With the new iPad Air with M4, Apple is taking its mid-range tablet series to a new level of performance. Despite significantly increased performance, the entry-level price remains unchanged. In addition to a noticeable CPU and GPU upgrade, users benefit from more RAM, modern connectivity including Wi-Fi 7 and new AI functions under iPadOS 26. The update is aimed at anyone who wants to work productively, design creatively or play mobile games – with performance reserves for years to come.
- M4 chip with 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU for up to 30% more performance compared to M3
- 12 GB shared memory and 120 GB/s storage bandwidth
- New N1 wireless chip with WLAN 7 and optional C1X modem with 5G
- Two sizes (11″ and 13″) from 649 euros – same entry-level price as before
iPad Air with M4: noticeable leap in performance for creatives and gamers
The iPad Air with M4 marks a significant technological leap within the Air series. The new M4 chip combines an 8-core CPU with a 9-core GPU and, according to the manufacturer, enables up to 30 percent more performance compared to the M3 model as well as up to 2.3 times the speed of the M1. Graphics-intensive applications in particular benefit: Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and second-generation mesh shading ensure more realistic light and shadow effects – an advantage for 3D rendering and current games.
Professional workflows are also accelerated. Applications such as Final Cut Pro or Pixelmator Pro run noticeably more smoothly and large files can be processed faster. With 12 GB of shared memory – 50 percent more than before – and a memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s, the tablet offers sufficient reserves for multitasking and demanding creative projects.
Another focus is on AI applications directly on the device. The 16-core Neural Engine works up to three times faster than in the M1 and accelerates functions such as text recognition in photos, automatic transcriptions or intelligent video editing. This on-device processing not only improves speed, but also data protection, as many processes are executed locally.
Modern connectivity and iPadOS 26 as a productivity booster
For the first time, the iPad Air uses the new N1 chip for wireless connections. This supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread and ensures greater stability and data throughput rates, particularly in 5 GHz networks. The cellular models also feature the C1X modem with up to 50 percent faster cellular performance and improved energy consumption in 5G mode.
With iPadOS 26, the device also has a revised window system that makes multitasking more intuitive. A new menu bar, optimized file management and the standalone preview app for PDFs and images enhance the desktop-like experience. Especially in combination with the Apple Pencil Pro or the Magic Keyboard, the iPad Air is increasingly becoming a laptop alternative.
In addition to performance and productivity, Apple is also focusing on sustainability: the housing is made of 100 percent recycled aluminum and the battery uses completely recycled cobalt. The packaging is completely fiber-based and therefore easier to recycle.
Conclusion: high-end technology without a price premium
The iPad Air with M4 combines significant performance improvements, modern connectivity and advanced AI functions with a stable entry-level price. The 11-inch model starts at 649 euros, the 13-inch version at 849 euros. Pre-orders have been possible since March 4, with deliveries starting on March 11. This positions the new iPad Air as a particularly attractive upgrade for anyone looking for maximum performance below the Pro series.
