Apple is expected to launch a new M4-powered iPad Air in spring, with reports suggesting the company will skip the M3 chip in favor of aligning the device with the latest iPad Pro models and its newest Mac lineup. This decision marks a notable shift in Apple’s usual release pattern, as the M3 chip was anticipated for the next iPad Air.
In his weekly “Power On” newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that the upcoming iPad Air models, identified by code names J607, J608, J637, and J638, will focus more on specification upgrades rather than major design changes. Gurman further speculated that the 2025 iPad Airs will likely feature the M4 chip, bringing them in line with the more powerful iPad Pro devices.
Apple’s decision to skip the M3 chip for the iPad Air may come as a surprise to some, but Gurman suggests this shift shouldn’t be too unexpected. As he notes, most Mac models share the same chip family, and this strategy could be extended to iPads as well. By using the M4 chip, Apple aims to provide a performance boost to the iPad Air, aligning it with its premium iPad Pro offerings.
The last update to the iPad Air came in May 2024, when Apple introduced the M2-powered iPad Air in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. With the M4 chip, the upcoming iPad Air is expected to offer faster speeds, enhanced performance, and overall improved capabilities, positioning it as a more powerful alternative within the iPad lineup.
