Apple has officially announced the new iPad Air, now featuring the advanced M4 chip. This update brings a significant increase in performance and memory to the mid-range tablet line while maintaining the same starting price for consumers in the Philippines.
The new iPad Air is available in two sizes: a portable 11-inch model and a larger 13-inch version. Both models are designed to provide professional-grade power for students, creators, and business users who require high-speed multitasking and AI-driven capabilities.
The transition to the M4 chip marks a major technical leap for the iPad Air. The device is now up to 30 percent faster than the previous M3 model and more than twice as fast as the M1 version. This boost is supported by a 50 percent increase in unified system memory, which now stands at 12GB.
These hardware upgrades are specifically optimized for artificial intelligence. The faster Neural Engine allows the iPad Air to handle complex tasks such as real-time video background removal and automated lecture transcription with greater efficiency. For gamers, the M4 chip introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing, providing more realistic lighting and reflections in high-end titles.
The new iPad Air features Apple’s latest connectivity hardware, the N1 and C1X chips. These components enable support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, ensuring more reliable wireless connections. Cellular models now offer data speeds that are up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation while consuming 30 percent less power.
The device launches with iPadOS 26, which introduces a refined user interface known as Liquid Glass. A new windowing system and an updated Files app allow users to organize their workspace more like a traditional computer. The addition of a dedicated Preview app also simplifies the process of editing and marking up documents with the Apple Pencil.
The iPad Air remains a versatile tool for productivity through its support for the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard. The Apple Pencil Pro offers advanced features like “squeeze” and “barrel roll” for artists, while the Magic Keyboard provides a laptop-like typing experience with a built-in trackpad and a functional row of keys.
In line with Apple’s environmental goals, the new iPad Air is constructed with 30 percent recycled content. This includes a 100 percent recycled aluminum enclosure and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. The packaging is also entirely fiber-based to reduce plastic waste.
The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models will be available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray. Storage options range from 128GB to 1TB.
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11-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi): Starts at ₱42,990
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13-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi): Starts at ₱54,990
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Education Pricing: Starts at ₱38,990 for eligible students and faculty
