Apple updates iPad Air with M4 chip and faster connectivity

Apple has introduced a new generation of the iPad Air, bringing notable upgrades to its processor, memory capabilities and wireless connectivity while retaining the familiar design of the previous model.

The updated tablet is powered by Apple’s latest M4 chip, alongside improvements to unified memory and bandwidth designed to support more demanding applications and multitasking features in iPadOS. Apple has also added new connectivity chips that support newer wireless standards and improve cellular efficiency.

Pre-orders for the device opened on 4 March in 35 countries through Apple’s online store and the Apple Store app, with retail availability scheduled to begin on 11 March.

M4 chip delivers faster performance

At the centre of the new iPad Air is Apple’s M4 chip, which the company says offers a significant boost in processing power compared with previous generations. According to Apple, the chip delivers up to 30 per cent faster performance than the M3 processor and up to 2.3 times the performance of the M1 chip used in earlier models.

The company has also upgraded the device’s memory configuration. Unified memory has increased by 50 per cent to 12GB, while memory bandwidth has risen from 100GB per second to 120GB per second. These changes are intended to help the tablet handle more demanding workloads and improve multitasking features introduced in iPadOS 26.

The increased memory and bandwidth may also support faster execution of artificial intelligence models running locally on the device. As more software developers integrate AI features into mobile applications, higher memory capacity and bandwidth are becoming increasingly important for smooth performance.

Despite internal upgrades, Apple has kept the iPad Air’s overall positioning unchanged. The device sits between the entry-level iPad and the more expensive iPad Pro, offering stronger performance and additional features without reaching the highest price tier in Apple’s tablet lineup.

New connectivity chips bring faster wireless support

The latest iPad Air also introduces new in-house connectivity components developed by Apple. The device includes the N1 and C1X chips, which support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.

Wi-Fi 7 offers faster wireless speeds and improved network efficiency compared with previous standards, particularly in environments with multiple connected devices. Bluetooth 6 aims to deliver improved stability and energy efficiency for wireless accessories such as headphones, keyboards and styluses.

The inclusion of Thread support could also help the device integrate more easily with smart home networks that use the low-power communication protocol.

For models equipped with cellular connectivity, Apple says the updated modem delivers up to 50 per cent faster cellular performance than the previous generation. The company also claims the modem consumes up to 30 per cent less power, which could help extend battery life when using mobile data.

These connectivity upgrades reflect Apple’s broader effort to bring more wireless technologies under its own silicon development strategy, giving the company greater control over performance and energy efficiency across its devices.

Familiar design with updated internals

While the internal hardware has been updated, the new iPad Air’s external design remains largely unchanged from the previous generation. The tablet continues to feature the same aluminium chassis and is available in two display sizes: 11 inches and 13 inches.

Both models use fully laminated IPS displays designed to reduce glare and improve visual clarity. Apple has not announced changes to the screen technology or resolution compared with the earlier iPad Air.

The device also remains compatible with existing accessories, including the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, the Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil with USB-C connectivity. Maintaining compatibility with these accessories may help existing users upgrade their devices without needing to replace additional hardware.

Apple has kept pricing unchanged despite rising memory costs. The new iPad Air will be available in four finishes: Space Grey, Blue, Purple and Starlight.

Pre-orders began on 4 March through Apple’s website and the Apple Store app in 35 countries, including Singapore. The device is scheduled to arrive in Apple retail stores and authorised resellers from 11 March.

The updated iPad Air continues Apple’s strategy of offering a tablet that balances performance and price, targeting users who want a powerful device for work, creativity and everyday tasks without stepping up to the more expensive iPad Pro range.