Search results for: “ipad air”

  • M2 iPad Air can run Windows 11 with ARM support

    M2 iPad Air can run Windows 11 with ARM support

    The new M2 iPad Air, announced by Apple earlier this month, is already showing some exciting capabilities. A developer named @imbushuo has managed to get Windows 11 running on the iPad Air with the help of the UEFI-based open-source tool called Project Sandcastle.

    This setup works because the M2 chip in the iPad Air uses the same arm64 architecture that Windows 11 supports. That means the operating system can run on the device without needing to be fully changed. However, it still needs tweaks and technical steps to get everything working smoothly.

    In a shared video, the iPad Air is seen running Windows 11. While not everything works perfectly, like Wi-Fi and touchscreen input, many core features are functional, showing that the tablet can handle a desktop OS like Windows.

    This isn’t the first time developers have experimented with running non-Apple systems on Apple devices. The same project, Sandcastle, has been used before to bring Android and Linux to iPhones and iPads. This latest test with Windows 11 on the M2 iPad Air proves how flexible and powerful Apple’s new chips are.

    While it’s not something regular users would do, it shows the iPad has strong potential for more than just iPadOS, especially in the hands of tech-savvy developers.

  • How fast is the new iPad Air with Apple’s M3 Chip? Here’s the Scoop

    How fast is the new iPad Air with Apple’s M3 Chip? Here’s the Scoop

    Everyone’s buzzing about Apple’s super-speedy M3 Ultra chip for the Mac Studio, but we’re still waiting on those test results. For now, let’s check out the first scores for the new iPad Air with the M3 chip.

    M3 iPad Air Performance

    The early Geekbench 6 scores for the iPad Air with the M3 chip aren’t shocking, but that’s okay—steady news can be great news! Since Macs already use the M3 chip, we know it’s about 20% quicker than the M2 chip when handling lots of tasks at once (that’s multi-core CPU speed, for the tech fans). The new iPad Air shows the same kind of boost, which is just what we hoped for.

    So far, there are three test results for the M3 iPad Air, giving it an average multi-core score of 11,605. Compare that to the last iPad Air with the M2 chip, which scored 9,817 on average. That means the M3 is roughly 18% faster than the M2 in the iPad Air, based on these first numbers. That’s a pretty solid improvement!

    This is nice to see, but it’s not the big headline we’re waiting for. The real excitement will come when we find out how the M3 Ultra stacks up against the M4 Max chip. Those test scores should pop up soon, so keep an eye out for that update. For now, the M3 iPad Air is proving it’s a step up—faster and ready for whatever you throw at it. More speed news is on the way!

  • Affordable new Magic Keyboard unveiled for iPad Air with cool upgrades

    Affordable new Magic Keyboard unveiled for iPad Air with cool upgrades

    Apple recently launched the M3 iPad Air and iPad 11, and now it’s introduced a neat new accessory to go with them. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air has been updated with some awesome features borrowed from the M4 iPad Pro’s version. Let’s check out what’s new!

    iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard Gets a Fresh Look

    According to Apple:

    The redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad Air makes it easier to get things done, all at a lower price. It has a bigger trackpad that’s super accurate for tricky tasks, plus a new row of 14 keys for quick controls like adjusting brightness or sound. It snaps on magnetically, and the Smart Connector instantly links it up for power and data—no Bluetooth needed. There’s also a sturdy aluminum hinge with a USB-C port for charging. Starting at just $269 for the 11-inch size and $319 for the 13-inch, this keyboard keeps its sleek floating style and comes in white. This updated Magic Keyboard for iPad Air picks up some of the best tricks from the M4 iPad Pro’s keyboard, which I adore.

    Here’s what they share:

    • A larger trackpad for easier use
    • A handy row of shortcut keys

    One small difference? The iPad Air version doesn’t have the fancy trackpad vibration feedback. It also skips the aluminum area near the trackpad. But overall, the two keyboards are pretty similar. Both come in 11-inch and 13-inch options. While it’d be cool to have just one Magic Keyboard for all iPads, the super-slim iPad Pro probably needs its special fit.

