Apple has unveiled the latest iPad Air models, now powered by the M3 chip, in both 11-inch and 13-inch variants. Pre-orders begin today, with official availability set for March 12.
Highlights
The new iPad Air starts at $599 for the 11-inch version and $799 for the 13-inch, with storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB. The devices are available in four colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.
Performance Upgrades with the M3 Chip
Apple states that the M3 chip brings a notable performance boost to the iPad Air, offering:
- Nearly 2x faster performance compared to the M1-powered iPad Air.
- 3.5x faster speeds than the A14 Bionic model.
- 40% improved graphics performance over the M1, powered by a 9-core GPU.
- Up to 4x faster rendering performance, supporting enhanced gaming and creative applications.
The M3 chip also introduces hardware-accelerated mesh shading, ray tracing, and dynamic caching, features designed to enhance graphics and multitasking performance.
AI and Productivity Enhancements
The M3-powered iPad Air integrates Apple’s AI-driven features, including:
- Photo Editing Tools: The Clean Up tool in Photos allows users to remove unwanted elements with AI-powered precision.
- Handwriting Refinement: The Image Wand in Notes improves rough sketches for more polished visuals.
- Smarter Siri: Now integrated with ChatGPT, providing enhanced text generation and responses.
- Math Notes in Calculator: Users can solve expressions by writing them out with the Apple Pencil.
These AI-driven features run on-device with Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, aiming to balance privacy and performance.
Larger Display Options and Accessories
For the first time, Apple is offering the iPad Air in two sizes:
- 11-inch model, maintaining portability for everyday use.
- 13-inch model, catering to professionals and content creators who need additional screen space.
Both models support the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, allowing them to function as laptop alternatives.
Redesigned Magic Keyboard
Apple has updated the Magic Keyboard with:
- A larger built-in trackpad for improved navigation.
- A 14-key function row for quick access to brightness and volume controls.
- Magnetic attachment via Smart Connector, removing the need for Bluetooth pairing.
- A new machined aluminum hinge with a USB-C charging port.
Pricing for the Magic Keyboard starts at $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch version.
Updates to the Standard iPad
Apple has also upgraded its standard iPad, now featuring:
- The A16 Bionic chip, delivering a 30% speed increase over the previous generation.
- Base storage doubled, providing more capacity for users.
Apple states that the A16-powered iPad offers 50% greater performance than the A13 Bionic model and is up to six times faster than popular Android tablets.
Sustainability Commitments
Apple continues its environmental initiatives with the new iPad Air, incorporating:
- 100% recycled aluminum in the enclosure.
- 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets.
- 95% recycled lithium in the battery (a first for iPads).
- Fully fiber-based packaging, supporting Apple’s goal to eliminate plastic in packaging by the end of 2024.
These efforts align with the company’s Apple 2030 initiative, aiming for all Apple facilities to run on 100% renewable electricity.
Pricing and Availability
The new iPad Air maintains its previous pricing structure:
- $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model.
- Education pricing starts at $549 (11-inch) and $749 (13-inch).
- Pre-orders begin today, with official availability starting March 12.
Apple has positioned the iPad Air as a balance between power and affordability, targeting students, professionals, and travelers looking for an efficient yet portable device.
While the company has highlighted performance gains over the M1 model, no direct comparisons were made with the M2 iPad Air.
