Apple has unveiled a new generation of its mid-range tablet, the iPad Air equipped with the M4 chipThis update focuses on increasing power, memory, and connectivity without significantly altering the design. The company aims to enhance performance and artificial intelligence features, while maintaining a familiar format and prices that, in the case of Europe and Spain, are quite similar to, and even more competitive than, the previous generation M3.
With sizes of 11 and 13-inch models, compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and Magic KeyboardAnd with the jump to iPadOS 26 with the Liquid Glass interface, the new model positions itself as a very capable intermediate option between the basic iPad and the iPad Pro, getting closer and closer to the latter in power without reaching their premium positioning.
Continuity design in two sizes
In terms of aesthetics, Apple follows a conservative approach: the new iPad Air maintains a aluminum chassis with flat edges, rounded corners and a very slim profile of around 6,1 millimeters. There are no noticeable changes to the design or the layout of buttons and ports, which makes it easy to reuse cases and accessories from previous generations.
The device is offered in two screen versions, of 11 and 13 inches (10,9 and 12,9 inches to be more precise), both with an IPS Liquid Retina display, near-2K resolution, and a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch. The display remains limited to 60 Hz refreshTherefore, the 120 Hz refresh rate remains reserved for the Pro models, one of the few clear differences in the daily user experience for those seeking maximum fluidity.
The color range remains recognizable within Apple's catalog: space gray, blue, purple, and star whiteA matte finish is used on the back, which helps to hide fingerprints and maintains that "premium" product feel expected from the brand.
In biometrics, there's no trace of Face ID, and unlocking is once again entrusted to Touch ID integrated into the power button, a solution already known in the Air range that allows authentication without complications and without changes compared to the previous generation.
In the multimedia section, Apple retains a 12 megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel front-facing camera with Center Stage functionality. This camera is located on the longer edge of the device to improve the landscape video call experience, accompanied by horizontal stereo speakers that seek to offer a more balanced sound for series, movies or video calls.
M4 chip: a leap in performance and a focus on AI
The core of this update is in the new M4 chip, manufactured using an advanced 3-nanometer processApple integrates an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU with support for modern graphics technologies, such as second-generation hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, designed for demanding games and 3D rendering.
According to data provided by the company, this processor allows the new iPad Air to be up to 30% faster than the model with M3 and can be up to 2,3 times faster than the iPad Air with M1 in certain demanding tasks. In professional uses, such as video editing in Final Cut Pro or complex compositions in apps like Pixelmator ProThe gain is especially noticeable during export periods and in general smooth operations.
The graphics also receive a significant boost: hardware ray tracing is, according to Apple, more than four times faster compared to the M1This translates into more realistic reflections, shadows, and lighting effects in video games and 3D applications. While not reaching the Pro range, this Air comes quite close to a modern laptop in terms of raw power, while maintaining a lighter form factor.
A key point is memory: the iPad Air now goes up to 12GB unified memoryThis represents a 50% increase over the previous generation. This increase, combined with a 120 GB/s memory bandwidthIt clearly improves the management of large projects, heavy files and, above all, the execution of local artificial intelligence models.
The 16-core Neural Engine also takes the leap, with performance that triples that of the M1 chip in on-device AI tasks. This benefits features such as searching for text and objects in photos, transcribing notes, analyzing video, and advanced tools in third-party apps that will take advantage of Apple Intelligence and iPadOS 26 compatible models.
Next-generation connectivity with N1 and C1X
Alongside the M4, Apple is launching its own in the iPad Air N1 wireless connectivity chipThis component adds compatibility with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, and is designed to optimize performance on 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks, improving both speed and stability in home and professional connections.
In models with mobile data, the protagonist is the C1X modem developed by AppleThe company claims it enables up to 50% faster cellular data performance compared to the previous generation, while reducing modem power consumption by around 30%, a significant benefit for a device designed to be used for hours away from a power outlet.
Cellular connectivity continues to rely on 5G networks and the use of eSIMThis allows you to activate a data plan without a physical SIM card and switch between carriers digitally. For frequent travelers or those who need constant connectivity on the go, this combination of 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6 positions the iPad Air competitively within the advanced tablet segment.
Thread support, meanwhile, opens the door to more efficient integration with connected home devices, something that fits with Apple's strategy around HomeKit and current home automation standards, although in day-to-day life many users hardly notice this new feature directly.
iPadOS 26, Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence
The new generation arrives with iPadOS 26 preinstalleda system that introduces both visual and functional changes. The most striking element is the Liquid Glass design, a new translucent visual language that reacts to user interactions, highlights content, and gives the interface a more dynamic look.
