Apple refreshes the iPad Air with M3 chipset

The new M3 iPad Air features 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and Apple Intelligence for enhanced AI capabilities.

Image: Apple

"There's definitely something in the air," and you heard it right. Apple has just unveiled a significant update to the iPad Air, powered by the cutting-edge M3 chipset. While the previous M2 iPad Air was a solid performer, this refresh delivers noticeable improvements, primarily centered on the power of the M3.

Apple officially launched the new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models through a press release on Tuesday. This announcement, following Tim Cook's tease of "Air" related news, has generated considerable excitement. While rumors of an M4 MacBook Pro swirl, the iPad Air takes center stage with its M3 upgrade. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch variants now boast the M3 chip, which is a significant leap over the M2 iPad Pro launched last year. Importantly for users, Apple emphasizes that this M3 iPad Air is up to 2x faster than the M1-powered iPad Air, showcasing a substantial performance gain. This is vital for creators and power users. And of course, the ever anticipated Apple Intelligence will be available on this new iPad Air as well.

The M3-powered iPad Air also comes equipped with 8GB of RAM, further enhancing its multitasking capabilities. Apple states that the M3 iPad Air is 3.5x faster than the iPad Air with the A14 Bionic chip. While a direct comparison to the M2 model was omitted, Apple highlights that "users will feel the speed of M3 in everything they do, from creating engaging content faster than ever to playing demanding, graphics-intensive games." This focus on real-world user experience is key. Other specifications, such as screen resolution, display quality, and Wi-Fi support, remain consistent with previous models. The new iPad Air retains the 12MP camera and USB-C port for seamless connectivity.

The M3 iPad Air isn't the only highlight. Apple also introduced a redesigned Magic Keyboard, specifically tailored for the new iPad Air. This keyboard features a larger trackpad and a new 14-key function row, providing convenient access to essential controls like screen brightness and volume. This enhancement adds to the overall user experience and productivity.

The 11-inch M3 iPad Air starts at $599, while the 13-inch model is priced at $799. Pre-orders are now open on the official Apple website, with retail availability beginning on March 12th.