Apple has updated the iPad Air with the new M4 chip, more memory, faster connectivity, and support for iPadOS 26, while keeping the same starting price. The new model delivers a clear performance jump over the previous generation, and it targets students, creators, business users, and gamers who want strong power without moving to the iPad Pro lineup.
The company says the M4 chip brings faster CPU and GPU performance, a stronger Neural Engine for AI tasks, and better memory bandwidth, which together improve everything from video editing to gaming and multitasking. At the same time, Apple has increased the base memory to 12GB and added new connectivity chips that support Wi Fi 7 and faster 5G on cellular models.
Apple shared the details in a Newsroom post announcing the new iPad Air with M4.
“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,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “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.”
M4 chip brings faster performance and stronger AI
Apple equips the new iPad Air with an 8 core CPU and a 9 core GPU, and the company says it runs up to 30 percent faster than the M3 model and up to 2.3 times faster than the M1 version. Users editing video in Final Cut Pro, compositing photos in Pixelmator Pro, or working with large creative files should see shorter render times and smoother playback.
The 9 core GPU also supports second generation hardware accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, and Apple says it delivers over four times faster 3D rendering with ray tracing compared to the M1 iPad Air. As a result, games and pro apps show more accurate lighting, reflections, and shadows.
For AI tasks, Apple highlights:
- 12GB unified memory, a 50 percent increase
- 120GB per second memory bandwidth
- 16 core Neural Engine that runs up to three times faster than M1
These upgrades help with on device AI features such as photo search, note transcription, background removal in video, and advanced tools in apps like Goodnotes and Onform.
Faster connectivity with N1 and C1X
Apple adds its new N1 wireless networking chip to iPad Air, which supports Wi Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The company says N1 improves performance on 5GHz networks and enhances reliability for features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot.
Cellular models also include the C1X modem, which Apple says delivers up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance and up to 30 percent lower modem energy usage compared to the M3 model. Users also get 5G support, GPS, and eSIM for easier plan setup and transfers.
iPadOS 26 and accessory support
The new iPad Air runs iPadOS 26, which introduces a redesigned interface with Liquid Glass elements, a new windowing system, and a menu bar for quicker access to app commands. Apple also upgrades the Files app with improved list view and folder customization, and brings the Preview app to iPad for editing PDFs and images.
The device supports:
- Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB C
- Magic Keyboard with built in trackpad and function row
- Background Tasks and improved audio controls in iPadOS 26
Apple offers the iPad Air in 11 inch and 13 inch sizes, in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray. Storage options start at 128GB and go up to 1TB.
The 11 inch model starts at $599 for Wi Fi and $749 for Wi Fi plus Cellular, while the 13 inch model starts at $799 and $949 respectively. Education pricing lowers the entry price to $549 for the 11 inch model and $749 for the 13 inch version. Pre orders begin March 4, and availability starts March 11.
