Early Geekbench scores for the M4 iPad Air reveal performance nearly identical to the M4 iPad Pro, confirming Apple's strategy of using the same processor across both devices. The iPad Air with M4 scored 3,714 in single-core and 12,296 in multi-core tests, compared to the iPad Pro's 3,691 and 13,663 respectively. The slight multi-core advantage comes from the iPad Pro's 10-core CPU versus the Air's 8-core configuration.

These results, first spotted by MacRumors, show that most users won't notice a meaningful difference in everyday use. The single-core scores being virtually identical demonstrates both devices tap into the same M4 core architecture. The multi-core gap exists but remains modest, with the iPad Pro's extra cores providing only incremental gains in heavily threaded workloads.

For consumers, this means the iPad Air delivers nearly Pro-level performance at a lower price point. The $599 starting price for the 11-inch model makes it an attractive option for users who don't need the additional features found in the Pro lineup. With Apple expanding iPad app capabilities, the Air's slightly reduced core count won't impact most workflows, making it a compelling choice for those seeking M4 performance without the Pro premium.