M4 Brings a Clear Performance Upgrade
The new iPad Air moves from M3 to M4, offering up to 30 percent faster performance compared to the previous generation and up to 2.3x faster speeds compared to the M1-based model. It features an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, with support for second-generation hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing.
For users working with photo compositing, video editing, or 3D rendering, the improvements are tangible. Apple says 3D rendering with ray tracing is more than four times faster than on the M1 version, which should benefit creative professionals and gamers alike.
More Memory and Stronger AI Capabilities
One of the bigger updates is memory. Unified memory now starts at 12GB, a 50 percent jump over the previous model, alongside 120GB/s memory bandwidth. The 16-core Neural Engine is three times faster than the one in M1, improving on-device AI tasks such as transcription, image recognition, and background removal in video workflows.
Apps like Pixelmator Pro, Final Cut Pro, Goodnotes, and Onform are expected to benefit from these enhancements, particularly when running AI-powered features locally.
New Connectivity Chips: N1 and C1X
The updated iPad Air also introduces Apple’s in-house connectivity chips. The N1 wireless chip brings support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, along with improved reliability for features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot.
Cellular models include the new C1X modem, which Apple claims delivers up to 50 percent faster cellular data speeds and improved energy efficiency compared to the previous generation. 5G and eSIM support remain, along with built-in GPS on cellular variants.
iPadOS 26 Adds Desktop-Like Features
Running on iPadOS 26, the device gets a refreshed design with a Liquid Glass interface and a redesigned windowing system that allows better app management. A new menu bar, improved Files app with enhanced folder customization, and a dedicated Preview app for PDFs and images bring the experience closer to a lightweight desktop workflow.
Additional features include improved audio input controls, local high-quality recording capture, and background task support powered by Apple silicon.
Accessories Remain a Core Part of the Experience
The iPad Air continues to support Apple Pencil USB-C and Apple Pencil Pro, with the latter offering features like squeeze gestures, barrel roll, and Find My integration. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air attaches magnetically, includes a built-in trackpad, a 14-key function row, and connects via Smart Connector without Bluetooth pairing.
The Bigger Picture
With M4, more memory, updated connectivity, and iPadOS 26 enhancements, this refresh positions iPad Air closer to the Pro lineup in performance, while maintaining its mid-tier pricing. For students, creators, and professionals who need power without stepping into Pro pricing, this update narrows the gap significantly.
With the starting price of just INR 64900 for the 11-inch model and INR 84900 for the 13-inch model, the new iPad Air is an incredible value. And for education, the 11-inch iPad Air starts at INR 59900 and the 13-inch model starts at INR 79900 Customers can pre-order iPad Air starting Wednesday, March 4, with availability beginning Wednesday, March 11.
