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Apple Launches M4 iPad Air With 12GB RAM and Wi‑Fi 7 as Preorders Open March 4

Global availability begins March 11 after a brief preorder window.

Overview

  • Apple’s midrange tablet moves to the M4 with an 8‑core CPU, 9‑core GPU and a 16‑core Neural Engine, delivering up to 30% faster performance than the M3 and up to 2.3x over M1.
  • Unified memory increases to 12GB with 120GB/s bandwidth to accelerate on‑device AI workloads and pro apps such as Final Cut Pro and Pixelmator Pro.
  • Apple’s N1 wireless chip brings Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, while cellular models add the C1X modem for faster, more energy‑efficient 5G.
  • Design, displays, cameras, battery life and accessory support remain the same, with compatibility for Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and Magic Keyboard.
  • Pricing holds at $599 for 11‑inch and $799 for 13‑inch models, with India starting at ₹64,900; retailers like Amazon are discounting M3 cellular units by about $150 ahead of the M4 rollout.