Apple has unveiled a new iPad Air featuring the M4 chip and increased RAM, maintaining the same design and pricing as its predecessor. The update includes enhanced connectivity options but no changes to the display or cameras. Preorders begin on March 4, with availability starting March 11.
Apple announced the latest iPad Air on March 2, 2026, introducing the M4 chip as a replacement for the previous M3. This update also boosts RAM from 8GB to 12GB across all models, which should improve performance for multitasking in iPadOS 26, particularly for features like multi-window support and Apple Intelligence processing.
The new iPad Air retains its familiar design, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes starting at $599 and $799, respectively. Storage options begin at 128GB, with upgrades to 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB available. Dimensions remain unchanged: the 11-inch model measures 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches and weighs 1.02 pounds, while the 13-inch version is 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.24 inches and 1.36 pounds. Color choices include space gray, blue, purple, and starlight.
Display specifications are identical to the prior model, featuring a Liquid Retina LED panel at 264 ppi with 60Hz refresh rate. The 11-inch screen offers 2,360 x 1,640 resolution and 500 nits brightness, and the 13-inch provides 2,732 x 2,048 resolution at 600 nits. Cameras consist of a 12MP rear wide lens and a 12MP front Center Stage camera. Audio comes from landscape stereo speakers.
Connectivity sees improvements with the inclusion of Apple's N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, enabling speeds up to 46 Gbps, and the C1X modem for cellular models supporting Thread. Battery life is rated at up to 10 hours for Wi-Fi web browsing or video playback, and 9 hours for cellular use. Apple states the M4 chip is up to 30 percent faster than the M3, benefiting tasks like video editing.
The iPad Air is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil, and Magic Keyboard Folio. It runs iPadOS 26, released last fall, which introduced robust multitasking. This refresh is part of Apple's recent announcements, including the iPhone 17e, ahead of a March 4 event in New York City.