Apple says iPad Air now uses its own wireless and cellular silicon, enabling Wi-Fi 7, improving hotspot and AirDrop reliability, and boosting cellular performance on supported models.
Apple adds new connectivity hardware to iPad Air
Apple says the new iPad Air with M4 includes its latest Apple-designed connectivity chips: N1 and C1X. The company is positioning the update as a meaningful upgrade for people who work, study, or travel with iPad and need faster, more stable connections.
N1 enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread
Apple says N1 is a wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. It is also meant to deliver better performance when connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks.
Apple also says N1 improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop, which can matter if you move files across devices or frequently use your iPad on the go.
C1X modem on cellular models
On cellular iPad Air models, Apple says C1X is a new cellular modem designed by Apple. The company claims it can offer up to 50% faster cellular data performance. Apple also claims that for active cellular users, C1X uses up to 30% less modem energy than iPad Air with M3.
5G, GPS, and eSIM support
Apple says cellular iPad Air models support 5G and include GPS capabilities. The device also supports eSIM, which Apple says helps users add a new plan quickly, transfer existing plans digitally, and stay connected even when Wi-Fi is not available.
For many users, iPad Air is used outside the house: on campus, at work, during travel, or in cafes. Apple’s pitch is that N1 and C1X make the iPad Air more reliable in those real-world situations, especially when you are switching networks, using a hotspot, or relying on cellular data.
Release timeline
Apple says customers can pre-order iPad Air starting Wednesday, March 4, with availability beginning Wednesday, March 11.
