Apple renews the iPad Air with the M4 processor, 12 GB of memory and support for WiFi 7

The Cupertino company has announced a major hardware update for the intermediate step between the Pro range and the standard. Following the launch of the iPhone 17e, the new iPad Air makes the direct jump to the M4 processor, the same chip that debuted a long time ago in the Pro line. The device now has an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU, offering a speed improvement that, according to Apple, reaches 30% compared to the previous generation equipped with the M3 chip.

One of the most notable technical innovations is the increase in unified system memory. The new iPad Air now starts with 12 GB of base memory, which represents an increase of 50% compared to previous models. This leap, backed by a bandwidth of 120 GB/s, is fundamentally aimed at improving multitasking performance and allowing the local execution of more demanding tasks, especially those linked to artificial intelligence and operating system data processing.

Technical specifications of the new 11 and 13-inch iPad Air M4

Below, we break down the main features of the two versions of the new iPad Air. Both models share all of their processing and connectivity specifications, differing only in the size of their panel and their launch price.

New connectivity chips: N1 and C1X

In the communications section, Apple has implemented its new network components of its own design. The iPad Air debuts the N1 wireless chipwhich gives the device official compatibility with the WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6 standards, in addition to integrating support for Thread networks in home automation environments.

For their part, the variants with mobile connectivity now incorporate the C1X modem. This component promises to optimize energy consumption by up to 30% while improving data transmission speeds in 5G networks. It should be noted that Apple maintains its exclusive commitment to eSIM technology in these models, definitively eliminating the physical slot for physical SIM cards.

Integration with iPadOS 26 and hardware tools

As it could not be otherwise, the launch of this new hardware comes accompanied by the most recent version of the brand’s tablet operating system, iPadOS 26. This version introduced changes to the graphical interface using a new translucent material called Liquid Glass, in addition to incorporating a redesigned window manager. The software update seeks to bring the user experience closer to that of laptops, improving interaction with the Files app and adding native direct editing and annotation functions in PDF documents.

In terms of compatibility with peripheral accessories, the new iPad Air maintains support for the brand’s ecosystem of creative and productivity tools. It is compatible with both Apple Pencil (USB-C) as with the more advanced Apple Pencil Pro, which includes rotation controls and haptic feedback. Also, the device is attaches to the Magic Keyboard using the Smart Connectoreliminating the need to establish a classic Bluetooth connection for its operation.

Availability of the new iPad Air M4

Despite the update of internal components and the increase in RAM, Apple has decided to maintain the pricing structure of the previous generation. The model with an 11-inch screen It has a starting price of 649 euroswhile the 13-inch version, aimed at users who require a larger work surface, part of the 849 euros. Both terminals are offered in four recycled aluminum finishes.

The reservation period to purchase any of the two variants of the new iPad Air begins tomorrow, Wednesday, March 4, through the brand’s official channels. Physical availability in stores and the start of shipments to buyers are scheduled for Wednesday, March 11.