$599 M4 iPad Air is a lot like the old one, but with a substantial RAM boost

Source: Ars Technica

Specifications

• Apple M4 chip in the iPad Air is a cut‑down version compared to the M4 in Macs or the M4 iPad Pro.
• CPU: 8 cores (3 high‑performance, 5 efficiency) – reduced from the maximum of 4 high‑performance and 6 efficiency cores in the full‑spec M4.
• GPU: 9 cores (down from 10 in the iPad Pro).
• No 16 GB RAM option for the Air; 16 GB was only available on M4 iPad Pro models with 1 TB or 2 TB storage.

Design and Features

• Four color options: space gray, blue, purple, and pale gold “starlight.”
• 60 Hz LCD display (no OLED or ProMotion).
• Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button (no Face ID).
• Single‑lens 12 MP rear camera without flash.
• Nano‑texture display coating is not offered on the Air; it remains exclusive to higher‑end iPad Pro models.

Context and Upcoming Announcements

The new iPad Air is part of Apple’s series of announcements leading up to a [special experience] event scheduled for Wednesday morning. In the same announcement cycle, Apple also introduced a [new iPhone 17e], and analysts expect a low‑end iPad and a more affordable MacBook to be unveiled.

This piece was updated at 11:15 am on March 2 to add details about the M4 chip’s CPU core configuration.