Apple has announced the new iPad Air with the M4 chip, featuring improved performance, AI functionality, faster connectivity, and iPadOS 26.
Apple introduces the new iPad Air featuring an M4 chip. Thanks to the switch to the M4 chip, Apple says the tablet is up to 30% faster than its predecessor with the M3, and even 2.3 times faster than the M1 model. Furthermore, Apple is targeting business users, students, and creatives with extra memory, better AI performance, and new software features.
In addition to higher performance, the focus is on fast connections, extensive accessory support, and eco-friendly production.
Key Innovations: M4, AI, and iPadOS 26
The iPad Air is equipped with an 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, and a Neural Engine that is reportedly three times faster than the one in the M1 model. The tablet now features 12 gigabytes of unified memory and a memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s. Apple states that 3D rendering via ray tracing is up to four times faster. AI tasks such as transcription and image recognition are performed locally.
Just like the previous iPad Air, this version is also released in two different sizes: an 11-inch model with a Liquid Retina Display (2,360 x 1,640 px) and a 13-inch model (2,732 x 2,048 px). Aside from more RAM and an upgraded processor, the specifications are virtually the same.
The iPad Air is available in four colors. The 11-inch model is available from €669 incl. VAT and the 13-inch model from €869 incl. VAT. VAT. Both tablets can be ordered on March 4 and will be officially available starting March 11.