iPad Air Gets M4 Chip and 12GB RAM for a Major Boost
â–Ľ Summary
– Apple has announced a new iPad Air, which is a mild update that primarily replaces the M3 chip with the new M4 processor.
– The M4 chip also brings an upgrade from 8GB to 12GB of RAM, which is intended to better support multitasking features in iPadOS.
– The iPad Air is available in 11-inch ($599) and 13-inch ($799) sizes, with the base models still offering only 128GB of storage.
– Storage upgrades are available for an additional cost, and preorders for the tablet begin on March 4, with availability starting March 11.
– The new model retains the same design as recent predecessors but, like the M2 and M3 versions, is only compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and not the second-generation Pencil.
Apple has unveiled the latest iteration of its popular iPad Air, delivering a significant performance upgrade that centers on the powerful new M4 chip. This new silicon is paired with a welcome increase in system memory, now offering 12GB of RAM compared to the previous generation’s 8GB. This combination is poised to provide a substantial boost, particularly for users who leverage the advanced multitasking capabilities expected in future versions of iPadOS.
The tablet maintains its familiar form factor, available in both 11-inch and 13-inch display sizes. Pricing starts at $599 for the smaller model and $799 for the larger one. A point of contention for some will be the base storage configuration, which remains at 128GB. For those needing more space, upgrades are available: 256GB for an additional $100, 512GB for $300 more, and a 1TB option for a $500 premium. Customers can place their preorders beginning March 4, with general availability starting on March 11.
Externally, the new model is virtually identical to its immediate predecessors. It shares the same design language as the M2 iPad Air introduced in 2024 and the M3 model from last year. This design lineage traces back to the M1 iPad Air, though the M2 version introduced subtle tweaks that altered accessory compatibility. A key detail for users is that models equipped with the M2 chip and later, including this new M4 version, are designed to work with the Apple Pencil Pro. They do not support the older second-generation Apple Pencil, so accessory compatibility is an important consideration for upgraders.
(Source: Ars Technica)
