New iPad Air with M4 Processor: What You Need to Know
Apple has announced a new version of the iPad Air, now equipped with the company's M4 processor. The device is set for preorder on March 4th, with shipping scheduled to begin on March 11th.
Initial reviews highlight the chip's performance improvements and the addition of new connectivity features, while noting that the design and display remain consistent with previous iterations.
Pricing and Availability
Preorders for the new iPad Air with M4 commence on March 4th, with shipping beginning on March 11th. Pricing is as follows:
- 11-inch Wi-Fi model: Starts at $599 (storage options from 128GB up to 1TB)
- 11-inch Cellular model: Starts at $749
- 13-inch Wi-Fi model: Starts at $799
- 13-inch Cellular model: Starts at $949
Both sizes are available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.
Performance and Processor
The new iPad Air is powered by the M4 processor, a chip also used in the 7th-generation iPad Pro and 2024 MacBook Pro and Mac mini models. Apple states the M4 chip is up to 30 percent faster than the previous M3 processor in the iPad Air.
"The M4 chip provides a noticeable speed increase compared to the M3 model, with improved single-core, multi-core, and frame rate performance."
The device includes 12GB of unified memory, an increase of 4GB from the M3 iPad Air, which reviewers noted is expected to enhance multi-app performance.
Reviews from Gizmodo specified that the M4 chip in the iPad Air is a binned version, featuring an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU. This configuration differs from the M4 MacBook Air's 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, which may result in slightly less performance for graphically intensive tasks.
Connectivity
The new iPad Air integrates Apple-designed wireless networking chips. The N1 chip enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
Cellular variants feature Apple's C1X modem, which Apple states offers up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance while consuming up to 30 percent less energy compared to the M3-powered iPad Air.
Reviewers reported solid performance from these chips, with the C1X on 5G networks demonstrating fast and reliable connectivity.
Design and Features
Key features such as the design, 60Hz Liquid Retina display, and Touch ID button remain consistent with previous models since 2020. Reviews indicate the update is iterative over the M3 model.
Specific AI capabilities of the M4 chip were highlighted in reviews, including:
- Instant auto-captions in Final Cut Pro
- Voice Memo transcriptions
- AI image generation in CollaNote
Tools like Pixelmator demonstrated rapid image upscaling and background removal, utilizing the device's Neural Engine.
Background
These updates follow minor improvements introduced a year prior to the iPad Air, which is positioned in the middle of Apple's tablet product line. The 7th-generation iPad Air, released in early 2025, included Apple's M3 chip and enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities.