Apple quietly unveiled updates to its product lineup Monday, hinting at a larger reveal planned for Wednesday. The focus? A new, more accessible iPhone and a significant internal upgrade to the popular iPad Air.
Introducing the iPhone 17e, positioned as Apple’s latest “affordable” option. While the exterior remains familiar, the core has been revitalized with the A19 chip, promising a performance boost without a complete overhaul.
Alongside the iPhone, the iPad Air receives a substantial, though subtle, upgrade. The new models now boast the M4 chip, bringing enhanced processing power to the sleek tablet design. However, don’t expect a dramatic visual transformation.
Visually, the M4 iPad Air is nearly indistinguishable from its M3 predecessor. Apple has maintained the same dimensions and overall aesthetic, focusing instead on what’s under the hood. The 11-inch and 13-inch models remain unchanged in appearance.
The M4 chip represents the core of this update. While not the latest M5, it’s a generation ahead of the M3, delivering noticeable performance gains. Expect a smoother, more responsive experience across applications.
Specifically, the M4 in the iPad Air features an eight-core CPU, a nine-core GPU, and 12GB of RAM – a significant increase from the M3 Air’s 8GB. This extra memory allows for more demanding tasks and seamless multitasking.
Apple claims the M4 iPad Air is up to 30% faster than the previous generation and a remarkable 2.3 times faster than the M1 iPad Air. These figures suggest a compelling upgrade for those with older models.
Beyond the chip, Apple integrated the N1 chip for enhanced connectivity, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread for smart home integration. Cellular models benefit from the new C1X modem, offering 30% improved efficiency.
The iPad Air retains its core features: 12MP cameras, USB-C connectivity with Touch ID, and an estimated 10 hours of video playback. However, the 60Hz display remains, a point of disappointment for those hoping for a smoother visual experience.
Preorders for the M4 iPad Air begin March 4, with prices starting at $599 for the 11-inch, 128GB model. The 13-inch version starts at $799, and adding cellular connectivity adds $150.
The M4 iPad Air will officially be available on March 11, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 17e and Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series, setting the stage for a competitive spring in the tech world.
