Bold claim: Apple is poised to refresh the iPad Air with an M4 chip in the near future, driven by tightening inventories and a cooling stock of current models. But here's where it gets controversial: will the upgrade be significant enough to justify the wait for most users?
Apple is expected to unveil an updated iPad Air in the coming weeks, powered by the M4 processor. This follows Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who notes that shrinking supplies of the current M3 iPad Air and the iPhone 16e hint at an imminent refresh. In his Power On newsletter, Gurman observes that retail stock of both devices has basically run out and predicts new versions of both products in the near term: “I’ve been expecting new versions of both (iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air) in the coming weeks.”
The next-generation iPad Air, likely the eighth generation, would move from the M3 chip (introduced March 2025) to the more capable M4. The M4 first appeared in the iPad Pro lineup in 2024 and later in MacBooks, and analysts expect CPU and GPU gains in the range of 20–30% over the M3. This should translate to smoother video editing, faster graphic design workflows, and stronger AI-assisted features under Apple Intelligence.
Additional rumored upgrades include Apple’s own N1 wireless chip to enhance Wi‑Fi connectivity—potentially supporting Wi‑Fi 7—and an updated modem to improve 5G performance. On the design front, however, substantial changes look unlikely: the new iPad Air is expected to keep the same slim aluminum chassis, a Liquid Retina display (without ProMotion 120Hz or OLED), the existing camera setup, and the current RAM configuration.
This refresh follows Apple’s typical spring timing for iPad Air updates. The M3 iPad Air arrived in March 2025, alongside a redesigned lineup, and prior generations have often launched around March or April. Some reports point to a possible March 2026 announcement, potentially tied to an Apple event on March 4 held in New York, London, and Shanghai, though Apple has not confirmed the event’s focus. That timing has fueled speculation about bundled reveals, including the iPhone 17e, entry-level Mac updates, or other hardware.
Alongside the iPad Air, Apple is also believed to be preparing a 12th-generation base iPad featuring the A18 chip (up from A16) with Apple Intelligence support making its first appearance on the entry-level model. The iPad mini is expected to receive a more substantial upgrade later in 2026, including an OLED display.
Pricing for the M4 iPad Air remains unconfirmed, but analysts anticipate a modest price uptick due to the new chip and component costs, likely starting near the current model’s $599 for the 11-inch version. Details on storage options, colors, and accessory compatibility have not yet been disclosed.
Public reaction across platforms like Reddit and X is mixed: excitement for the performance bump and stronger AI capabilities, tempered by disappointment that the Air won’t sport the Pro-level display or design innovations. Many current M3 owners wonder whether the incremental upgrade is worth waiting for or if upgrading now is wiser.
Apple has not commented on the rumors or announced launch plans. Historically, Apple tends to reveal new iPads through press releases or virtual events rather than full-stage keynotes for smaller refreshes.
With ongoing shortages and Gurman’s late-February to March timeline, potential buyers of the M3 iPad Air should stay tuned to official announcements in the coming days.
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