Apple has officially announced the new iPad Air with M4, bringing a big performance boost while keeping the same starting price. The new tablet features a faster CPU and GPU, more memory, and improved AI capabilities, making it better for editing, gaming, and everyday tasks.
With the M4 chip, the new iPad Air is up to 30 percent faster than the iPad Air with M3 and up to 2.3 times faster than the iPad Air with M1. Apple also added new connectivity chips that support faster wireless and cellular connections.
The new iPad Air comes in two sizes, 11 inches and 13 inches. The smaller model is easy to carry, while the larger version offers more screen space for multitasking, editing, or watching videos.
Faster Performance with the M4 Chip
The biggest upgrade in the new iPad Air is the M4 chip, which brings a noticeable jump in performance. It features an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU, making tasks like photo editing, video editing, and gaming smoother and faster. Apps like Pixelmator Pro and Final Cut Pro can now process files quicker, which is useful for creators working with large images or videos.
The GPU also supports hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, which improves graphics quality in games and 3D apps. Apple says the new iPad Air can deliver over four times faster 3D rendering compared to the iPad Air with M1, allowing more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. In everyday use, this means faster performance whether you are editing videos, creating digital art, or simply switching between apps.
More Power for AI Tasks
The new model now includes 12GB of unified memory, which is 50 percent more than the previous generation. Memory bandwidth also increases to 120GB/s, helping the device run AI tasks more efficiently. The 16-core Neural Engine is now three times faster than the one in the M1, allowing faster processing for AI features inside apps.
The new model now includes 12GB of unified memory, which is 50 percent more than the previous generation. Memory bandwidth also increases to 120GB/s, helping the device run AI tasks more efficiently. The 16-core Neural Engine is now three times faster than the one in the M1, allowing faster processing for AI features inside apps.
This helps with tasks such as searching for objects or text in photos, transcribing notes, and using smart tools in apps like Goodnotes and Onform: Video Analysis App. The Neural Engine also powers advanced features in Apple’s creative apps. For example, Final Cut Pro can remove backgrounds from video clips using the Scene Removal Mask feature.
Faster Connectivity with N1 and C1X
The new iPad Air also introduces Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip and C1X cellular modem. The new chip supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, improving wireless performance and reliability. It also enhances features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot, especially on 5GHz networks.
The new iPad Air also introduces Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip and C1X cellular modem. The new chip supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, improving wireless performance and reliability. It also enhances features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot, especially on 5GHz networks.
For cellular models, the C1X modem delivers up to 50 percent faster cellular data speeds while using up to 30 percent less power than the previous modem. The device also supports 5G connectivity and GPS, making it useful for travel, navigation, and working outside the home or office. With eSIM support, users can activate or transfer mobile plans digitally without needing a physical SIM card.
iPadOS 26 Brings New Features
The new iPad Air runs iPadOS 26, which adds several features designed to improve productivity and multitasking. Apple introduced a new windowing system that makes it easier to manage and switch between apps. A new menu bar allows users to quickly access app commands by swiping down from the top of the screen.
The Files app also gets improvements, including a new List view and more folder customization options. Users can place folders directly in the Dock for quick access to documents and downloads. Another addition is the Preview app, which allows users to view, edit, and mark up PDFs and images using Apple Pencil or touch.
The update also improves audio recording and allows apps to run Background Tasks, giving users more flexibility when working with multiple apps.
Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Support
The tablet supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro, giving users options depending on their needs. The Apple Pencil Pro includes advanced features like squeeze gestures and barrel roll for more precise control while drawing or editing.
It also supports Find My, helping users locate the stylus if it gets misplaced. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air turns the tablet into a laptop-like setup. It includes a trackpad for precise control and a 14-key function row for quick access to brightness and volume controls. The keyboard attaches magnetically and connects through the Smart Connector, which means no Bluetooth pairing or charging is needed.
A Good Upgrade for Older iPad Users
Performance is much faster thanks to the M4 chip, 12GB of memory, and higher bandwidth. Apple says users upgrading from the M1 model could see up to 2.3 times faster performance. Storage now starts at 128GB, giving users more room for apps, photos, and files.
Performance is much faster thanks to the M4 chip, 12GB of memory, and higher bandwidth. Apple says users upgrading from the M1 model could see up to 2.3 times faster performance. Storage now starts at 128GB, giving users more room for apps, photos, and files.
The tablet also includes a 12MP Center Stage front camera, which keeps users centered during video calls. Landscape stereo speakers also improve audio quality when watching movies or listening to music.
iPad Air and the Environment
The device is made with 30 percent recycled materials, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. Manufacturing also uses 40 percent renewable electricity, and the packaging is now 100 percent fiber-based, making it easier to recycle.
Price and Availability in the PhilippinesThe tablet will come in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
iPad Air and the Environment
The device is made with 30 percent recycled materials, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. Manufacturing also uses 40 percent renewable electricity, and the packaging is now 100 percent fiber-based, making it easier to recycle.
Price and Availability in the PhilippinesThe tablet will come in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
11-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi) – starts at ₱42,990
11-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi + Cellular) – starts at ₱52,990
13-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi) – starts at ₱54,990
13-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi + Cellular) – starts at ₱64,990
13-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi) – starts at ₱54,990
13-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi + Cellular) – starts at ₱64,990
With education pricing, the 11-inch model starts at ₱38,990, while the 13-inch model starts at ₱51,990. The Magic Keyboard is priced at ₱17,990 for the 11-inch model and ₱19,990 for the 13-inch version. Meanwhile, the Apple Pencil Pro costs ₱8,690, while the Apple Pencil (USB-C) costs ₱4,990.
The new iPad Air with M4 will be available through Apple Philippines and Apple Authorized Resellers. Availability will be announced soon.
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