New iPad Air Arrives With M4 Chip, More RAM, and Apple’s N1 Wireless Chip

Apple has expanded its tablet lineup with an updated iPad Air, introducing a new generation powered by the company’s M4 processor along with improved connectivity and more memory. The update focuses on performance and wireless improvements while keeping the familiar design and display sizes that defined the previous model.

One of the most notable changes is the jump in memory. The new iPad Air now ships with 12GB of RAM, providing more headroom for demanding apps, multitasking, and Apple’s growing suite of on-device intelligence features. Combined with the M4 chip, the additional memory is expected to improve responsiveness in professional apps, creative workflows, and AI-driven tasks.

The tablet also adopts Apple’s N1 networking chip, bringing support for the latest wireless standards including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity. Apple says the custom networking chip improves wireless stability and speed, particularly on modern 5GHz networks, and enhances system features that rely on direct device connections such as AirDrop and Personal Hotspot.

Cellular versions of the device now integrate Apple’s C1X modem, a custom-designed component built to deliver faster 5G performance while using less power. According to Apple, the modem enables cellular speeds that can reach up to fifty percent faster compared with the previous iPad Air generation, while also improving energy efficiency during network use.

Under the hood, the M4 chip powers the new model with an eight-core CPU, nine-core GPU, and a sixteen-core Neural Engine for machine learning workloads. Apple says the processor delivers roughly 30 percent stronger multi-core performance than the previous generation iPad Air. Memory bandwidth has also increased, allowing the chip to move data faster during intensive tasks such as video editing or large file processing.

Despite the internal upgrades, the hardware design remains unchanged. Apple continues to offer the iPad Air in 11 inch and 13 inch sizes, both featuring an LCD display capable of reaching up to 500 nits of brightness. The device retains the Touch ID sensor built into the power button and includes a USB C port for charging and accessories.

Camera hardware also remains familiar, with a 12 megapixel front facing camera that supports Center Stage to keep users framed during video calls. A 12 megapixel rear camera is included for document scanning, photos, and video recording. Stereo speakers, dual microphones, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard remain part of the experience as well.

Apple says the new iPad Air can be preordered starting March 4, with availability beginning on March 11. Pricing continues to start at $599 for the 11 inch model and $799 for the larger 13 inch version. The tablet will be available in Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray, with storage options ranging from 128GB up to 1TB.