announced at launch.
Current Canadian prices
The following prices are from Apple’s Canadian purchase page as observed August 18, 2026. They are in Canadian dollars and generally exclude provincial sales tax.
| Size | Storage | Connectivity | Apple Canada price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-inch | 128GB | Wi‑Fi | $999 |
| 11-inch | 256GB | Wi‑Fi | $1,149 |
| 11-inch | 512GB | Wi‑Fi | $1,429 |
| 11-inch | 1TB | Wi‑Fi | $1,859 |
| 11-inch | 128GB | Wi‑Fi + Cellular | $1,199 |
| 11-inch | 256GB | Wi‑Fi + Cellular | $1,349 |
| 11-inch | 512GB | Wi‑Fi + Cellular | $1,629 |
| 11-inch | 1TB | Wi‑Fi + Cellular | $2,059 |
| 13-inch | 128GB | Wi‑Fi | $1,299 |
| 13-inch | 256GB | Wi‑Fi | $1,449 |
| 13-inch | 512GB | Wi‑Fi | $1,729 |
| 13-inch | 1TB | Wi‑Fi | $2,159 |
| 13-inch | 128GB | Wi‑Fi + Cellular | $1,499 |
| 13-inch | 256GB | Wi‑Fi + Cellular | $1,649 |
| 13-inch | 512GB | Wi‑Fi + Cellular | $1,929 |
| 13-inch | 1TB | Wi‑Fi + Cellular | $2,359 |
Check the live Apple Canada store before ordering because prices, promotions and inventory can change.
Why the price headlines conflict
Apple’s March announcement quoted launch starting prices of $799 for the 11-inch Wi‑Fi model and $1,099 for the 13-inch Wi‑Fi model. The current store listing is $999 and $1,299, respectively. Apple also announced cellular launch prices of $999 (11-inch) and $1,299 (13-inch); the observed current prices are $1,199 and $1,499.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air with the Apple M4 chip packs even more performance into a beautiful design, and it comes in two portable sizes. It features Apple Intelligence* along with a stunning Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, advanced cameras, and Wi-Fi 7.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — Run apps and get more done with the game-changing capabilities and intuitive design of iPadOS. The flexible windowing system lets you control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you create, communicate, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
| Configuration | March launch price | Current price observed Aug. 18 |
|---|---|---|
| 11-inch Wi‑Fi | $799 | $999 |
| 13-inch Wi‑Fi | $1,099 | $1,299 |
| 11-inch cellular | $999 | $1,199 |
| 13-inch cellular | $1,299 | $1,499 |
Use the March figures only as launch pricing, not as the current Canadian MSRP.
What Apple changed
- M4 chip: an 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, hardware-accelerated ray tracing and a 16-core Neural Engine.
- 12GB unified memory: with 120GB/s memory bandwidth, useful for multitasking and demanding creative or AI workloads.
- Connectivity: Wi‑Fi models add Wi‑Fi 7 through Apple’s N1 chip; cellular models use Apple’s C1X modem and eSIM.
- Cameras and audio: a landscape 12MP Center Stage front camera and landscape stereo speakers.
- Storage: 128GB is now the entry capacity, with 256GB, 512GB and 1TB options.
- Software: iPadOS 26 introduces a redesigned windowing interface. Apple Intelligence is supported, although features depend on region, language and software availability.
Apple claims up to 30% faster performance than the M3 Air, up to 2.3 times the M1 Air’s performance, more than four times faster ray-traced rendering than M1 and substantially faster Neural Engine and graphics performance. These are Apple test claims using selected workloads, not independent benchmarks or guaranteed gains in every app.
Specifications that remain familiar
Both sizes use a Liquid Retina display with P3 wide colour, True Tone and an antireflective coating. The 11-inch panel is 2360×1640 pixels at 264 ppi and 500 nits; the 13-inch is 2732×2048 at 264 ppi and 600 nits. Neither has the iPad Pro’s ProMotion refresh rate or Ultra Retina XDR display.
The Air retains USB‑C, Touch ID in the top button, a 12MP rear camera capable of 4K video, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB‑C and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air. The box includes the iPad, a one-metre USB‑C cable and a 20W USB‑C power adapter; accessories are extra.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air with the Apple M4 chip packs even more performance into a beautiful design, and it comes in two portable sizes. It features Apple Intelligence* along with a stunning Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, advanced cameras, and Wi-Fi 7.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — Run apps and get more done with the game-changing capabilities and intuitive design of iPadOS. The flexible windowing system lets you control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you create, communicate, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
Which size and connectivity make sense?
