If you're due for an iPad upgrade, your options just got better. The iPad Air is getting a significant refresh, skipping a generation to land right on the powerful M4 chip.
While the outside might look familiar, the "engine" under the hood has been completely overhauled. This update is all about speed, better multitasking, and making the iPad Air a serious contender for anyone who wants Pro-level power without the Pro-level price tag.
Based on the specs, and past experience using the M4 processors, we think anyone who upgrades to this will notice the biggest benefits in battery life, speed during complex tasks, and (for those who game) a shockingly good experience from a non-dedicated gaming device.
M4 Performance: Speed You'll Actually Notice
If you're currently using an older iPad, the jump to the M4 chip is going to feel like switching from a bicycle to a an eBike. Apple says this new Air is up to 30 percent faster than the previous M3 model and 2.3x faster than the M1 version if you're coming from the 2022 iPad Air or 2021 iPad Pro.
- Smoother Gaming: With new "ray tracing" tech, games will have more realistic lighting and shadows—think console-quality graphics in your lap.
- Faster Editing: Whether you're cutting 4K video in Final Cut Pro or touch-up photos, the M4 chip handles heavy files without breaking a sweat.
- More Memory: For the first time, the Air jumps to 12GB of RAM. Think of RAM like your desk space—the bigger the desk, the more projects you can have open at once without things getting cluttered or slow.
Built for the AI Era
Apple Intelleligence hasn't been what waws promised, but there's no double Apple is all-in on getting their AI experience up to speed. So it makes sense they're prepping this new tablet for a new era of AI usage. The M4 features a specialized "Neural Engine" that is designed specifically for artificial intelligence tasks.
What does that mean for you? It means the iPad can "think" faster. It can transcribe your meeting notes instantly, identify objects in your photos more accurately, and even remove backgrounds from video footage in a snap. It's like having a digital assistant that does the heavy lifting in the background so you can focus on being creative.
Better Connections and Battery
Apple also introduced two new internal chips called the N1 and C1X. These are essentially the "conductors" for your internet and cellular connections.
- Wi-Fi 7 Support: This ensures you get the fastest possible wireless speeds if you have a modern router.
- Faster 5G: For those who take their iPad on the road, the cellular models are now up to 50 percent faster while actually using less battery power.
iPadOS 26: A Fresh New Look
The new hardware is launching alongside iPadOS 26, which introduces a "Liquid Glass" design that you may be familiar with from your iPhone. It's a fancy way of saying the menus and apps will look more translucent and react dynamically to your touch. There is also a much-improved "windowing" system, making it easier to juggle multiple apps at once—bringing the iPad one step closer to feeling like a true laptop replacement.
Price and Availability
The best part and most shocking considering the RAM shortages wordwide, Apple is keeping the starting prices exactly the same as the previous generation.
- 11-inch model: Starts at $799 (CAD)
- 13-inch model: Starts at $1,099 (CAD)
Pre-orders open this Wednesday, March 4, and they'll be hitting store shelves on Wednesday, March 11.
The new Air also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard, so if you're looking to turn this into a productivity powerhouse, you've got plenty of options.
Are you thinking about upgrading your current tablet? What features are most important to you when picking a new iPad?
Reach out and share your thoughts with me on Instagram @drewkozub!
Read more
New iPad Air & Magic Keyboard coming to Canada March 12
Apple's iPad air lineup is getting a subtle upgrade from the M2 to M3, but if you're a few generations behind, this will feel like a new iPad experience.
Apple’s New AirTag is Louder, Stronger, and Available NOW in Canada
Apple's refreshing their AirTag models. The size is the same (so it'll work with your current accessories) but the range and volume are better.
Geeking Out: Techtober
Drew Kozub does an on-going tech segment on Breakfast Television called Geeking Out. This week he was highlighting some of the recent gadgets that have launched this fall during "Techtober."
Geeking Out with Drew Kozub - Great Outdoors Gadgets
This week Drew Kozub joined Devo Brown to share some great gadgets to enjoy in the great outdoors.