# **Apple’s Upcoming Enhancements for Entry-Level Products in 2025**
Apple is preparing for a significant overhaul of its entry-level product portfolio, with fresh MacBook Air variants and iPads anticipated to debut shortly. Following the recent launch of the iPhone 16e, reports indicate that Apple will refresh its 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models featuring the new M4 processor. Moreover, updates for the basic iPad and iPad Air are also on the way. Here’s a detailed overview of what’s anticipated.
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## **M4 MacBook Air: A Minor Yet Important Update**
Apple’s MacBook Air range is reportedly in line for an upgrade featuring the M4 chip, which first made its debut in the iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro last fall. Historically, the MacBook Air has been among the first devices to receive Apple’s new M-series chips, but the company caught many off-guard by releasing the M4 in the iPad Pro ahead of the MacBook Air.
### **Anticipated Features and Improvements**
– **M4 Processor:** The forthcoming chip is believed to offer modest enhancements in performance compared to the M3, improving speed and energy efficiency.
– **Enhanced Webcam:** Apple may integrate a new webcam similar to those present in the latest iMac and MacBook Pro devices.
– **Increased Display Connectivity:** The M4 MacBook Air is set to support up to three displays concurrently—two external monitors plus the built-in display. This marks an upgrade from the M3, which permitted only two external displays while the internal screen was off.
Though the overall design of the MacBook Air is expected to remain unchanged, Apple’s choice to phase out the 8GB RAM models in favor of 16GB ones last year hints at a commitment to enhance performance and longevity.
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## **Future iPad Enhancements: What to Anticipate**
Alongside the MacBook Air update, Apple is also readied to upgrade its basic 10.9-inch iPad and the iPad Air. While these improvements might not be as immediate as those for the MacBook Air, they are expected to be released soon.
### **Refresh for iPad Air and Basic iPad**
– **Chip Upgrades:** The iPad Air is currently powered by the M2 chip, so an upgrade to the M3 or M4 appears likely.
– **Apple Intelligence Features:** To integrate its AI-powered Apple Intelligence capabilities into the 10.9-inch iPad, Apple will need to outfit it with a minimum of 8GB of RAM. This could mean the device will come with either the A17 Pro (utilized in the iPad mini 7) or a variant of the A18 chip (which is featured in the iPhone 16e).
– **Essential Update for the Basic iPad:** The 10.9-inch iPad hasn’t seen a hardware refresh since October 2022. Although Apple cut its price in 2024, a refresh with updated hardware and features is long overdue.
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## **Implications for Apple’s Product Strategy**
Apple’s strategy to refresh its entry-level offerings illustrates a sustained commitment to enhancing the power and capabilities of its devices, even in the budget-friendly segment. The MacBook Air continues to be one of the most popular laptops in Apple’s range, and the introduction of the M4 chip will help sustain its competitive position. Simultaneously, refreshing the iPad lineup will ensure that budget-conscious buyers have access to up-to-date Apple hardware and software.
As these updates are expected to be rolled out in the upcoming weeks and months, Apple users can anticipate more robust and efficient devices in 2025.