    Pricing and Which iPads Work with It

    The iPad Air’s Magic Keyboard is cheaper since it skips a couple of extras:

    • 11-inch: $269 (compared to $299 for iPad Pro’s)
    • 13-inch: $319 (compared to $349 for iPad Pro’s)

    It works with these iPads:

    • iPad Air 11-inch (M3, M2, 5th, and 4th gen)
    • iPad Air 13-inch (M3, M2)

    You can grab it now from Apple’s online store, with delivery by Wednesday, March 12.

  • When will the new iPhone SE, iPad 11, and iPad Air come out?

    When will the new iPhone SE, iPad 11, and iPad Air come out?

    A leak has recently given us hints about when we might see the new iPhone SE 4, iPad 11, and iPad Air models.

    A private account on X (formerly Twitter) shared that these upcoming devices will come with iOS 18.3 or iPadOS 18.3 already installed when they hit the market. While we don’t know the exact release date, it looks like they’ll be announced sometime between March and April, before iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 roll out.

    The leak included the build numbers for these new software versions:

    • iOS 18.3 for iPhone SE (4th generation): 22D8062
    • iPadOS 18.3 for iPad 11 and iPad Air (2025): 22D2060, 22D2062

    The final test versions of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 were released this week, suggesting that the updates might be available for current devices next week.

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned that new MacBook Air models with the M4 chip might be announced before these iPads and iPhone, potentially making them Apple’s first big reveal of 2025.

    The new iPhone SE is expected to look like the iPhone 14 or iPhone 16 with a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, a USB-C port, and a single 48-megapixel camera. It might also have a new A-series chip, 8GB of RAM to support Apple’s AI features, and Apple’s own 5G modem.

    The iPad 11 is rumored to have an A17 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM, also supporting Apple’s AI features. For the iPad Air, there’s some confusion; some leaks suggest an M3 chip, while others hint at the M4 chip that’s in the latest iPad Pro.

    New Magic Keyboards are also on the way for these iPads.

    This information gives us a clearer picture of what to expect from Apple in the coming months.

    Source

  • M3 Chip confirmed for upcoming iPad Air models

    M3 Chip confirmed for upcoming iPad Air models

    In what appears to be a significant leak, renowned tech leaker Evan Blass has shared details suggesting that Apple’s next iPad Air models will feature the new M3 chip. According to a glimpse of what seems to be internal source code, Blass hinted at the arrival of new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air versions, alongside an entry-level iPad 11.

    Blass, who has a history of accurate leaks, including pre-announcement reveals of the iPhone 12 and HomePod mini, posted this information on a private social media account. His latest leak counters previous speculation that the iPad Air might skip the M3 and directly adopt the M4 chip, which is currently exclusive to the iPad Pro line. This move would align with Apple’s strategy to differentiate between its tablet offerings by chip generation, rather than using the more costly and less efficient first-generation 3nm process chips.

    While the specifics of the iPad 11 remain somewhat under wraps, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has suggested it might come equipped with the A17 Pro chip, enhancing its capabilities for Apple Intelligence features. Additionally, the leak hints at the development of a new iPhone SE 4, continuing Apple’s tradition of refreshing its budget smartphone line.

    Apple updated the iPad Air last in May 2024 with the M2 chip, introducing for the first time a 13-inch model. If these leaks hold true, we might see these new devices announced as early as March or April, potentially with new Magic Keyboard accessories to complement them. However, no drastic design changes are expected, keeping the focus on internal upgrades.

     

  • Apple’s Smart Home Vision: A delayed dawn and a leap forward for iPad Air

    Apple’s Smart Home Vision: A delayed dawn and a leap forward for iPad Air

    The whispers surrounding Apple’s grand entrance into the smart home arena have been growing louder, hinting at a centralized hub to orchestrate our connected lives. However, recent insights suggest this much-anticipated device might not arrive as soon as we hoped. Simultaneously, rumors are swirling about a surprising move in Apple’s iPad lineup, potentially bypassing a chip generation altogether.

