Tim Cook Teases Major Air Product Launch This Week: M4 MacBook Air or New iPad Air?

Tim Cook has confirmed that a new “Air” product will be launched this week, potentially being either the MacBook Air with the M4 chip or the next-generation iPad Air. The M4-powered MacBook Air is expected to feature a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, with the base RAM upgraded to 16GB for better performance and compatibility with Apple Intelligence.

Design changes are unlikely, but the MacBook Air may introduce a Nano-texture display to reduce glare and a Centre Stage camera for video calls, along with additional Thunderbolt 4 ports. The iPad Air, on the other hand, is likely to be powered by the M3 chip, offering a significant performance boost. It may also support Wi-Fi 7 and include Apple’s new C1 modem chip, alongside the release of a Magic Keyboard specifically designed for Air models.

Tim Cook Teases Major Air Product Launch This Week: M4 MacBook Air or New iPad Air?

Tim Cook has confirmed that Apple will launch a new “Air” product this week. While it’s not clear which product it will be, it could either be the MacBook Air with the M4 chip or the next-generation iPad Air. The announcement is expected soon, as indicated by a video shared by Cook on X (formerly Twitter), captioned “This Week.”

 

MacBook Air (M4): What to Expect

The MacBook Air is set to receive a significant upgrade, featuring the new M4 chip. Both the 13-inch and 15-inch models are expected to get the chip simultaneously. The M4 chip will likely include a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, but no M4 Pro or M4 Max variants are expected for this model. The new chip will enhance performance and efficiency, which could also improve battery life. Additionally, the base RAM is expected to be upgraded to 16GB, aligning with recent MacBook Pro models.

This will also improve compatibility with Apple’s new features, including Apple Intelligence. Design changes are unlikely, but the MacBook Air may introduce a Nano-texture display option to reduce glare and the Centre Stage camera for video calls. The device could also feature extra Thunderbolt 4 ports.

 

iPad Air: What to Expect

The next-generation iPad Air is also expected to see a significant performance boost, likely powered by the M3 chip. This upgrade would replace the current M1-powered model. There are rumors that the iPad Air will support Wi-Fi 7 and include Apple’s new C1 modem chip, which debuted with the iPhone 16e.

In addition to the major upgrades expected for the MacBook Air and iPad Air, Apple is reportedly preparing new accessories to complement these devices. One of the most anticipated accessories is the Magic Keyboard, specifically designed for the Air models. This new keyboard is expected to offer enhanced functionality, tailored to the slim profile and performance features of the Air devices.

Users can expect improved typing comfort, more responsive keys, and possibly new features that take full advantage of Apple’s latest chip advancements, such as customizable shortcuts for the M4 and M3 chips.

The Magic Keyboard could also incorporate design elements that align with the Air’s sleek aesthetic, including thinner construction and perhaps even a lighter frame. Alongside the keyboard, Apple may release other accessories aimed at improving the overall user experience, such as updated trackpads, protective cases, or docking stations. These accessories are expected to further enhance the seamless integration between the new Air products and the Apple ecosystem, creating a more productive and versatile environment for users.