Apple has just announced the MacBook Neo and iPad Air M4. And while the former has caused a huge buzz as the cheapest MacBook ever, both devices start at $599 / £599, presenting something of a conundrum for consumers: Do you opt for the traditional laptop functionality and flexible macOS architecture of the Neo or embrace the iPad’s unrivaled portability and slick, touch-based controls?
If you absolutely need the flexibility of macOS, the choice is an easy one. But if you can live with iPadOS, the iPad Air M4’s more powerful processor, 12GB of unified memory, and more color-accurate display are extremely enticing. And with ESR Tech’s new range of iPad Air M4 accessories, you can imbue your new iPad with MacBook functionality via a traditional keyboard and trackpad.
This is made possible by the ESR Shift detachable keyboard case, which provides a laptop-style keyboard and trackpad. Granted, one of the biggest differences between a MacBook and an iPad is that the former runs on macOS and the latter runs on iPadOS. However, with the recent release of iPadOS 26, Apple’s iPad operating system has never been closer to macOS, with its redesigned windowing system lending itself to both touch and traditional keyboard-and-cursor controls.
For those who want more traditional tablet functionality, the ESR Shift is also available without a keyboard. But that’s not all. The Geo Digital Pencil is ESR’s answer to the Apple Pencil, allowing you to sketch and take notes digitally. Serious digital artists can also take advantage of ESR’s textured, tempered glass screen protector, providing both protection and an authentic paper feel when drawing. And for everybody else, there’s the standard ESR UltraFit Armorite Screen Protector.
The downside of additional accessories is that they do push up the cost, but ESR products are priced extremely competitively and retail for a fraction of Apple-branded alternatives. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each accessory…
ESR Shift Keyboard Case (Detachable)
The ESR Shift Keyboard Case is a great solution for those who want the Apple iPad Air M4 but don’t want to lose that traditional MacBook functionality completely. It’s available in both 11- and 13-inch variants (560g and 735g, respectively), features ESR’s proprietary Air Guard corners to help keep your iPad safe, and leaves room for a magnetically attached stylus.
You can angle the device from 20° to 75° in landscape orientation, while also having access to a fixed low-angle 20° landscape mode and 70° portrait mode, for viewing comfort, whether you’re watching a show, sketching with a stylus, or typing away at the detachable keyboard and trackpad. The latter connects via Bluetooth, so you can use it while it’s attached to the case or detach it for more flexible working.
The trackpad features an edge-to-edge active area that’s 100% clickable and supports multi-touch gestures, enabling you to navigate iPadOS 26 via a more conventional cursor, so MacBook users should feel right at home. What’s most enticing about the ESR Shift Keyboard Case is its price in comparison to the Apple Magic Keyboard. It retails for just $89.99 / £89.99, while a Magic Keyboard starts from $269 / £269.
ESR Shift Magnetic Case
Not everybody wants an iPad to function like a MacBook, which is why the ESR Shift Magnetic Case exists, which retails for $58.99 / £56.99. Free from the constraints of a keyboard, this simple accessory protects both iPad and screen, while allowing you to angle the device in landscape orientation at varying angles, as well as accommodating portrait-orientation viewing. A neat feature is the ability to completely detach the back for more comfortable handheld use. This case can even be magnetically attached to a fridge, so you can watch shows or follow recipes in your kitchen.
ESR Geo Digital Pencil
I’ve tested plenty of pen displays in my time, and modern iPads truly excel when paired with a stylus, whether you’re simply navigating the interface, taking notes, sketching, photo editing, or producing serious digital artworks. The ESR Geo Digital Pencil is a Bluetooth device that works with all iPad models after 2018, boasts magnetic attachment (not all models are compatible, so check yours), and features palm rejection and tilt sensitivity.
It also works with Apple’s Find My app, alerting you to its position with a sound alert so you can find it when you’ve inevitably put it down somewhere and promptly forgotten. The Geo Digital Pencil isn’t pressure sensitive and is charged via an included USB cable, placing it more in line with the Apple Pencil (USB-C). However, it retails for roughly half the price at $32.99 / £32.99.
ESR UltraFit Armorite Screen Protector
No iPad should be without a quality screen protector, but if you’re anything like me, the thought of applying a bubble- and dust-free protector over an 11- or 13-inch screen is the stuff of nightmares. But not only does ESR claim that the UltraFit Armorite Screen Protector boasts “7x the impact absorption of generic protectors,” but it comes with the UltraFit Tray, a housing that’s specifically designed to prevent air bubbles and trapped dust.
And thanks to the protector’s ultra-thin glass, you can still expect highly sensitive and precise touch controls. As mentioned, prolific stylus users can also opt for the ESR UltraFit Armorite Paper-Feel, which provides a micro-grit surface that simulates the tactile feeling of drawing on paper when using a stylus.
Whether you’re looking to embrace the iPad Air M4’s tablet functionality or bridge the gap between iPad and MacBook, ESR’s new range of iPad Air M4 accessories is designed to provide protection and increased functionality at highly affordable prices. With the release of iPadOS 26, together with the adoption of Apple’s M4 silicon chip and a generous helping of 12GB of unified memory, the MacBook and iPad have never been closer in terms of raw power and functionality. ESR’s iPad Air M4 accessories allow you to bridge the hardware gap, too.
