Apple has just rolled out the new iPad Air, now powered by its first M4 chip. The move feels like a bold statement that the tablet segment still has room for high‑end innovation. The device starts at $599 for the 11‑inch Wi‑Fi model and $799 for the 13‑inch version, while education discounts bring the 11‑inch down to $549 and the 13‑inch to $749. Pre‑orders open on March 4 and the tablets hit shelves on March 11.
Under the hood, the M4 gives the Air a real punch. An eight‑core CPU and nine‑core GPU deliver up to 30 percent more speed than the M3 version and over double the performance of the old M1. That means video editing in Final Cut Pro, photo compositing in Pixelmator, and even heavy gaming feel smoother and faster than ever before. The 16‑core Neural Engine runs on‑device AI at triple the speed of the M1, and the unified memory jumps 50 percent to 12 GB, with bandwidth rising to 120 GB/s. The result is AI‑driven features that feel instantaneous, whether you’re transcribing lectures or auto‑removing video backgrounds.
Connectivity sees a fresh update too. Apple’s new N1 wireless chip brings Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support, giving better stability on 5 GHz networks. Cellular models get the C1X modem, which can boost data speeds by up to 50 percent while using 30 percent less power than the M3 version. 5G is standard, and eSIM makes adding or switching plans a breeze.
iPadOS 26 is the software companion that rounds out the experience. A new windowing system lets users drag apps side‑by‑side, while a redesigned Files app offers better organization. The Preview app gives quick sketching and PDF markup, and background tasks run silently thanks to improved power management. Apple Intelligence adds smart suggestions that respect privacy, turning the tablet into a more helpful partner.
Accessories still play a big part. The Apple Pencil (USB‑C) remains a solid, affordable choice, and the newer Apple Pencil Pro offers additional gestures like squeeze and barrel roll, plus Find My support. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air gives a laptop‑like typing feel, a trackpad, and a magnetic hinge that keeps the keyboard and tablet connected without Bluetooth.
For those who bought earlier Air models, the jump to M4 means a real performance boost, better camera and audio, and a new lineup of software features. The device is still positioned as a premium tablet but retains the price point that makes it accessible to students and small‑business users.
Despite its price, the new iPad Air with M4 is a strategic move that will reshape the tablet market, proving Apple can outpace Android in performance while staying affordable.
Via Apple introduces the new iPad Air, powered by M4
Gladstone is a tech virtuoso, boasting a dynamic 25-year journey through the digital landscape. A maestro of code, he has engineered cutting-edge software, orchestrated high-performing teams, and masterminded robust system architectures. His experience covers large-scale systems, as well as the intricacies of embedded systems and microcontrollers. A proud alumnus of a prestigious British institution, he wields a computer-science-related honours degree.