Apple May Introduce M4 iPad Air and Delay Smart Home Hub Launch

Speculation suggests the next iPad Air could skip the M3 chip, while Apple's smart home hub faces potential delays due to software readiness.

Reports suggest Apple might equip the 2025 iPad Air with the M4 chip, bypassing the M3 generation entirely.
The new iPad Air models are expected to focus on internal upgrades rather than design changes, potentially including a custom 5G modem and updated Magic Keyboard features.
This move would align the iPad Air more closely with the iPad Pro, which also adopted the M4 chip in 2024, breaking previous generational distinctions.
Apple's long-rumored smart home hub, featuring a 7-inch display and new homeOS, may face delays due to software dependencies on future iOS updates.
While the smart home hub might still be announced in March 2025, its release could be pushed to later in the year, possibly after WWDC 2025.