The iPad Air has been one of the tablets that effectively combines performance, price, and everyday usability for years. New models are expected in 2026, and indications point to an update that focuses heavily on internal technology. Major changes to the design are not anticipated, but noticeable improvements to the chip, connectivity, and some features are possible. The following overview summarizes all known rumors about the iPad Air and shows what seems realistic for spring 2026.
The iPad Air update is shaping up to be a classic refresh. Apple is focusing on solid improvements rather than completely redesigning the tablet. The strategy remains familiar: the iPad Pro inherits the innovations in design and display technology, while the iPad Air represents a powerful mid-range device. The upcoming model appears to be continuing this approach without experimenting with form or accessories.
Design and Display
There are no rumors about a new design. The iPad Air will therefore remain available in two sizes, 11 inches and 13 inches. The casing continues to be based on the current models and is slightly thicker and heavier than the iPad Pro. The screen technologies also remain unchanged. The iPad Air uses an LED display and not the OLED technology of the Pro series.
ProMotion is also not expected. The refresh rate will therefore remain at 60 Hz. The display is suitable for everyday and creative tasks, but clearly falls short of the Pro models. Other familiar features remain unchanged. USB-C remains the standard port, the Touch ID button is located at the top of the device, and both the front and rear cameras remain the same. New colors are possible, but not certain. Accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro will remain compatible, and there is no indication of new or exclusive products for this update.
M4 chip as the core of the upgrade
The most important element of the new model is the expected M4 chip. Since the iPad Pro already switched to the M5 in 2025, the M4 for the iPad Air technically sits right between the more affordable iPads and the Pro model.
Like the M3, the M4 is based on a 3-nanometer process, but uses an advanced version that delivers greater efficiency. The CPU has up to 10 cores instead of 8. The Neural Engine is faster, better supports modern features, and offers improved performance in machine learning. Memory bandwidth is increased, and the GPU operates more efficiently. Compared to the M3, the M4 delivers up to 30 percent more CPU performance and up to 21 percent more graphics performance.
In everyday use, the difference isn't always noticeable, especially with simple tasks. However, the M4 shows advantages in demanding games, professional video editing, and computationally intensive workflows. Apple Intelligence is still supported. The current 8 GB of RAM meets the minimum requirement, and there's no indication that Apple will increase this.
Charge
Because the iPad Pro with the M5 chip features fast charging, it's likely that the 2026 iPad Air will adopt the same technology. While there's no official confirmation, this is considered a realistic assumption. The decision probably depends on how clearly Apple wants to differentiate the iPad Air from the Pro in terms of technology.
N1 network chip
The N1 network chip is another significant innovation. Apple first introduced it with the iPhone 17. It replaces previous third-party Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips, offering improved efficiency and more stable connections. The N1 chip supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The current iPad Air only supports Wi-Fi 6E, so the new chip enables significantly faster speeds, provided the network is compatible.
Apple Modem for cellular models
The cellular version of the iPad Air is expected to use the C1X modem. This modem is an improved version of the C1, which Apple originally developed itself. Its performance is on par with current Qualcomm models, while consuming less power. The modem supports 5G in the sub-6 GHz range, but not mmWave. This isn't a disadvantage, as the iPad Air has never offered mmWave before. The modem's tight integration with the other components ensures greater efficiency and longer battery life on mobile networks.
Price
No price change is expected. The 11-inch model is still expected to start at €649. The 13-inch model is likely to remain at €849. Apple is thus maintaining the iPad Air's positioning as an upper mid-range tablet.
Market launch
The expected release window is March or April 2026. Several new Apple devices are expected to launch in the spring, making an event very likely. The iPad Air could be one of the key products.
iPad Air: The strengths of the new model
The 2026 iPad Air is a well-thought-out update that optimizes technical details and keeps the device competitive for years to come. The M4 chip, the new N1 network chip, and the more efficient Apple modem deliver increased performance and improved connectivity. The design remains unchanged, and the display retains LED technology without ProMotion. The iPad Air thus remains a powerful tablet, clearly differentiated from the Pro series. With an expected launch in spring 2026, Apple continues the iPad Air line, updating the device in the right places without major experiments or radical changes. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Pro Aerial Master)
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