Apple had social media buzzing on Tuesday after unveiling the latest version of its iPad Air – and another major product upgrade announcement is likely just around the corner.
CEO Tim Cook had teased some major product announcements “this week” in an X post on Monday, which included a stylized video with the phrase “There’s something in the air.”
The revamped iPad Air comes equipped with Apple’s more powerful M3 computer chip – an upgrade over the M2 chip included in the previous version.
The device operates nearly twice as fast as the iPad Air M1, which came out in 2022, according to a company press release.
The 11-inch version of the iPad Air M3 starts at $599, while a 13-inch variant costs $799.
Deliveries of the upgraded device after slated to begin on March 12.
Apple said the iPad was “built for Apple Intelligence,” its suite of integrated AI features.
Apple also unveiled a new “Magic Keyboard’ add-on for its tablets as well as a low-end version of its base iPad that costs $349 and will not support Apple Intelligence.
The company’s stock was flat in Tuesday trading.
Cook’s cryptic message fueled rampant speculation that Apple was set to unveil a refreshed MacBook Air laptop equipped with its M4 computer chip.
Some users poked fun at the post, with one suggesting an Apple Air Fryer must be imminent.
The heavily touted M4 chip is expected to bolster Apple’s artificial intelligence offerings as well as offer improved graphics and processing speed.
Apple launched the MacBook Air with an M3 chip just last year.
Bloomberg tech correspondent Mark Gurman, a noted Apple insider, said he expects the company to announce launch details about the MacBook Air M4 as soon as Wednesday.
The MacBook Air M4 will also reportedly feature upgrades such as better support for external screen displays, improved battery life and a new camera, according to the tech blog 9to5 Mac.
It will be available in 13-inch and 15-inch editions.
Last month, Apple unveiled a $599 version of its flagship smartphone, dubbed the iPhone 16e, as it looks to stave off competition from Chinese rivals.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company is looking to maintain momentum after iPads were a key sales driver during its holiday quarter.
IPad sales surpassed $8 billion in the three-month period, outpacing estimates of $7.32 billion, according to LSEG data.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
