The iPad Air M4 marks Apple’s latest update to its mid-range tablet lineup, featuring the M4 chip, 12GB of unified memory, and support for Wi-Fi 7, with pre-orders opening March 4, 2026, and availability beginning March 11, 2026.

Apple said the new iPad Air delivers up to 30 percent faster performance than the iPad Air with M3, and up to 2.3x faster performance than the iPad Air with M1. The device features an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU, with memory bandwidth reaching 120GB/s.

iPad Air M4 Performance and AI Capabilities

The M4 chip includes a 16-core Neural Engine that is 3x faster than the Neural Engine in M1. Unified memory increases 50 percent to 12GB compared to the previous generation, helping users run artificial intelligence models faster on-device.

Apple said the Neural Engine supports tasks such as searching for subjects and text in photos, and powers features in apps including Goodnotes and Onform: Video Analysis App. The Neural Engine also enables Scene Removal Mask in Final Cut Pro, which removes video backgrounds locally.

Moreover, M4 delivers over 4x faster 3D pro rendering with ray tracing compared to iPad Air with M1, supporting second-generation hardware-accelerated mesh shading for more detailed graphics in gaming applications.

Connectivity: N1 and C1X Chips Debut on iPad Air

The new iPad Air introduces two Apple-designed connectivity chips for the first time. The N1 wireless networking chip enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, while improving Personal Hotspot and AirDrop reliability.

Cellular models include the C1X modem, which Apple said offers up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance and up to 30 percent less modem energy usage compared to iPad Air with M3. Cellular models also support 5G, GPS, and eSIM for digital plan management.

iPadOS 26 Features and Accessories

iPadOS 26 introduces a Liquid Glass design language, a new windowing system, and an updated Files app with folder customization and Dock folder support. A new menu bar allows users to access app commands by swiping down from the top of the display.

The Preview app arrives on iPad, enabling users to sketch, view, edit, and mark up PDFs and images using Apple Pencil or touch. iPadOS 26 also adds local audio capture controls and Background Tasks support, taking advantage of Apple silicon.

Compatible accessories include Apple Pencil Pro at SAR 592, Apple Pencil (USB-C) at SAR 349, and Magic Keyboard in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes at SAR 1,249 and SAR 1,363 respectively. The Magic Keyboard connects via Smart Connector and includes a 14-key function row and a USB-C charging port in the hinge.

“iPad Air gives users more ways than ever to be creative and productive, offering powerful performance and incredible versatility to help them turn their ideas into reality.”

Bob Borchers, Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, Apple

Pricing, Availability, and Environmental Notes

The 11-inch iPad Air starts at SAR 2,699 for the Wi-Fi model and SAR 3,699 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 13-inch iPad Air starts at SAR 3,699 for the Wi-Fi model and SAR 4,399 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Education pricing sets the 11-inch model at SAR 2,499 and the 13-inch model at SAR 3,499.

Storage configurations include 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The device is available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray. Pre-orders open March 4 across 35 countries and regions, with shipping beginning March 11.

Apple said the iPad Air is made with 30 percent recycled content, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. Manufacturing uses 40 percent renewable electricity across the supply chain, and the paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based.

Customers can trade in an existing iPad for credit toward the new model through the Apple Store online, the Apple Store app, or an Apple Store location.