Manila, Philippines — Apple Inc. has introduced the all-new iPad Air equipped with the powerful M4 chip and expanded memory, delivering a substantial performance upgrade while maintaining the same starting price. With a faster CPU and GPU, the new iPad Air enhances demanding tasks such as video editing and gaming. It also stands out as a strong device for artificial intelligence, featuring a quicker Neural Engine, increased memory bandwidth, and 50 percent more unified memory than the previous generation. Powered by M4, the iPad Air is up to 30 percent faster than the M3 version and up to 2.3 times faster than the M1 model.
The device also incorporates Apple’s latest connectivity chips, N1 and C1X, enabling faster wireless and cellular performance along with support for Wi-Fi 7. Available in two sizes and four stunning finishes, the 11-inch model remains highly portable, while the 13-inch version offers a larger display ideal for multitasking. Combined with the powerful features of iPadOS 26, advanced cameras, all-day battery life, a robust app ecosystem, and compatibility with accessories such as Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, the iPad Air delivers a versatile experience for students, creators, business professionals, and gamers alike.
Despite its significant upgrades, pricing remains unchanged. The 11-inch iPad Air starts at ₱42,990, while the 13-inch model begins at ₱54,990. For education customers, prices start at ₱38,990 for the 11-inch and ₱51,990 for the 13-inch model. Availability details will be announced soon.
“iPad Air gives users more ways than ever to be creative and productive, offering powerful performance and incredible versatility to help them turn their ideas into reality,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With its blazing performance thanks to M4, incredible AI capabilities, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, there’s never been a better time to choose or upgrade to iPad Air.”
Even More Performance with M4
The M4 chip delivers a notable boost in speed and efficiency, allowing users to stay productive and creative wherever they are. Whether managing large creative files or editing content while traveling, users will feel the performance improvement immediately. Equipped with an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, the new iPad Air is up to 30 percent faster than the M3 model and up to 2.3 times faster than the M1 version. Tasks in apps such as Apple Creator Studio, Pixelmator Pro, and Final Cut Pro are smoother and quicker.
The 9-core GPU supports second-generation hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, resulting in superior graphics performance. Compared to the M1 model, 3D professional rendering with ray tracing is more than four times faster, delivering more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows for immersive gaming experiences.
Next-Level Power for AI
The M4 chip also strengthens AI capabilities through faster memory bandwidth and an advanced Neural Engine. Unified memory now increases by 50 percent to 12GB, with memory bandwidth reaching 120GB/s. This allows users to run AI models more efficiently.
The 16-core Neural Engine is three times faster than the one in the M1 chip, enabling everyday on-device AI tasks such as searching for text within photos, transcribing lecture notes, and utilizing intelligent features in apps like Goodnotes and Onform: Video Analysis App. It also powers creative tools such as Scene Removal Mask in Final Cut Pro, allowing users to remove video backgrounds with ease.
N1 and C1X Bring Faster Connectivity
The new iPad Air features the N1 wireless chip, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity. The N1 chip improves performance on 5GHz networks and enhances reliability for features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.
Cellular models are equipped with the C1X modem, offering up to 50 percent faster cellular data speeds and up to 30 percent lower modem energy consumption compared to the M3 model. With built-in GPS capabilities and 5G support, users can stay connected globally. The addition of eSIM allows users to quickly activate or transfer plans digitally, making it especially convenient for travelers, students, and remote workers.
iPadOS 26 Elevates the Experience
Running on iPadOS 26, the new iPad Air introduces powerful features designed to simplify creative and professional workflows.
The updated design incorporates Liquid Glass, a translucent material that responds dynamically to user interaction while maintaining focus on content. A new windowing system makes it easier to manage, organize, and switch between apps. Users can also access app commands through a new menu bar with a simple swipe or cursor movement.
The enhanced Files app includes an improved List view and expanded folder customization. Users can add folders to the Dock for quick access and set default apps for specific file types. The Preview app provides a dedicated space for viewing, editing, sketching, and marking up PDFs and images using Apple Pencil or touch. Additionally, new audio input controls, local capture for high-quality recordings, and Background Tasks take full advantage of Apple silicon.
Advanced Accessories for iPad Air
The iPad Air supports a range of accessories designed to enhance productivity and creativity.
The Apple Pencil Pro offers advanced features such as squeeze gestures and barrel roll, along with Find My integration for easy tracking. The Apple Pencil (USB-C) provides a more affordable option for note-taking and sketching.
The Magic Keyboard delivers a premium typing experience with a built-in trackpad and 14-key function row. Its magnetic attachment and Smart Connector provide seamless power and data transfer without Bluetooth, while the machined aluminum hinge includes a USB-C charging port. The floating design is available in black and white.
Ideal for Upgraders
The new iPad Air offers significant improvements over previous iPad and iPad Air models. Users upgrading from M1 will experience up to 2.3 times faster performance, four times faster 3D rendering with ray tracing, improved camera placement with a 12MP Center Stage front camera along the landscape edge, and enhanced stereo speakers. The 13-inch model also delivers richer audio quality for entertainment.
Upgraders benefit from faster connectivity through N1 and C1X chips, increased base storage of 128GB, and powerful Apple Intelligence capabilities seamlessly integrated into iPadOS with strong privacy protections.
Designed with Sustainability in Mind
As part of Apple’s environmental commitment, the new iPad Air is built with 30 percent recycled materials, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. Manufacturing uses 40 percent renewable electricity across the supply chain. The device is designed for durability, repairability, and energy efficiency, and its packaging is made entirely from fiber-based materials that are easily recyclable.
Pricing and Availability
The new iPad Air with M4 will be available through apple.com/ph and Apple Authorized Resellers.
It comes in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
Pricing starts at ₱42,990 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model and ₱54,990 for the 13-inch Wi-Fi model. Wi-Fi + Cellular variants start at ₱52,990 and ₱64,990 respectively. Education pricing begins at ₱38,990 for the 11-inch and ₱51,990 for the 13-inch version.
Magic Keyboard pricing starts at ₱17,990 for the 11-inch and ₱19,990 for the 13-inch model, with education savings available. Apple Pencil Pro is priced at ₱8,690, while Apple Pencil (USB-C) is available at ₱4,990, with discounted education rates offered for both.
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