Apart from iPhone 17e，蘋果也揭曉換上M4處理器的新款iPad Air，更將統一記憶體容量提高50%、增加至12GB，並且首度導入自研N1無線網路晶片與C1X數據晶片。在效能與連線能力全面躍進的同時，11吋與13吋機型的起跳價依然維持在極具競爭力的599美元與799美元 (台灣市場建議售價則分別從新台幣19900元與26900元起跳)。
This upgrade has freed the iPad Air from its awkward position between the entry-level and Pro models, making it a truly affordable "Pro model" with powerful productivity and AI computing capabilities.
M4 processor and 12GB memory: Powerful computing power paving the way for AI
The new iPad Air features the M4 chip with an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU, offering 30% faster performance than the M3 and 2.3 times faster than the M1. With the 9-core GPU, this tablet is the first to support hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, significantly enhancing 3D rendering and AAA gaming experiences.
To unleash the computing potential of Apple Intelligence and various on-device AI models, Apple has increased the Unified Memory capacity of the new iPad Air to 12GB and boosted memory bandwidth to 120GB/s. Combined with a 16-core Neural Engine that is three times faster than the M1, users can enjoy a smoother and more immediate experience, whether it's using Goodnotes for speech transcription or performing one-click automatic background removal in Final Cut Pro.
Replaced with Apple's own communication chips: N1 and C1X
In terms of communication specifications, Apple has finally made sure the iPad Air uses them.Their own data chips.
• N1 wireless network chip:It brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity support to the iPad Air, which not only enhances the stability of wireless connections on the 5GHz band, but also takes the transmission experience of AirDrop and personal hotspots to the next level.
• C1X data chip:Apple has abandoned its partnership with Qualcomm and switched to its own C1X data chip. Compared to the M3 version, it not only increases mobile network transmission speed by up to 50%, but also remarkably reduces data chip power consumption by 30%, significantly extending battery life when working on the go.
iPadOS 26 brings a "macOS-like" desktop-level Windows experience.
iPadOS 26, which enhances iPad productivity, features a completely new semi-transparent design language called "Liquid Glass" and introduces a new intuitive windowing system and a top menu bar. This makes the multitasking logic on the iPad increasingly similar to macOS, allowing users to more easily overlap, zoom, or switch between different app windows.
In addition, the "Files" app has received significant enhancements, not only supporting folder customization options but also allowing folders to be placed directly into the Dock. Apple has also launched a native "Preview" app on the iPad for the first time, allowing users to annotate PDFs and images more quickly.
Accessory support and pricing information
The new iPad Air is fully compatible with the previously announced Apple Pencil Pro (which supports squeeze, swivel, and other gestures, and Apple Find My network), and also supports Apple Pencil (USB-C). For the keyboard, it supports the new Magic Keyboard, which features a floating design, aluminum hinges, and a 14-key function bar.
• Color options:It is available in four colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.
• Storage capacity:The starting capacity has been upgraded to 128GB, with a maximum option of 1TB.
• Suggested selling price:The 11-inch Wi-Fi version starts at US$599, while the 13-inch Wi-Fi version starts at US$799. An educational discount is also available, saving US$50 on each. As for the Taiwan market, the 11-inch Wi-Fi version starts at NT$19900, and the 13-inch Wi-Fi version starts at NT$26900.
• Time to market:The new iPad Air will be available for pre-order on March 4th (US Pacific Time) and will officially ship on March 11th. However, the official launch date in the Taiwan market has not yet been confirmed.
