Apple updates the iPad Air with M4, N1, and C1X chips for better performance and connectivity

Apple just announced a new-generation iPad Air with upgrades to the processor, memory bandwidth, and connectivity chips.

The new iPad Air is powered by the M4 chip, which delivers up to 30% faster performance than the M3 and up to 2.3x the performance of the M1. We previously detailed the M4 architecture in depth in our review of the iPad Pro (M4), so check it out if you want to find out more about its performance.

Memory has also been upgraded, with unified memory increased by 50% to 12GB and memory bandwidth increased from 100GB/s to 120GB/s. These improvements should help the iPad Air (M4) better handle iPadOS 26’s multitasking features while running AI models faster.

On the connectivity front, Apple’s in-house N1 and C1X chips introduced support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, alongside up to 50% faster cellular performance and up to 30% lower modem power consumption compared to its predecessor.

Beyond the Apple silicon upgrades, the iPad Air (M4) retains the same aluminium design and display options as the iPad Air (M3), with 11-inch and 13-inch sizes featuring fully laminated IPS panels.

And in terms of accessories, this new iPad Air will work with existing accessories like the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, the Apple Pencil Pro, and Apple Pencil (USB-C).

Like its predecessor, the new iPad Air offers a shoppers a middle ground between the basic iPad and the range-topping iPad Pro. It’s by no means what we’d consider affordable, but it has a powerful processor and most of the features that users would want, which could make it a compelling purchase for anyone who’s looking at getting a tablet that would last for years.

Availability and Pricing

The new iPad Air (M4) will be available for pre-order from 4 March at apple.com/sg, and in the Apple Store app across 35 countries, including Singapore. It will be available in Apple Stores and Apple Authorised Resellers from 11 March. Crucially, despite rising memory prices, Apple did not increase the iPad Air’s price. It’s available in four finishes: Space Grey, Blue, Purple, and Starlight.

Source: Apple