Apple has introduced a new iPad Air powered by its M4 silicon. It raises unified memory to 12GB, adds Wi-Fi 7 and updated cellular hardware, and keeps the same $599 starting price. The upgrade increases performance over the previous M1 and M3 models, while expanding multitasking and AI features in iPadOS 26.
M4 brings an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU to the Air line for the first time. Performance is reportedly up to 30 percent better than with the M3.
Unified memory increases by 50 percent to 12GB, and memory bandwidth to 120GB/s. That should cut slowdowns when juggling multiple demanding apps, editing large photo libraries, or working on multi-track video projects.
The 16-core Neural Engine runs three times faster than on the M1, accelerating on-device AI tasks such as searching text within images, transcribing lectures, and removing video backgrounds directly on the tablet.
iPad Air connectivity
Wireless connectivity shifts to Apple’s N1 chip, which adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support. Cellular models use Apple’s C1X modem, and the tablet continues to support 5G networks, built-in GPS for mapping and location-based apps, and eSIM.
The new Air runs iPadOS 26, which introduces a redesigned windowing system that lets users resize and arrange apps more freely. A new menu bar provides quick access to commands, the Files app adds deeper folder customization, and Preview is now available for viewing and marking up PDFs and images.
Background Tasks allow certain processes to continue running in the background while you’re working in other apps.
Apple executive Bob Borchers said, “iPad Air gives users more ways than ever to be creative and productive, offering powerful performance and incredible versatility to help them turn their ideas into reality. With its blazing performance thanks to M4, incredible AI capabilities, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, there’s never been a better time to choose or upgrade to iPad Air.”
The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599 for Wi-Fi and $749 for Wi-Fi + Cellular. The 13-inch model starts at $799 and $949 respectively, with education pricing at $549 and $749. Storage options range from 128GB to 1TB. Preorders start from March 4.
What do you think about the new iPad Air with M4? Let us know in the comments.
