Apple Unveils New iPad Air with M4 Processor

Apple has announced a new version of the iPad Air, now equipped with the company's M4 processor. This powerful chip is also present in the 7th-generation iPad Pro and 2024 MacBook Pro and Mac mini models, signaling a significant performance upgrade for the mid-range tablet.

The new iPad Air with the M4 chip is stated to be up to 30 percent faster than the previous iPad Air with the M3 processor.

Performance and Connectivity Boosts

The M4 chip provides a substantial performance leap for the iPad Air. It delivers an increase of up to 30 percent in speed compared to the prior model, which featured the M3 processor.

For wireless communication, the new iPad Air integrates the Apple-designed N1 wireless networking chip. This advanced chip enables support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.

Cellular variants of the new iPad Air are equipped with Apple's C1X modem. This modem boasts up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance while simultaneously consuming up to 30 percent less energy when compared to the M3-powered iPad Air.

Pricing and Availability

Preorders for the new iPad Air with M4 will commence on March 4th, with shipping scheduled to begin on March 11th.

Pricing information is as follows:

• 11-inch Wi-Fi model: Starts at $599 (128GB storage, up to 1TB available).
• 11-inch Cellular model: Starts at $749.
• 13-inch Wi-Fi option: Starts at $799.
• 13-inch Cellular option: Starts at $949.

Both available sizes come in a choice of four colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.

Background

These updates follow minor improvements introduced a year prior to the iPad Air, which is positioned in the middle of Apple's tablet product line. The 7th-generation iPad Air, released in early 2025, included Apple's M3 chip and enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities.