M4 iPad Air Set for Launch With Upgrades, But Not Alongside MacBook

Apple is preparing to launch its new iPad Air models featuring the upgraded M4 chip, which is set to replace the M2 in current models. With M2 iPad Air stock running low across the world, the arrival of its M4 variants can be imminent. Thus, the iPads will come a bit after the M4 MacBook Air refresh.

M4 iPad Air Tipped for Imminent Launch With Performance Boost, But Won’t Debut Alongside M4 MacBook Air

Apple might debut the M4 MacBook Air as early as this week, though the M4 iPad Air and iPad 11 “probably won’t come in the next few days,” according to Bloomberg industry analyst Mark Gurman’s newest Power On newsletter. That opens up the possibility that Apple will launch the MacBook Air separately first, as it did with the iPhone 16e. The announcement is also expected to be made via a press release rather than a dedicated event.

Gurman writes also that inventory of the iPad Air and iPad 10 is running low, which suggests the new models could be due. But the Cupertino firm wants to confirm the MacBook Air release before refreshing its iPad range, following a similar pattern to the launch of the iPhone 16e, two weeks ago.

While an exact release date for the M4 iPad Air and iPad 11 has not been confirmed, the devices are said to be coming sometime in March or April. The iPad Air will not get a new design but will skip the M3 chip, going straight to the M4 chip like they did with the OLED iPad Pro. Performance will be improved with the M4 chip, potentially a binned variant since Apple saves top-spec chips for premium products. It is yet to be seen if there will be any notable performance differences.

As for the iPad 11, it is expected to maintain its existing design. To keep costs down, Apple will likely omit Apple Intelligence support, meaning it won’t feature the A17 Pro chip. Additionally, it remains unclear if the company will integrate its custom 5G C1 modem into the new tablets.

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