Apple has officially launched the new iPad Air equipped with the potent M3 chip to boost performance, graphics, and AI operations. Coming in 11-inch as well as 13-inch versions, the new iPad Air brings an immense speed boost, graphics performance, and enhanced overall user experience. In addition to the iPad Air, Apple also announced a revision to the base iPad with the A16 Bionic chip, offering customers more value at affordable prices.
iPad Air with M3: Performance boost and Apple Intelligence
The new iPad Air comes equipped with Apple’s M3 chip, a tremendous boost in performance from its predecessors. The M3 chip brings 2x faster performance compared to the iPad Air with M1 and up to 3.5x faster performance compared to the iPad Air with the A14 Bionic chip. The 8-core CPU boasts up to 35% faster multithreading performance, while the 9-core GPU supports up to 40% faster graphics.
Apple’s next-generation graphics architecture arrives in the iPad Air with M3, with dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing. These advancements deliver faster rendering workflows, with up to 4x faster performance compared to the iPad Air with M1, for realistic lighting, reflections, and gaming.
The more efficient Neural Engine on the M3 chip enhances AI performance, with up to 60% of AI-based work done 60% faster compared to the M1 chip. With Apple Intelligence support, iPad Air is capable of doing more sophisticated photo searching, turning a sketch into a detailed picture with Image Wand, and enriching written work using Writing Tools.
Apple Intelligence features
Apple Intelligence, the company’s personal AI system, introduces advanced AI capabilities to the latest iPad Air. With it, users can use the Clean Up feature in Photos to eliminate distractions from photos or look for media based on natural language requests. Moreover, Image Wand in Notes turns rough sketches into finished pieces of art, with Writing Tools create dynamic writing in different styles.
Apple Intelligence also further enriches Siri to be more conversational and context-sensitive. ChatGPT integration allows users to get AI help without opening separate apps. Privacy is preserved through on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute so that data does not get stored or shared.
Design and accessories
The iPad Air M3 comes in both 11-inch and 13-inch versions for portability or increased workspace. The four finishes for both units are blue, purple, starlight, and space gray. Both tablets support Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) to facilitate advanced note-taking and professional creative work.
Apple has brought out a new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air that comes with an enlarged trackpad, a 14-key function row, and magnetic attachment through Smart Connector. The keyboard costs $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch model, with a special education pricing.
iPad with A16 chip
Apple also refreshed the standard iPad with an A16 Bionic chip, delivering up to 30% improved performance over the prior generation. The new iPad begins with 128 GB of storage and is available in blue, pink, yellow, and silver. The price begins at $349 for the Wi-Fi model and $499 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, with education pricing starting at $329.
Pricing and availability
The pre-orders of the iPad Air with M3 and iPad with A16 are now available, as of today, March 4, on Apple’s website and the Apple Store app in 29 countries and regions, including the U.S. They will begin shipping on March 12.
| Model | Wi-Fi Price | Wi-Fi + Cellular Price | Education Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-inch iPad Air (M3) | $599 / ₹59,900 | $749 / ₹74,900 | $549 / ₹54,900 |
| 13-inch iPad Air (M3) | $799 / ₹79,900 | $949 / ₹94,900 | $749 / ₹74,900 |
| iPad with A16 (128 GB) | $349 / ₹34,900 | $499/ ₹49,900 | $329 / ₹32,900 |
| Magic Keyboard (11-inch) | $269 | — | $249 / ₹26,900 |
| Magic Keyboard (13-inch) | $319 | — | $299 / ₹29,900 |
| Magic Keyboard Folio | $249 / ₹24,900 | — | $229 / ₹22,899 |
With the launch of iPad Air with M3 chip along with Apple Intelligence features, Apple provide users with a powerful and versatile experience that makes them the perfect choice for both productivity and creativity.