Apple has announced a new version of the iPad Air powered by the Apple M4 chip. This update offers remarkable improvements in performance, memory, and wireless connectivity, focusing heavily on Apple’s own silicon.

iPad with M4 Chip and 12GB RAM

The M4 processor is the most significant feature of this update. According to Apple, the new iPad Air:

  • Is 30% faster compared to the M3 model
  • Is 2.3% faster compared to the M1 version

In addition to a faster CPU and GPU, the new iPad Air now includes 12GB of unified memory. This represents a 50% increase compared to the previous M3 model. The additional memory is designed to better support multitasking and AI-powered features in iPadOS 26.

iPad Air Gains C1X 5G Modem and N1 Wireless Chip

For cellular models, Apple is switching to its own C1X modem, first introduced in the iPhone Air. Apple states that the C1X provides 30% lower power consumption compared to the M3 iPad Air and offers better efficiency for heavy 5G users.

The new iPad also gains Apple’s N1 wireless chip, providing support for WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.

Apple has improved 5GHz WiFi performance and reliability for features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot.

Same Design and Pricing as Previous iPad Air

The updated iPad Air retains the overall design and size options:

  • The 11-inch model starts at $599
  • The 13-inch model starts at $799

The iPad’s storage remains at 128GB, with additional costs for higher storage options and cellular connectivity. The color options also remain unchanged: Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight.

When Can Users Pre-Order the New iPad Air?

Pre-orders will start on March 4 at 06:15 PT, and the products will be available for sale on March 11.

While the external parameters remain largely the same, the combination of the M4 chip, 12GB RAM, C1X modem, and N1 wireless silicon constitutes one of the most significant internal updates in the iPad Air series in the last 2 years.