iPad Air M4 Launch Set for Early 2026: What to Expect From Apple’s Latest Tablet!

Approximately a year following the launch of the iPad Air M3 in March 2025, Apple is expected to unveil the iPad Air M4 in the spring of 2026, according to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. This update is set to occur a few months after the iPad Pro update, which is anticipated to incorporate the M5 chip starting this fall. The upcoming models are reportedly codenamed J707, J708, J737, and J738, which represent both Wi-Fi and cellular versions across two sizes, and will primarily feature routine enhancements: “The new iPad Air models will transition from the M3 to the M4 chip, but will otherwise include only limited changes.” Additionally, Apple is also expected to update the iPad A16 at the same time.

The M4 chip has already been introduced in the iPad Pro, giving us a clear expectation for the forthcoming iPad Air models. The raw CPU power of the M4 is about 16% higher, GPU performance is improved by roughly 20%, and it notably features a much more advanced Neural Engine with a 110% improvement over the M3 chip. This represents a significant development for artificial intelligence applications. Regarding RAM, it is anticipated that Apple will maintain 8 GB, as is currently the case with the entry-level iPad Pro M4 (only the models with 1 TB or 2 TB of storage are upgraded to 16 GB).

These improvements are always welcome, but bear in mind, the current M3 chip is already quite powerful. Unless you have particularly demanding requirements, especially in terms of artificial intelligence, upgrading to the M4 chip will not revolutionize the tablet’s responsiveness. However, it will offer a guarantee of longevity, with longer support for future versions of iPadOS.

In the meantime, note that there are often discounts available on the iPad Air M3 from various retailers. You can find the best current prices on our price comparison tool, and we regularly share the top deals in our bargains section. If you are a student or educator, you might also consider taking advantage of the Back to School offer during the summer.