Apple announced new devices, including an M4-powered iPad Air now available with preorder discounts at major retailers. The new iPad Air models feature significant performance gains from the M4 chip, more RAM, and new connectivity features like Wi-Fi 7 and Thread support, while maintaining a familiar design and compatibility with existing accessories.
The article also highlights several exclusive gadget deals for readers. These include discounts on a Microsoft Xbox controller, a Garmin Forerunner 265 smartwatch, and Anker Soundcore open-ear headphones with translation features.
The main topics covered are the launch and specifications of the new M4 iPad Air, and a list of discounted consumer electronics.
In case you missed it, Apple announced a host of new devices this week, including both a new phone and a cheaper laptop. It also unveiled the M4-powered iPad Air, which is already receiving a preorder discount ahead of its March 11th debut. Right now, the 128GB / Wi-Fi model is available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart starting at $559 ($40 off), while the LTE config is selling for $709 ($40 off) at Best Buy.
You can already save up to $50 on the new M4 iPad Air
We also have an exclusive discount on Garmin’s Forerunner 265, just for Verge readers.
We also have an exclusive discount on Garmin’s Forerunner 265, just for Verge readers.
If you want more storage space, Amazon and Walmart are also both selling the 11-inch model with 256GB and Wi-Fi for $649 ($50 off). The larger 13-inch variant, meanwhile, can be found at the same retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, in its base configuration with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage starting at $749 ($50 off).
Admittedly, the new iPad Airs aren’t drastically different from their predecessors, but they do stand out due to their performance gains. They now run on Apple’s M4 chip, which Apple says makes them up to 30 percent faster (and over twice as fast as the M1 Air from 2020). The new models also offer 12GB of RAM instead of 8GB, which should help with multitasking and more demanding apps.
In addition, both sizes feature Apple’s new N1 wireless networking chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for faster connectivity. Said chip also allows for Thread support, meaning it should be easier to connect and control compatible smart home devices from your tablet.
Other than that, though, the new iPad Airs should look familiar. Both support Apple Intelligence, like the 2025 models, along with windowed multitasking and other features unique to iPadOS 26. Battery life looks to be about the same on paper, too, and they’re compatible with the same host of accessories, including the Apple Pencil USB-C, the Apple Pencil Pro, and Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
A few more gadget deals
- You can grab Microsoft’s official Xbox Wireless Controller at Amazon in white or black for around $43 ($22 off), which is $5 shy of the all-time low we saw in December. The comfortable gamepad is the one we recommend for most Xbox gamers given its tight sticks and triggers, along with its dish-shaped D-pad, which offers a satisfying clickiness. It runs on AA batteries, too, which adds a level of flexibility since you can swap in rechargeable AAs or a battery pack; it also works as a wired controller over USB-C.
- Now through March 8th, Verge readers can pick up Garmin’s 42mm Forerunner 265 at Wellbots for $339 ($111 off) with code THEVERGE110. The terrific wearable features dual-frequency GPS and impressive battery life for an OLED watch, allowing you to eke out up to two weeks on a single charge. It’s also great for runners and offers a wide range of training metrics, from form-related data like stride length to a Race Predictor feature, which estimates how long you might take to finish a marathon or 5K based on your training history.
- Anker’s Soundcore AeroFit 2 are available from Amazon, Best Buy, and Soundcore (with code WS7DV2TVUB9E) for around $79.98 ($50 off), which is $10 more than their best price to date. The open-ear headphones make it easy to stay aware of your surroundings, and come with four adjustable ear hooks to help them stay securely in place. They also offer an IP55 rating for water resistance, wireless charging, and up to 10 hours of battery life. What’s really neat, though, is that they support AI-powered translation, allowing you to translate over 100 languages in real-time.
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