iPad Air 2026: Key Rumors and Expected Features

Apple’s 2026 iPad Air to Feature M4 Chip and Next-Gen Wi-Fi 7

Apple is planning a significant internal upgrade for the iPad Air in early 2026. The new models are expected to launch around March or April. According to sources, the update will focus on performance and connectivity.

The forthcoming iPad Air will not receive a major design overhaul. Instead, Apple will equip it with a more powerful processor.

iPad Air 2026

Key Internal Upgrades for the 2026 Model

The next iPad Air is set to receive the M4 chip. This follows Apple’s pattern of giving the iPad Air a chip one generation behind the iPad Pro. The current iPad Pro uses the M5 chip.

The M4 chip offers a notable performance boost. It features up to 10 CPU cores, compared to 8 in the M3. The Neural Engine is also faster. This will benefit system-intensive tasks and games.

Apple will also include its new N1 networking chip. This custom-designed chip supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 standards. It promises faster speeds and better efficiency on compatible networks.

What to Expect from the Design and Display

The physical design of the iPad Air will remain unchanged. Consumers can expect the same 11-inch and 13-inch size options. The device will continue to use a standard LED display.

It will not upgrade to OLED technology, which is reserved for the iPad Pro. The tablet will also lack ProMotion support. Features like the Touch ID top button and USB-C port will stay.

Pricing is not expected to increase. The 11-inch model should start at $599. The 13-inch model will likely start at $799.

The 2026 iPad Air represents a solid iterative update focused on core performance. With the new M4 chip and advanced Wi-Fi 7, Apple is ensuring its mid-tier tablet remains a powerful and competitive option for the coming year.

Info at your fingertips

What is the expected release date for the new iPad Air?

The new iPad Air is expected to launch in early 2026. A release around March or April is most likely. Apple often holds a spring event for such announcements.

What is the most significant upgrade in the 2026 iPad Air?

The jump to the M4 chip is the most significant change. It provides a substantial performance increase over the current M3 chip. This will be most noticeable in demanding applications and games.

Will the new iPad Air have a new design or OLED screen?

No major design changes are anticipated. The tablet will keep its current form factor. It will also continue using an LED display, not upgrading to OLED.

How will the N1 chip improve the iPad Air experience?

The N1 chip enables support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. This means significantly faster wireless speeds on compatible networks. It also improves power efficiency for better battery life.

Will the new iPad Air work with existing accessories?

Yes, it will remain compatible with the current Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. No new accessories are rumored for this update.