Apple updates the iPad Air with an M4 chip

Source: Engadget

Overview

Apple is kicking off multiple days of product announcements this morning with a new iPad Air. It is largely similar to the iPad Air announced a year ago, but now features an M4 chip instead of the previous M3.

Specifications

• Chipset: Apple‑designed M4 processor.
• Networking: In‑house N1 and C1X chips providing Wi‑Fi 7 and cellular connectivity.
• Memory: 12 GB of RAM (up from 8 GB).
• Display: 11‑inch or 13‑inch LCD, up to 500 nits brightness, 60 Hz refresh rate.
• Storage: Options from 128 GB to 1 TB.
• Audio: Dual stereo speakers.
• Cameras: Front‑ and rear‑facing cameras unchanged from previous model.

Design

The overall design remains unchanged from the 2023 and 2024 models. Apple added a 13‑inch variant in the previous redesign, which featured an M2 chip; the new model simply swaps in the M4.

Software

The iPad Air M4 runs iPadOS 26, released last fall. This update introduces a significantly more robust multitasking system, offering improved window management and background task handling—particularly beneficial on the larger 13‑inch screen. The visual redesign, dubbed “Liquid Glass,” has received mixed reactions.

Availability & Pricing

• Pre‑orders: Open on Wednesday, March 4.
• Release date: March 11.
• Pricing:
  • 11‑inch model: starting at $599
  • 13‑inch model: starting at $799

Source

This article originally appeared on Engadget: