Tablets

The 8th-generation iPad brings a lot of upgrades

Already available for orders

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Whereas the new iPad Air touts the more powerful A14 Bionic chip, Apple is also bolstering its entry iPad through a much-needed upgrade. Though its slimmer sibling took the spotlight, there’s a lot to love about the 8th-generation iPad.

A12 under the hood

With the powerful A12 Bionic chip, the new iPad boasts up to 40 percent faster CPU performance and with twice as much graphics capabilities. In this iteration, Apple is bringing its machine-learning Neural Engine system to the iPad for the first time.

Strengthened by iPadOS 14

Starting September 16, Apple is rolling out the upcoming iPadOS 14 to compatible devices including the new iPad. Among other things, the update will ease functionalities between the iPad and the Apple Pencil. Bolstered by the new Neural Engine, users can now accurately transcribe their handwriting into typed text in no time at all.

Further, the new iPad will have updated, cleaner designs for several functions including FaceTime, Siri, Search, Photos, and Files. The update also redesigns widgets for a more seamless home screen.

A greener iPad

In 2030, Apple hopes to become carbon neutral, marking a vital green goal for the tech maker. In line with that, the new iPad uses 100 percent recycle aluminum and 100 percent recycled tin. It also remains free from harmful chemicals and uses wood fiber for its packaging.

Pricing and availability

The 8th-generation iPad is already up for preorders starting today. Apple will ship the units beginning Friday, September 18. The iPad will retail for as low as US$ 329.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch SE now official, has Family Setup

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Smartphones

Spotlight: OPPO Find N6

This creaseless foldable phone is a fashion statement

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March 21, 2026

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THE Michael Josh has spent a week styling his life around 2026’s shiny new foldable with a creaseless display: the OPPO Find N6.

Different bags. Different outfits. Different moments. To see if it actually fits the life — not just the spec sheet.

Here’s our Spotlight with the latest OPPO Find N6 together along its zero-feel crease.

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Laptops

Hands-on: NEW iPhone 17e, iPad Air, MacBooks, Studio Displays

What Apple has announced other than the MacBook Neo

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March 9, 2026

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The MacBook Neo was the star of yesterday’s Apple event, and it has every right to be but it’s been a big week for Apple.

So as promised, we also went hands-on with every other device announced this week: iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, M5 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and the new Studio Displays.

 

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Tablets

Apple announces the iPad Air with the M4 chip

The tablet comes in 11- and 13-inch variants.

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March 3, 2026

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A year ago, Apple released the iPad Air featuring the M3 chip. Everyone’s needs, of course, grow, so why not the new iPad? Today, alongside the new iPhone 17e, Apple has launched the new iPad Air with the M4 chip.

For the last three iterations, Apple has been on schedule for its iPad Air updates. The M2 chip arrived in 2024, and the M3 arrived last year. Now, it’s the M4 chip’s turn. Using this chip, the new iPad Air features an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU. It’s supposed to be 30 percent faster than the previous Air.

There’s also much better speed with 12GB of unified memory and 120GB/s of memory bandwidth. This pairs well with iOS 26, which allows faster windowing.

Likewise, the 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, mics, and speakers make it perfect for calls.

The tablet features the Apple-designed N1 wireless chip, which enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity. However, the cellular models will also have the new C1X modem, which delivers 50 percent faster data performance.

Like others in the lineup, the new tablet will support accessories that squeeze more productivity and creativity from the powerful tablet. This includes the Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil Pro, and the Magic Keyboard.

Price, availability

The new iPad Air with M4 is available for preorder on March 4 and will ship out starting March 11. The 11- and 13-inch models will come in configurations of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. It will come in four colorway options: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.

The 11-inch iPad Air with M4 starts at US$ 599 (or PhP 42,990) for the Wi-Fi variant and US$ 749 (or PhP 52,990) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant.

Meanwhile, the 13-inch iPad Air with M4 starts at US$ 799 (or PhP 54,990) for the Wi-Fi variant and US$ 949 (or PhP 64,990) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant.

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