iPad Air with M4 is here: Here's what update Apfelpatient offers.

The new iPad Air with M4 processor brings a significant performance leap to Apple's mid-range tablet lineup. More processing power, 50 percent more RAM, faster connectivity, and the new features of iPadOS 26 make the device noticeably more powerful – without increasing the entry-level price. This positions the iPad Air as a versatile work and creative device for studying, professional life, content production, and gaming.

Apple is keeping prices stable. The 11-inch iPad Air still starts at €649, and the 13-inch model at €849. Pre-orders begin on Wednesday, March 4th, with delivery starting on March 11th.

The M4 chip delivers noticeably more performance

At the heart of the update is the new M4 chip. It features an 8-core CPU, a 9-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Additionally, the unified RAM increases to 12 GB, representing a 50 percent increase over the previous generation. Memory bandwidth also grows to 120 GB/s.

Compared to the iPad Air with the M3 chip, the new model is up to 30 percent faster. Compared to the M1 model, it is up to 2.3 times faster. The difference is particularly noticeable in 3D rendering with ray tracing: Here, the iPad Air with the M4 achieves more than four times the performance of the M1.

The GPU supports hardware-accelerated mesh shading and second-generation ray tracing. This results in more precise lighting, more realistic reflections, and more detailed shadows – especially in graphics-intensive applications and games.

In practice, this means faster video exports in Final Cut Pro, smoother workflows in Pixelmator Pro, and more efficient compositing in creator apps. Large files can be edited more stably and without noticeable delays.

Optimized for AI and Apple Intelligence

The iPad Air with M4 is clearly designed for AI capabilities. Its 16-core Neural Engine is three times faster than the one in the M1 model. Combined with increased memory bandwidth and 12 GB of RAM, this allows AI models to run significantly faster directly on the device.

Everyday applications benefit from this. These include transcribing lectures, recognizing motifs or text in photos, editing emails, and storyboarding creative projects. Features in apps like Goodnotes or Onform: Video Analysis App also utilize this processing power. In Final Cut Pro, for example, background material can be precisely removed using a Scene Removal Mask.

Apple Intelligence is integrated into iPadOS and specifically leverages the architecture of Apple Silicon.

New connectivity chips for faster connections

For the first time, the iPad Air uses Apple's own chips for wireless communication. The new N1 chip supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. This improves performance on 5 GHz networks, and features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop work more reliably.

The Cellular models are additionally equipped with the new C1X modem. This offers up to 50 percent faster mobile data speeds while simultaneously consuming up to 30 percent less energy than the previous model with the M3. 5G connectivity and GPS functionality are also supported.

Thanks to eSIM, new tariffs can be added digitally or existing ones transferred. This enables flexible use without a physical SIM card, especially for business trips or mobile working.

Accessories expand the range of applications

The iPad Air supports both the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Apple Pencil Pro. While the USB-C Pencil is primarily intended for notes and sketches, the Pencil Pro offers additional features such as Squeeze and Barrel Roll. It also supports "Find My," making it easier to locate a misplaced pencil.

The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air features an integrated trackpad, a 14-key function row, and a Smart Connector that transmits power and data without Bluetooth. It attaches magnetically and has a milled aluminum hinge with a USB-C port for charging. It is available in black and white.

The 11-inch Magic Keyboard costs 329 euros, the 13-inch model 349 euros.

Sizes, colours and storage options

The iPad Air is offered in two display sizes: 11 inches for maximum portability and 13 inches for more screen real estate when multitasking. It is available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray. Storage options include 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB.

Sustainability and environmental strategy

As part of the "Apple 2030" program, Apple aims to become carbon neutral by the end of the decade.

The iPad Air is made from 30 percent recycled materials. The casing contains 100 percent recycled aluminum, and the battery contains 100 percent recycled cobalt. Approximately 40 percent of the supply chain is powered by renewable energy. The packaging is made entirely from recyclable fibers.

The device is designed for durability and repairability and meets high standards in energy efficiency and chemical safety.

iPad Air with M4: More performance for the same price

The new iPad Air with M4 combines higher computing power, more memory, modern AI features and improved connectivity with unchanged entry-level prices.

With 12 GB of RAM, 120 GB/s storage bandwidth, Wi-Fi 7, 5G support and iPadOS 26, the iPad Air offers a powerful yet flexible platform for creative, professional and everyday tasks.

In direct comparison to older models, the performance increase is significant. At the same time, the iPad Air remains priced the same and significantly expands its position as a powerful tablet in the mid-range segment. (Image: Apple)