Arguably, the 2025 iPad Air is a significant generational leap over the previous models, certainly in terms of processing power, AI capabilities and connectivity. Apple says, for example, that the Neural Engine is three times faster than in the M1-powered model. You’ll see tremendous speed improvements if upgrading from an M1 iPad Air as Apple promises up to 2.3x faster performance.
“iPad Air gives users more ways than ever to be creative and productive, offering powerful performance and incredible versatility to help them turn their ideas into reality,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of worldwide product marketing. “With its blazing performance thanks to M4, incredible AI capabilities, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, there’s never been a better time to choose or upgrade to iPad Air.”
iPad Air M4 at a glance
- Processor: M4 chip with 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine.
- Memory: 12GB of unified memory with 120 GBps bandwidth — 50% more memory than the previous model.
- N1 chip: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread support.
- Modem: Cellular models gain the C1X modem, which promises up to 50% faster data and 30% improved energy efficiency over the preceding model.
- Display: Available in 11-in. and 13-in. configurations.
- Camera: 12MP camera front and back.
- Cost: From $599 (11-in.), $799 (13-in.).
It’s hard to ignore the central pillars of these upgrade; more speed from the new processor and a big boost in general performance thanks to the inclusion of twice as much memory. What this means is that users will find everything works a lot faster, and it means these iPads, like every Apple device, have more than enough power to handle Apple Intelligence and other forms of AI. In tablet form, at least, I’m not confident anyone else offers a product in the category that matches this.
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