Apple has launched the 8th-generation iPad Air in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, succeeding last year’s M3 model, bringing a major internal refresh while keeping the familiar design. Both versions still use Liquid Retina displays and a Touch ID sensor in the top button, but the M3 chip has been replaced with Apple’s newer M4 processor.
Processor
The move to the M4 brings clear performance gains. The chip features an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU, and Apple claims it delivers up to 30% faster performance than the M3-powered iPad Air and up to 2.3 times faster than the older M1 variant. Unified memory has been bumped up to 12GB with 120GB/s of memory bandwidth, which should help with heavy multitasking, creative apps, and running on-device AI models. The 9-core GPU also adds second‑generation hardware‑accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing for more realistic graphics and quicker 3D rendering. A 16‑core Neural Engine handles AI processing and is said to be up to three times faster than the Neural Engine in the M1 model.
Connectivity:
Apple has also updated the connectivity hardware. The new N1 wireless chip enables Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, promising better performance on crowded 5GHz networks and more stable local features such as AirDrop and Personal Hotspot. Cellular versions use the new C1X modem with 5G and eSIM support. According to Apple, it can offer up to 50% faster cellular speeds while using up to 30% less power than the modem in the M3 iPad Air, and it also integrates GPS.
Display/Camera:
On the hardware side, the front camera is a 12MP Ultra Wide unit with Center Stage, now placed on the landscape edge, which makes video calls more natural when the iPad is used horizontally. There is a 12MP rear camera capable of 4K video recording at up to 60fps. The tablets include landscape stereo speakers, with the larger 13‑inch model delivering richer sound. Both sizes run iPadOS 26 out of the box, with Apple Intelligence features built into the software, and remain compatible with accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.
Pricing:
In India, the new iPad Air is available in blue, purple, starlight, and space grey. The 11‑inch Wi‑Fi model starts at Rs. 64,900 for 128GB and goes up to Rs. 1,14,900 for 1TB, while the 11‑inch Wi‑Fi + Cellular variant ranges from Rs. 79,900 to Rs. 1,29,900. The 13‑inch Wi‑Fi version is priced between Rs. 84,900 and Rs. 1,34,900, and the 13‑inch Wi‑Fi + Cellular model ranges from Rs. 99,900 to Rs. 1,49,900 depending on storage. Apple says the new iPad Air can be ordered from March 4th on apple.com/store and the Apple Store app in 35 countries and regions, including India, with retail sales through Apple Stores and authorised resellers beginning March 11th.
