Apple has officially unveiled its newest iPad Air models, introducing powerful upgrades with M3 chips, enhanced accessories, and new sizing options. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, the devices are now open for preorder and will be available starting March 12. Pricing starts at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch version.
Key Features of the New iPad Air
The updated iPad Air comes in four colors—blue, purple, starlight, and space gray—and offers storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB. While it doesn’t feature Apple’s latest M4 chip, the M3 processor delivers a substantial performance boost:
- Up to 2x faster than the M1-powered iPad Air
- Up to 3.5x faster than models using the A14 Bionic chip
- Neural Engine delivers 60% faster AI processing compared to M1
- 9-core GPU offers at least 40% improved graphics performance
- 35% faster multitasking when handling multiple threads
Apple hasn’t provided benchmarks comparing it directly to the M2-powered iPad Air, but the performance jump over M1 models is evident.
The Redesigned Magic Keyboard
Accompanying the iPad Air refresh is an updated Magic Keyboard, specifically engineered for the new models. Key improvements include:
- A larger trackpad for more intuitive navigation
- A 14-key function row, providing easy access to brightness, volume, and more
- Magnetic attachment via the Smart Connector
- Machined aluminum build and USB-C charging support
The Magic Keyboard is available in white and is priced at $269 for the 11-inch version and $319 for the 13-inch version.
iPad Lineup Update: Base Model Gets A16 Chip
In addition to refreshing the iPad Air, Apple has also upgraded its entry-level iPad with the A16 chip, doubling the starting storage and delivering:
- 30% faster performance over its predecessor
- 50% faster speeds than the A13 Bionic
- Apple claims it outperforms any Android tablet by up to 6x
A Versatile Upgrade for Students, Creators, and Travelers
“With the iPad Air now powered by M3, plus Apple Intelligence and the redesigned Magic Keyboard, we’re giving users more versatility and performance than ever,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Product Marketing.
Whether it’s for students taking notes, professionals working on the move, or creators producing content, Apple’s latest iPad Air aims to deliver next-level value and portability.