iPad Air Now Comes with the M4 SoC
Apple has just unveiled the latest version of its popular mid-range tablet, now equipped with the powerful M4 chip. This refresh brings a noticeable performance leap while keeping the familiar design and appealing price point that fans appreciate. Available in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, the new iPad Air delivers enhanced speed for everyday tasks, creative work, and even more demanding applications. Pre-orders begin on March 4, with devices reaching customers starting March 11.
The standout upgrade comes from the M4 chip, the same powerhouse found in recent high-end models like the iPad Pro and various Mac computers. Apple reports that this version runs up to 30 percent faster than the previous M3-equipped iPad Air and as much as 2.3 times quicker compared to the M1 generation. The chip includes a faster Neural Engine, improved memory bandwidth, and significantly more unified system memory, now at 12 gigabytes instead of the earlier 8 gigabytes. These changes make the tablet better suited for multitasking, AI-driven features in iPadOS 26, editing photos or videos, and playing graphics-intensive games.
Connectivity receives a modern boost with the addition of Apple’s N1 chip for wireless features and the C1X modem in cellular models. This setup supports Wi-Fi 7 for quicker and more reliable internet speeds, along with Bluetooth 6 and Thread compatibility. Cellular versions promise up to 50 percent faster data transfers while using 30 percent less power, which helps extend usage time when away from Wi-Fi. These enhancements ensure smoother streaming, cloud work, and online collaboration no matter the location.
The display remains a Liquid Retina panel with excellent color accuracy thanks to the P3 wide color gamut and True Tone technology that adjusts to ambient lighting. Both screen sizes keep the same resolution and quality as before, without stepping up to OLED or adding a 120 Hz ProMotion refresh rate, which stays exclusive to Pro models. All-day battery life continues to hold strong, offering around 10 hours of web surfing or video playback over Wi-Fi, matching the reliability users expect from this lineup.
Support for key accessories stays unchanged, including compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro for precise input and the Magic Keyboard for a laptop-like experience. The tablet runs the latest iPadOS 26, which brings advanced multitasking tools, a robust app ecosystem, and capabilities tailored for students, creators, business professionals, and gamers alike. It comes in four attractive finishes and starts with 128 gigabytes of storage.
Pricing holds steady, making this update particularly attractive. The 11-inch Wi-Fi model begins at $599, while the 13-inch version starts at $799. Cellular options add to the cost accordingly, but the base configurations deliver strong value with the performance gains included at no extra charge.
This blend of familiar design, substantial internal improvements, and unchanged pricing positions the new iPad Air as a compelling choice for anyone seeking more power without jumping to premium territory.
What do you think about the M4 upgrade to the iPad Air, and are you planning to pre-order one? Share your thoughts in the comments.
