Days leading up to the Apple launch event on March 4 have seen the announcement of two anticipated devices: the iPhone 17e and the M4-powered iPad Air. This latest iPad Air boasts improved performance, enhanced connectivity, and new features from iPadOS 26. Priced at just Rs 64,900, the iPad Air (M4) is reported to be as much as 30 per cent quicker than its M3 counterpart, marking a significant advancement.
Highlights
iPad Air with M4 Chip: Key Features
The new iPad Air continues to offer 11-inch and 13-inch display options. It is driven by Apple’s new M4 processor which comprises an 8-core CPU, a 9-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. This results in performance that is up to 30 percent swifter than the M3 iPad Air and 2.3 times faster than the M1 iPad Air.
Apple indicates that users will experience remarkable speed enhancements in all their activities. Tasks in Apple Creator Studio, photo compositing in Pixelmator Pro, and video editing in Final Cut Pro are now quicker than ever. Additionally, the latest iPad Air features unified memory of 12GB and an enhanced memory bandwidth of 120GB/s, facilitating faster AI model operations.
This tablet also includes the N1 chip, its wireless networking chip that allows for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity. Moreover, it is equipped with a 12MP Centre Stage camera positioned at the top centre of the display.
Software Innovations with M4 iPad Air
The M4 iPad Air operates on iPadOS 26, which introduces new productivity features. This includes an updated windowing system that enhances the way apps are controlled, organised, and switched between, along with a refreshed menu bar. The Files app benefits from an upgraded List view and customisation options for folders. Users will also find the Preview app accommodating for sketching, viewing, editing, and annotating PDFs and images with Apple Pencil or touch.
The M4 iPad Air also supports the Magic Keyboard and both the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), which will be available for purchase separately.
M4 iPad Air Pricing and Availability in India
The M4 iPad Air will be available in blue, purple, starlight, and space grey colour options. The pricing for the 11-inch iPad Air commences at Rs 64,900 for the Wi-Fi model and Rs 79,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant. The 13-inch model starts at Rs 84,900 for the Wi-Fi option and Rs 99,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
Pre-orders for the M4 iPad Air begin on March 4, through apple.com and the Apple Store app. The official sales launch is scheduled for March 11 at apple.com and authorised retail locations.
