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Introduction
Apple has introduced the iPad Air M4 with a lot of changes. Even with the new M4 chip, the price remains the same: $599 for the 11-inch and $799 for the 13-inch. The new M4 comes with a 9-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine that allows better gaming performance and is more efficient for AI tasks.
Apple has also updated the performance memory, wireless connectivity, and more elements, but some of its features remain the same as the M3 iPad Air. I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about the release date, the price, the specs, and how the new M4 iPad Air compares to the M3 model.
Performance & Chip
If we talk about performance and chip design, Apple designed the M4 chip with an eight-core CPU and a nine-core GPU. This is 30% faster in overall performance compared to the M3 version.
There are already benefits with the M4, such as better multitasking, quicker app launches, and smoother operation under heavy load compared to the M3. Compared to the M3, the M4 improves things like multitasking, quick app launches, and smoother performance during heavy workloads.
Improvements Over Its Predecessor
- The M4 GPU has even better graphics and rendering for games and creative apps.
- The M4 also has better battery efficiency.
- It includes a faster Neural Engine and GPU.
Yes, the M4 chip already appeared in the iPad Pro in 2024, but it came with a 9-core or 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. This time, the iPad Air comes with an eight-core CPU and a nine-core GPU, which is slightly less powerful than the Pro version.
Also, the iPad Air released in 2025 was equipped with 8GB of RAM, which was the minimum requirement to run Apple Intelligence. Now this new iPad is launched with 12GB of RAM as standard, which is more than enough to run Apple Intelligence and should benefit AI processing.
Connectivity & Accessories
The iPad Air M4 also comes with the N1 chip made by Apple. This chip helps improve Wi-Fi speed, quicker downloads and uploads, and also benefits features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.
But that’s not all. It also adds support for Bluetooth 6, which helps improve connectivity and overall performance.
Instead of the C1 modem, the new iPad Air M4 is going to get the newer C1X modem. This includes faster 5G performance, better power efficiency, and more improvements.
What Is the Same Compared to the M3 iPad Air
This is where the disappointing part comes in. It comes with the same camera and audio system as the previous generation, along with the same battery life, display, build quality, and overall design. Everything stays the same as the previous generation.
However, for the same price you are getting the newer M4 chip and more features, which still makes it a pretty good deal.
The iPad Pro comes with an OLED display panel, and it is rumored that Apple will start implementing those OLED displays in smaller models like the iPad mini and possibly later in the iPad Air.
Price & Storage Options
Like the iPhone 17e, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Neo, the iPad Air M4 is also available for pre-order starting Wednesday, March 4, 2026. It will be available for display, and the general public will be able to buy it in stores starting March 11.
If we talk about the price, you can choose between two models: a Wi-Fi model and a cellular model. The cellular model costs $150 more because the hardware is slightly different.
Wi-Fi Model
11-inch iPad Air M4, 128GB — $599 / £599
13-inch iPad Air M4, 128GB — $799 / £799
Cellular Model
11-inch iPad Air M4, 128GB — $749 / £749
13-inch iPad Air M4, 128GB — $949 / £949
FAQ Section
When was the new iPad Air released?
Everyone will be able to buy it in stores starting March 11. It will also be delivered on March 11 for those who pre-ordered it.
What chip does the iPad Air use?
It uses the M4 chip, which had never been introduced in the iPad Air before but is now available in this model.
Is iPad Air better than iPad Pro?
In 2025, the iPad Pro already had the M4 chip built into it with more cores than this iPad Air. So it is still behind the iPad Pro, but it remains competitive with other tablets.
Is the iPad Air good for students?
Yes, it can easily be used by students as well as for professional work.
Final Verdict
If you are upgrading from a two- or three-year-old iPad, then yes, it is a good upgrade. However, Apple mainly upgraded the chip and added some new features. It might be worth waiting longer for a bigger redesign of the iPad.
Still, the iPad Air M4 is the iPad for most people because of its high-end quality that many other companies struggle to compete with.
- You might be interested in reading this post as well as:
- Post Title: MacBook Air M5: 10 Powerful Upgrades in Apple’s Fastest Air Yet (2026)
