Apple kicked off its busy week of new product launches to unveil its latest highly anticipated releases, and has already launched iPhone 17eAnd here is the new iPad Air, equipped with the advanced M4 chip. While the external design may seem familiar, the radical changes lie within, as this release represents a strategic step towards enhancing the capabilities of tablets to be true alternatives to personal computers, with a particular focus on performance, artificial intelligence, and wireless connectivity technologies.
M4 chip and enhanced memory: a quantum leap in performance
The most significant change in the new generation of iPad Air is the switch to the M4 chip. According to Apple, the new chip offers up to 30 percent faster performance compared to the previous generation with the M3 chip, and 2.3 times faster than the M1 model. This improvement isn't just numbers on paper; it translates into unprecedented smoothness when handling demanding applications.
Most importantly, there's a significant upgrade to the RAM; the device now comes with a unified 12GB of RAM, a 50 percent increase over its predecessor. This bold move fully prepares it to support the advanced multitasking features coming in iPadOS 26, as well as to accommodate the increasingly resource-intensive AI capabilities that now require substantial resources to function efficiently.
C1X and N1 chips: Apple's autonomy extends to communications
The iPad Air update didn't stop at the main processor; it also included a complete upgrade to its connectivity capabilities thanks to Apple's C1X and N1 chips. After debuting in the iPhone Air and iPad Pro with the M5 chip, the C1X 5G modem chip makes its way to the iPad Air, offering exceptional power efficiency. Apple asserts that this chip reduces modem power consumption by 30 percent compared to the previous model, a crucial advantage for users who rely heavily on cellular data throughout the day.
In addition, the N1 wireless chip manages Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread technologies, delivering improved performance and greater network stability. This chip ensures superior performance when connecting to 5GHz networks and significantly enhances the reliability of everyday features that Apple device users rely on, such as Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.
Design, pricing, and release date
Apple has maintained its familiar size options, with the new iPad Air available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, and four elegant colors including space gray, blue, purple, and starlight. Prices start at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model, with base storage remaining at 128GB and upgrade options and cellular connectivity available for an additional cost.
Pre-orders for the device will begin on Wednesday, March 4, with the device arriving in users' hands and Apple stores starting on March 11.
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