3 months into 2026, and we got a couple of new Apple products, starring the iPhone 17e and the latest iPad Air powered by the M4 chip.
Even though this might be the “budget alternative” to the iPhone 17 series, it is still given the best Apple processor to date – the A19 SoC, so performance should be as good as its flagship counterparts (allegedly).
There’s also 16 cores of Neural Engine processing to work around the Apple Intelligence stuff, as well as the newly integrated C1X modem for a stronger signal while consuming less power.
Durability is provided through the aerospace-grade aluminium and IP68 rating, as well as the Ceramic Shield 2 front cover, promising 3x better scratch resistance than before, along with improved anti-reflection to reduce glare.
You’re also getting a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with up to 1200 nits peak HDR brightness, Face ID for secure authentication, and the Action button for quick access to features like the torch or visual intelligence.
The single camera lens at the back is a 48MP Fusion camera that enables 2x Telephoto zoom, allowing both 24MP and 48MP photo quality. Software has been improved to automatically recognize people, dogs, and cats, while giving focus and background blur adjustments after the shot is taken.
For video, it delivers 4K Dolby Vision up to 60fps, records Spatial Audio for immersive playback with AirPods, and includes features like Audio Mix and wind noise reduction for cleaner sound.
Other notable stuff includes 15W wireless charging via Qi2, the same satellite-based features for Messages / Emergency SOS / Roadside Assistance / Find My, and Crash Detection.
Moving on to the M4-powered iPad Air, it is said to be generally stronger than the M3 by up to 30%, so you’ll see a noticeable improvement in things like Final Cut Pro, Pixelmator, and even gaming. Neural Engine core count has been updated to 16 cores for better on-device AI tasks like transcribing notes, searching text in photos, or using AI-powered tools in apps like Goodnotes and Onform.
The connectivity department got its due upgrades too – now running the N1 wireless chip binding WiFi 6 + Bluetooth 6 + Thread together, while cellular models get the new C1X modem with up to 50% faster cellular data and improved power efficiency together with 5G and eSIM support.
In terms of accessories, it continues to support Apple Pencil USB-C and Apple Pencil Pro, with the Pro model offering features like squeeze and barrel roll, and even Find My support. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air is also back, complete with a built-in trackpad, 14-key function row, magnetic attachment via Smart Connector, and that floating design people seem to love.
Price and Availability
- iPhone 17e
- 256GB @ RM2,999
- 512GB @ RM3,999
- iPad Air M4 (11-inch)
- 128GB WiFi @ RM2,799, 128GB WiFi + Cellular @ RM3,499
- 256GB WiFi @ RM3,199, 128GB WiFi + Cellular @ RM3,899
- 512GB WiFi @ RM4,099, 128GB WiFi + Cellular @ RM4,799
- 1TB WiFi @ RM4,999, 128GB WiFi + Cellular @ RM5,699
- iPad Air M4 (13-inch)
- 128GB WiFi @ RM3,699, 128GB WiFi + Cellular @ RM4,399
- 256GB WiFi @ RM4,099, 128GB WiFi + Cellular @ RM4,799
- 512GB WiFi @ RM4,999, 128GB WiFi + Cellular @ RM5,699
- 1TB WiFi @ RM5,899, 128GB WiFi + Cellular @ RM6,599
The post New iPhone 17e and M4-powered iPad Air revealed; Preorder starts today from RM2,799 appeared first on Nasi Lemak Tech.
