Apple unveils new iPad Air with M4 chip, more memory and AI features

Gareth H. Whitfield • April 14, 2026 02:46

Apple has announced a refreshed iPad Air, led by a new M4 processor, increased memory and fresh software features in iPadOS 26, with pre-orders opening on Wednesday 4 March and first deliveries due from 11 March.

The company says the new tablet is aimed at users who want more power for creative and professional work, while also highlighting new Apple Intelligence capabilities built into the operating system and a redesigned look.

M4 performance claims and a memory boost

Apple is heavily promoting the step up to its M4 chip, claiming a sizeable speed increase over the previous generation. According to the firm, with an 8‑core CPU and a 9‑core GPU, the new iPad Air is “up to 30% faster” than the iPad Air with the M3 chip and “up to 2.3 times faster” than the iPad Air with the M1 chip.

Bob Borchers, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, said the device gives users “more possibilities than ever” to be creative and productive, pointing to what he described as exceptional performance and versatility.

He added that the combination of M4 performance, the tablet’s AI capabilities and “groundbreaking” features in iPadOS 26 makes now “the ideal time” to buy or upgrade to an iPad Air.

Apple also argues that owners of older models stand to see major gains. The company points to 12GB of unified memory and 120GB/s memory bandwidth, alongside iPadOS 26 integration, to support its claim of up to 2.3 times faster performance compared with the M1-equipped iPad Air. As ever, independent benchmarks will be needed to verify the real-world improvements.

Apple Intelligence and a revamped ‘Liquid Glass’ look

Alongside the hardware upgrade, Apple briefly referenced Apple Intelligence features integrated directly into iPadOS, saying they provide “intuitive” options designed to make the iPad experience more useful and efficient, without giving further detail in this announcement.

The company also drew attention to a new design it describes as “elegant”, built using what it calls “Liquid Glass” - a translucent material said to reflect and refract its surroundings, respond to user actions, and dynamically shift to emphasise content on screen. Apple’s description is ambitious, though reactions will likely depend on individual taste.