If you’ve been holding out for a new laptop or tablet because you know that Apple tends to update its models on a regular basis, you’re in luck. The new releases you’ve been waiting for have arrived.
This week, Apple has unveiled two new iPad models in its new iPad Air and new entry-level iPad, along with an upgraded MacBook Air with the M4 processor – the same one you get in the high-end Pro model! Here’s what you need to know.
MacBook Air M4
Just like the M3 MacBook Air, the newest MacBook Air comes in two sizes – a 13-inch model and a larger 15-inch version. Both are powered by Apple’s latest M4 chip, which is designed to deliver faster performance for everyday tasks and creative projects while improving energy efficiency.
It still delivers an impressive 18-hour battery life, and can now work on up to two external displays, and that’s while the MacBook’s screen is open too (ideal for multi-taskers!). It also has an upgraded 12-megapixel built-in camera with “Centre Stage”, which makes sure you’re always in the frame during FaceTime calls.
From the outside, you’re probably not going to notice a big difference with the new laptop. It maintains its slim, lightweight design that’s easy to carry throughout the day. There’s also no change to the excellent display, which isn’t a major downside, but means you don’t get the “nano-texture” option that we experienced and loved on the latest MacBook Pro M4 model.
You don’t need to worry if you don’t know some of the jargon, but one of the biggest pros is that the new MacBook Air has an increase in the default amount of RAM, which will make it more future-proof and able to handle more intensive tasks. It also comes in a brand-new light blue colour, which we think looks lovely.
Thankfully, there hasn’t been a price increase. In the UK, it actually starts at £100 less than the M3 MacBook Air did last year, with a price of £999 for the 13-inch model, while the 15-inch version is available from £1,199. You can choose from four colour options, including that new blue, silver, Starlight, and Midnight.
iPad Air M3
Alongside the MacBook Air, Apple has updated its iPad lineup with two new models, starting with a refresh of the iPad Air, which is still available in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.
This new version is now powered by the improved M3 chip, which means the iPad Air remains a brilliant mid-range option for tasks ranging from productivity to streaming media. We’d only recommend the iPad Pro for users needing its high-end performance, and the Air delivers loads of the Pro’s perks and a more affordable price.
The device comes in blue, purple, “Starlight”, and “Space Grey” colours. In the UK, the 11-inch iPad Air starts at £599, while the 13-inch variant starts at £799 – these are the same prices as the 2024 models at launch.
It’s worth saying that you can also now grab an upgraded Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air, which supports this model and is compatible with older versions too. It has a larger trackpad, support for faster charging through its USB-C port and a proper row of function keys on the keyboard.
iPad (11th generation)
Additionally, the standard iPad has been refreshed with its 11th generation release. Now equipped with Apple’s A16 Bionic chip, this model should offer a significant performance boost compared to its entry-level predecessors, making it a solid upgrade from an older iPad or the ideal model as someone’s first iPad.
Unlike most launches from Apple lately, though, this iPad won’t support Apple Intelligence. For those AI-powered features, you’ll need to step up to either the iPad Air or the iPad Mini. The basic iPad does now have more storage by default (it starts at 128GB, rather than 64GB) so you’ll have a lot more space for videos, photos and music on the device.
It’s available in four colours – silver, blue, pink, and yellow – and starts at a much more affordable £329.
Pre-order the new Apple products now
Simon Cocks is Hearst UK’s Technology Ecommerce Editor, overseeing tech shopping content and strategy across a range of titles including Good Housekeeping UK, Esquire UK, Digital Spy, Men’s Health UK and Women’s Health UK.
Simon specialises in testing the latest smart gadgets, home entertainment gear, headphones, speakers, portable chargers, radios, ebook readers and smartphones. He’s reviewed top tech products from brands including Google, Apple, Amazon, JBL and Bose.
A magazine journalism graduate from Kingston University in 2014, Simon also worked on the Discovery and Silkroad inflight magazines. He then gained experience writing about entertainment at SFX and Total Film. He also contributed reviews and interviews to TwitchFilm (later ScreenAnarchy), CultBox and Frame Rated.
He joined Good Housekeeping UK as the Editorial Assistant for Special Projects and was part of Good Housekeeping’s Consumer Affairs Team between 2014 and 2019. In this role, he conducted price comparison research, wrote detailed household and money-saving advice guides and edited thousands of in-depth reviews for the Good Housekeeping Institute.
He has focused on technology and gadgets since 2020, where he started by testing out power banks and instant cameras. He writes reviews, roundups, news articles and deals updates, and also covers top tech deals during sales like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
When not testing out the latest gizmos, you’ll find Simon either catching up with the newest releases at his local cinema or out shooting with his beloved compact camera.
You can follow Simon on Instagram, on Bluesky, on LinkedIn and on Threads.