    For months, the tech world has buzzed about Apple’s development of a dedicated smart home hub, envisioned as a central command center for managing our increasingly interconnected homes. This device, rumored to sport a 7-inch square display, a FaceTime camera, and enhanced speakers, was expected to run a specialized “homeOS” operating system, integrating seamlessly with various Apple apps. The design was said to offer versatility, with options for wall mounting or desktop placement via a dedicated dock. Initial expectations pointed towards a March 2025 launch.

    However, recent reports suggest a potential delay. According to reliable sources, the operating system powering this hub relies heavily on advanced software features that may not be fully ready until later iterations of Apple’s core operating systems. This software dependency has cast doubt on the original timeline, suggesting the hardware itself might not reach consumers until later in the year. This aligns with earlier reports from prominent analysts who pointed to a potential third-quarter 2025 release, citing software development challenges as the primary reason for the shift.

    While initially there was speculation about whether these reports referred to distinct devices, the converging timelines strongly suggest they describe the same product. It seems Apple is prioritizing a polished and fully functional software experience, even if it means pushing back the hardware release. This could mean a preliminary announcement in the spring, with the actual product hitting shelves after the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in the summer.

    Beyond the smart home hub, Apple’s iPad strategy is also generating buzz. Speculation points towards a significant update to the iPad Air lineup, potentially skipping the expected M3 chip in favor of the more powerful M4.

    The current iPad Air models, released last year in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, are powered by the M2 chip. Conventional wisdom, supported by early rumors, suggested a straightforward upgrade to the M3 chip this year. However, recent reports suggest Apple might have a different plan. 

    Sources indicate that the upcoming iPad Air refresh will focus on internal upgrades rather than significant design changes. The possibility of jumping directly to the M4 chip has emerged, aligning the iPad Air more closely with the iPad Pro regarding processing power. This move, while potentially blurring the lines between the two iPad lines, wouldn’t be entirely unprecedented. Apple has previously consolidated its Mac lineup around shared chip families, and a similar approach for iPads wouldn’t be out of the question.

    This potential shift echoes Apple’s surprise move with the iPad Pro in 2024, which unexpectedly debuted with the M4 chip, bypassing the M3 entirely. This precedent suggests that Apple is willing to deviate from traditional upgrade cycles when necessary. 

    Aside from the potential chip upgrade, the new iPad Air is expected to retain its current design. However, it may incorporate Apple’s in-house 5G modem, a component also expected to feature in other upcoming Apple devices. There are also rumors of a new Magic Keyboard designed for the iPad Air. While it might not feature the aluminum top case found on the iPad Pro version, it could incorporate features like a function row of keys, enhancing the overall user experience. 

    In conclusion, Apple’s roadmap for the near future appears to involve both a strategic delay and a surprising leap forward. The anticipated smart home hub, while facing a potential delay due to software development, remains a key part of Apple’s vision for the connected home. Meanwhile, the potential jump to the M4 chip for the iPad Air signals a commitment to performance and a possible shift in Apple’s iPad strategy. These developments suggest an exciting, albeit slightly delayed, period of innovation for Apple and its users.

  • M4 MacBook Air’s graphics power matches M4 iPad Pro, tests show

    M4 MacBook Air’s graphics power matches M4 iPad Pro, tests show

    New test results for Apple’s upcoming MacBook Air with the M4 chip have appeared on Geekbench, hinting at how much faster its graphics are compared to the current M3 models. These scores give us a sneak peek at the power of Apple’s latest 3-nanometer chip design.

    One test entry, labeled “Mac16,12,” was logged on February 23. It shows a device with a 10-core chip and 24GB of memory. This machine was running a unique version of macOS Sequoia 15.2, which Apple briefly released in December. That slip-up had already hinted at new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs, so this benchmark looks like the real deal.

    The MacBook Air scored 55,516 in the Metal graphics test. That’s very close to what the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro gets, which makes sense since both devices rely on the same chip and don’t use fans to stay cool. For comparison, the current M3 MacBook Air usually hits around 48,000 to 49,000 on the same test. Meanwhile, the M4 MacBook Pro, which has fans, scores a bit higher at about 57,000.

