Apple Launches New iPad Air, MacBooks, iPhone 17e

Apple launched a suite of new devices on Tuesday, including updated iPad Air models powered by the M4 chip, MacBook Air and Pro laptops with M5 processors, a budget-oriented MacBook Neo, and the iPhone 17e smartphone. The products became available for purchase immediately through Apple's online store and major retailers, with early discounts appearing at outlets like Amazon and Best Buy.

The iPad Air, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes starting at $599 and $799 respectively, features the M4 chip, which Apple states delivers up to 30 percent faster performance compared to the previous M3 generation. The device includes 12GB of RAM, support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and compatibility with the Thread smart home standard. Other specifications remain consistent with prior models, including 12-megapixel front and rear cameras, Touch ID in the power button, USB-C connectivity, and up to 10 hours of battery life for video playback. The design is unchanged, with an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, slim aluminum chassis, and a thickness of 6.1 millimeters for the 11-inch version.

Early reviews highlight the iPad Air's enhanced multitasking capabilities, powered by iPadOS 18.3,...