The window system has also been redesigned to offer more control over multitaskingNow it's possible to organize, resize, and switch apps more flexibly, bringing the experience closer to that of a traditional computer while maintaining the typical simplicity of the iPad. In addition, updated menu bar which appears when you swipe up from the top or hover the cursor over, giving quick access to key functions of each application.
La Files app receives a major updateWith an improved list view, new organization options, and the ability to pin folders to the Dock for easy access to downloads, documents, and other items from any screen, the app has been updated. Additionally, users can now choose default apps to open specific file types, a feature many have been requesting for some time.
The system also incorporates a specific version of Previewwhich allows you to annotate PDFs, quickly edit images, or make small sketches with the Apple Pencil or your finger, all without always having to resort to third-party applications.
iPadOS 26 also includes tools for those who need more control over the audio inputs, local content capture, and background tasks, areas in which the M4 chip and its extra power help the device to handle complex workloads without compromising overall fluidity.
Compatibility with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
The new iPad Air retains all the compatibility with Apple's flagship accessories in this segment, which facilitates transform your iPad Air into a laptopOn one hand, it supports both the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Apple Pencil Pro, thus offering a more basic option for note-taking and a more advanced one for illustration, design, and intensive creative work.
The Apple Pencil Pro adds gestures like squeeze or rotate the pencil To access additional tools, it integrates with the Find My feature, which can be handy if you misplace it at home, in the office, or in a classroom. Those who already had one in a previous generation don't need to replace it if they upgrade their tablet within the same family.
In terms of the keyboard, the device remains compatible with the Magic Keyboard with trackpadIt retains the familiar floating design and connects via the Smart Connector, foregoing Bluetooth. This keyboard incorporates a row of 14 function keys to control brightness, volume and other quick actions, and adds a USB-C port on the hinge for charging the iPad.
Compatibility with accessories from previous generations means that coversKeyboards and other accessories for iPad Air with M1, M2, or M3 chips In most cases they will still be valid, which can represent a considerable saving for those who are only looking to renew the central device.
It is important to remember that, as is typical of the brand, These accessories are sold separately, both in official stores and authorized distributors, adding an extra cost to the initial investment if you want to replicate an experience close to that of a laptop.
Autonomy and daily use
Although Apple doesn't publish the battery capacity in mAh, it does offer some usage guidelines: the iPad Air with M4 is designed for lasts for around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback via Wi-Fi, and about 9 hours of use on a mobile connection in the Wi-Fi + Cellular versions.
The company states that the integrated lithium batteries support a charging capacity of up to approximately 28,9 WhThis is in line with what the range has been offering. In practice, this should translate into a full day of mixed use for most users, although the actual battery life will depend on the type of tasks, screen brightness, and the use of 5G or Wi-Fi 7 connections.
The presence of the M4 chip and the new connectivity components also helps in terms of energy efficiency: the C1X modem, for example, It consumes about 30% less energy than the previous generation, a relevant detail for those who make intensive use of mobile data connections.
Configurations, prices and availability in Spain and Europe
In the European market, the new iPad Air with M4 is offered in various combinations of size, connectivity, and storage capacity. In Spain, the model of 11-inch Wi-Fi starts at 649 euros with 128 GB, while the version Wi-Fi + Cellular starts at 819 euros. The kind of The 13-inch model starts at 849 euros for the Wi-Fi only variant and 1.019 euros for the option with mobile connectivity.
The storage range includes 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB on both screen diagonals, so each user can adjust the configuration according to their space requirements. Compared to the M3 generation, prices in Europe are down by around 50 euros for the 11-inch models and 100 euros for the 13-inch models, a striking price reduction considering the increase in memory and computing capacity.
Apple maintains its educational focus with reduced fees for students and institutions, where the model of The 11-inch model starts at around 579 euros., And of The 13-inch model costs around 779 eurosDepending on the chosen configuration and the company's educational program access conditions.
The launch window is also clear: the new iPad Air will be You can book from March 4th through the Apple website and the Apple Store app, and its Availability in physical stores and authorized distributors begins on March 11 in Spain and the rest of Europe where it is officially sold.
For those who want to complete the set, the The Magic Keyboard for the 11-inch model is priced around $269 in the United States. (with euro equivalents depending on the market), and slightly more for the 13-inch version; prices in Europe vary by country and discount programs, especially in the education sector. The Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) are also offered separately, with prices that place them above and below, respectively, the most advanced stylus in the range.
Overall, this iPad Air with the M4 chip presents itself as a very focused update Gain muscle in performance, memory, and connectivity Maintaining a design, accessories, and relatively affordable prices for the current context: a proposal designed for those who need a versatile tablet to study, work, or create content in Spain and Europe, without making the leap to Pro models but without giving up hardware that, on paper, is getting closer and closer to that of many laptops.
