Apple's new M4 iPad Air is here - and it's twice as fast as your old M1 model
The new tablet doubles M1 performance, adds advanced AI processing, and keeps the entry price unchanged.
Apple has officially unveiled the next-generation iPad Air powered by its new M4 chip, marking a substantial performance leap while maintaining aggressive pricing. The tablet delivers more than twice the CPU speed and four times faster 3D Pro rendering compared to the M1-powered iPad Air, with Apple's marketing VP Bob Borchers highlighting its "blazing performance" and "incredible AI capabilities" for creative and productivity workflows. Notably, the 11-inch model retains its $599 starting price despite the silicon upgrade, and the device launches alongside the iPhone 17e ahead of Apple's March 4 event where more details are expected.
The technical upgrades are significant: the M4 chip features an 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine that processes on-device AI three times faster than the M1. The tablet incorporates the same N1 wireless chip found in iPad Pro models, enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity, while cellular models get the 30% more efficient C1X chip. Compatibility extends to the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, and the device runs iPadOS 26. For professionals, this represents a major mid-tier tablet upgrade that bridges the gap between consumer and pro devices without the Pro price tag, potentially reshaping the tablet market as Apple pushes more AI capabilities to the edge.
- M4 chip delivers 2x faster CPU performance and 4x faster 3D rendering vs M1 iPad Air
- 16-core Neural Engine enables 3x faster on-device AI processing for local AI applications
- Starts at same $599 price with Wi-Fi 7 connectivity via N1 chip and March 11 availability
Why It Matters
Brings pro-level performance and advanced AI capabilities to the mainstream tablet market at an unchanged price point, accelerating on-device AI adoption.