Apple’s New iPad Air Debuts With Powerful M4 Chip
▼ Summary
– Apple has announced a new iPad Air powered by the M4 processor, the same chip used in its 2024 iPad Pro and some Mac models.
– The new iPad Air is claimed to be up to 30% faster than its M3 predecessor and includes the N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
– Cellular models feature a new modem offering up to 50% faster data performance while using 30% less energy than the previous model.
– The tablet will be available for preorder on March 4th, with shipping starting March 11th, starting at $599 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model.
– It comes in two sizes (11-inch and 13-inch) and four colors (blue, purple, starlight, and space gray), with pricing increasing for larger sizes and cellular connectivity.
Apple’s latest iPad Air arrives with a significant leap in performance, now equipped with the powerful M4 processor that also drives the company’s most advanced iPad Pro and Mac models. This upgrade positions the mid-tier tablet as a remarkably capable device for demanding tasks, creative work, and everyday productivity. The integration of this chip delivers a substantial speed increase, with Apple claiming the new model is up to 30 percent faster than its M3-powered predecessor from the previous year.
Beyond raw processing power, the new iPad Air receives a comprehensive connectivity overhaul. It incorporates the Apple-designed N1 wireless networking chip, which brings support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 standards, alongside Thread connectivity for smart home devices. For users who need constant online access, the cellular models feature an advanced C1X modem. Apple states this modem provides up to 50 percent faster cellular data speeds while simultaneously using up to 30 percent less energy compared to the modem in the last-generation iPad Air, promising better performance and longer battery life on the go.
The new tablet will be available for preorder beginning March 4th through Apple’s official channels, with shipments starting on March 11th. Pricing maintains the familiar entry points, starting at $599 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model with 128GB of storage. Storage can be configured up to 1TB for users needing more space. Adding cellular connectivity to the 11-inch model increases the starting price to $749. For those preferring a larger canvas, the 13-inch iPad Air starts at $799 for the Wi-Fi version and $949 for the cellular-capable model. Both sizes will be offered in a choice of four finishes: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.
This announcement follows the incremental update the iPad Air received in early 2025, which introduced the M3 chip and enhanced Apple Intelligence features but notably skipped the then-new M4 processor. That previous generation established the current two-size lineup with its 11-inch and 13-inch options at the same starting price points and color selections. The latest refresh directly addresses that gap, bringing the Air model much closer to the cutting-edge technology found in Apple’s professional-tier devices.
(Source: The Verge)