11-inch versus 13-inch
Choose the 11-inch model for reading, travel, handwritten notes and handheld use. It is cheaper and easier to carry. Choose 13 inches when split-screen work, drawing, video editing or a keyboard-based workstation matters. The larger model is not faster—the M4 and memory configuration are the same—so you are paying mainly for screen area and size.
Wi‑Fi versus cellular
Wi‑Fi is the better value for most home, school and office users who can use a phone hotspot. Cellular adds roughly $200 at each listed capacity and still requires a compatible carrier plan with its own data charges. It is most useful for frequent travellers, field workers and people who regularly lack reliable Wi‑Fi.
How much storage?
128GB works for streaming, cloud storage, notes and ordinary apps. At $150 more, 256GB is the safer choice for downloaded media, games, photo libraries and video projects. The 512GB and 1TB versions make sense mainly for professionals who keep large media libraries locally.
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Who should buy—and who should wait?
New buyers and creators: The M4 Air offers considerable performance headroom for editing, graphics, demanding games and AI-enabled workflows. The 12GB memory configuration may matter more in sustained multitasking than the M4 label alone.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air with the Apple M4 chip packs even more performance into a beautiful design, and it comes in two portable sizes. It features Apple Intelligence* along with a stunning Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, advanced cameras, and Wi-Fi 7.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — Run apps and get more done with the game-changing capabilities and intuitive design of iPadOS. The flexible windowing system lets you control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you create, communicate, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
M1 Air owners: The upgrade is easier to justify if you need Wi‑Fi 7, the Center Stage camera, more storage, newer software features or faster graphics. Apple’s claimed gains are workload-dependent.
M2 or M3 Air owners: Routine browsing, notes, streaming and office work are unlikely to feel dramatically different. Upgrade only for a specific feature or workflow.
Students and budget buyers: Apple lists the base iPad from $649 in Canada. Its A16 chip is sufficient for schoolwork, browsing and streaming, but it lacks the Air’s M4 platform, Apple Intelligence support and Apple Pencil Pro compatibility.
Pro users: The iPad Pro starts at $1,699 on Apple’s Canadian comparison page and adds ProMotion, Ultra Retina XDR and higher-end camera and display options. The Air is the more rational choice if those features are not essential.
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air with the Apple M4 chip packs even more performance into a beautiful design, and it comes in two portable sizes. It features Apple Intelligence* along with a stunning Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, advanced cameras, and Wi-Fi 7.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — Run apps and get more done with the game-changing capabilities and intuitive design of iPadOS. The flexible windowing system lets you control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you create, communicate, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 13-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
Budget for the complete setup
Apple’s announced Canadian accessory prices were $379 for the 11-inch Magic Keyboard, $399 for the 13-inch version, $169 for Apple Pencil Pro and $109 for Apple Pencil USB‑C. Verify current prices at checkout. A 13-inch 128GB Air plus its Magic Keyboard and Pencil Pro would have totalled about $1,667 before tax using the announced launch prices; that is an illustration, not a current checkout quote.
Also account for a case, screen protector, AppleCare+ and—on cellular models—a data plan. Apple’s store FAQ lists accidental-damage service fees of $39 for screen damage and $129 for other accidental damage on eligible iPads launched after May 1, 2024. Whether AppleCare+ is worthwhile depends on your risk tolerance and replacement habits.
Eligible students and educators should check the Apple Education Store for current education pricing and promotions. Apple also offers trade-in estimates through Apple Trade In; online values can change after inspection. Financing through Affirm may be available, but approval, rates and terms apply—monthly payments do not reduce the total cost.
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Bottom line
The M4 iPad Air is a substantial internal refresh rather than a redesign. It is a strong choice for new buyers who need M-series performance, creators, and owners of older M1 hardware. But the current Canadian entry prices—$999 for 11-inch Wi‑Fi and $1,299 for 13-inch Wi‑Fi—are materially higher than Apple’s March launch headlines. For basic tablet use, the $649 base iPad is better value; for ProMotion and the best display, step up to the iPad Pro.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
