Apple is gearing up to release updated 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models later this year, featuring the powerful M4 chipset.
While the design and display sizes will remain unchanged, the transition from the M2 to the M4 promises significant performance and efficiency improvements.
Performance Boost With the M4 Chipset
The M4, which debuted in Apple’s iPad Pro lineup, is expected to deliver up to 45% faster performance compared to the M2, based on Geekbench 6 benchmarks.
Built on TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, the M4 supports ARM’s Scalable Matrix Extension, enabling it to handle complex workloads with ease.
This makes it ideal for productivity tasks, creative work, and even gaming, with older AAA titles like Death Stranding running smoothly.
Pricing and Availability
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new iPad Air models could launch in spring 2025, with pricing likely to remain consistent.
The current lineup starts at $549 for the base 11-inch version with 128GB of storage and $699 for the 13-inch model.
If Apple maintains the same pricing for the M4 versions, the updated iPad Air could attract a wide range of buyers, offering a balance of power and affordability.
What’s Missing?
Despite the performance boost, the new iPad Air models will likely lack some premium features found in the iPad Pro series, such as:
- Tandem OLED displays
- ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate)
These omissions are expected to help Apple keep the cost down, positioning the iPad Air as a value-focused option in its tablet lineup.
Why Skip the M3?
Interestingly, Apple appears to be bypassing the M3 chipset for these models. Analysts speculate that the M3 served as a transitional release, while the M4 represents a more substantial upgrade in both performance and efficiency.
The upcoming M4 iPad Air models could solidify Apple’s position in the mid-range tablet market, offering a compelling mix of power and price.
With the M4’s capabilities and Apple’s consistent pricing strategy, the new iPad Air is poised to be a popular choice for users seeking high performance without the premium cost of an iPad Pro.