    Since neither the MacBook Air nor the iPad Pro has fans, their graphics performance stays pretty similar. The MacBook Pro’s cooling gives it a slight edge, but the gap isn’t huge. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently shared that Apple is gearing up its sales, marketing, and store teams for a March release of the new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs.

    He’s said before that they’re just weeks away. Beyond the M4 chip upgrade, no big changes are expected for these models. This suggests Apple fans can look forward to a solid boost in graphics power soon, wrapped in the sleek, fan-free design MacBook Air users love.

  • Millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay are at risk of wi-fi attacks

    Millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay are at risk of wi-fi attacks

    A major security issue has been found that could let hackers take control of millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay, all through Wi-Fi. This flaw affects Apple’s Wireless Direct Link (AWDL) protocol, which is the base for services like AirDrop, AirPlay, and Sidecar.

    Researchers from TU Darmstadt in Germany discovered that devices using these features are open to attack when Wi-Fi is turned on, even if users aren’t actively using AirPlay or CarPlay. This means a hacker nearby could exploit the flaw and possibly access or take control of your device.

    Worryingly, this issue doesn’t just affect iPhones. It also targets iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and even HomePods. Once a hacker breaks in, they could do things like steal data, mess with apps, or even spy on the screen or audio shared through AirPlay or CarPlay.

    What’s worse is that the attack doesn’t require the hacker to be on the same network. They only need to be within Wi-Fi range. And since the protocol runs in the background, users likely won’t know anything’s wrong.

    The researchers shared their findings with Apple in 2023. While Apple has made some security updates since then, not all risks have been fixed. Experts recommend turning off Wi-Fi when not in use and avoiding AirPlay or CarPlay in public areas to stay safe.

     

  • Upcoming Apple products may get better multitasking and iPadOS 19 design changes

    Upcoming Apple products may get better multitasking and iPadOS 19 design changes

    Apple is working on major changes for its upcoming devices, with iPadOS 19 expected to play a big role. According to a new report, Apple is testing improved multitasking features in iPadOS 19. These updates are likely to benefit three key products: the iPad Pro with the M4 chip, a new larger iPad Air, and a foldable iPad. The improvements may include better split-screen controls and smoother ways to switch between apps.

    The goal is to make the iPad more like a computer, especially for users who want to do more on their device. Apple wants iPads to be more useful for tasks like writing, editing, and multitasking—something that has been missing compared to MacBooks.

    At the same time, Apple is also making design changes for its upcoming iPhones. A new render of the iPhone 17 Pro shows a possible unibody back panel. This design would combine the back glass and the camera bump into a single, smooth surface. If this design becomes real, it could make the iPhone more durable and give it a cleaner look.

    These changes show Apple’s focus on both performance and design. With better multitasking on iPads and a fresh design for iPhones, Apple is preparing to make its 2025 lineup more powerful and appealing to users.

  • New update for Apple AirPods Max released

    New update for Apple AirPods Max released

    Apple has rolled out a fresh update for its AirPods Max headphones, bringing the firmware version to 7E99. This update, released on March 31, 2025, follows the last one from December 2024, which was version 6F21. While Apple hasn’t shared a detailed list of changes, this update likely focuses on fixing bugs and improving how the headphones work.

    The AirPods Max update happens automatically when the headphones are near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi and charging. Users don’t need to do anything extra—it just updates quietly in the background. To check the firmware version, connect the AirPods Max to an iPhone, go to Settings, then General, and tap About. From there, look under the AirPods section to see the current version.

    Even though Apple keeps the update details light, these firmware tweaks usually make the headphones run smoother, sound better, or connect more reliably. The AirPods Max, known for their comfy design and great sound, remain a top pick for music lovers. This update shows Apple’s effort to keep them working well for users.

    If you’re curious about the exact changes, there’s no official word yet. But based on past updates, expect small but helpful improvements. Have you noticed anything different with your AirPods Max after the update? Share your thoughts! For now, just enjoy the music, knowing Apple’s got your back with these quiet upgrades.