don't pay apple's new m4 prices: save hundreds on the m3 ipad air

At a glance:\n- Best Buy offers up to $400 off Apple’s 2026 M3 iPad Air cellular models.\n- M3 iPad Air prices start at $499 for the 128 GB 11‑inch version, compared to $899 for the same M4 model.\n- M4 iPad Air is priced $400–$1,200 higher across all storage sizes and screen sizes.\n\n## Best Buy’s July sale\nBest Buy’s Fourth of July sale is currently running, and it features a big discount on Apple’s previous‑generation M3 iPad Air tablets. You can find up to $400 off these devices during the event, and the savings are particularly notable when compared to the recently increased prices of the 2026 M4 iPad Air.\n\n## M3 vs M4 iPad Air pricing\nThe savings focus on the cellular models of the M3 iPad Air, with these devices priced similarly to their Wi‑Fi only counterparts in many cases. The main difference between the M3 and M4 iPad Air generations is faster chip speed with the M4 chip, and upgraded wireless technologies, but otherwise the tablets are similar.\n\n### 11‑inch\n- 11‑inch M3 iPad Air (128GB Cell) – $499.00 ($899.00 for M4 model)\n- 11‑inch M3 iPad Air (256GB Cell) – $599.00 ($999.00 for M4 model)\n- 11‑inch M3 iPad Air (512GB Cell) – $749.00 ($1,199.00 for M4 model)\n- 11‑inch M3 iPad Air (1TB Cell) – $849.00 ($1,499.00 for M4 model)\n\n### 13‑inch\n- 13‑inch M3 iPad Air (128GB Cell) – $779.00 ($1,099.00 for M4 model)\n- 13‑inch M3 iPad Air (256GB Cell) – $879.00 ($1,199.00 for M4 model)\n- 13‑inch M3 iPad Air (512GB Cell) – $949.00 ($1,399.00 for M4 model)\n- 13‑inch M3 iPad Air (1TB Cell) – $1,049.00 ($1,699.00 for M4 model)\n\nThe Best Buy sale also highlights that the M4 iPad Air, while more expensive, offers a newer chip and improved wireless capabilities. The M3 models provide a more budget‑friendly option for users who still want the iPad Air form factor and cellular connectivity.\n\nMacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy, and a small commission may be earned when you click a link and make a purchase. The article also references an Apple Deals roundup that recaps the best Apple‑related bargains of the past week, as well as a Deals Newsletter that delivers weekly top stories directly to your inbox. Signing up for this newsletter can keep you informed about upcoming discounts before the sale ends.