There’s something in the air today, and it turns out it’s a new iPad Air. Apple has officially unveiled an updated iPad Air powered by the M3 chip. There’s also a new Magic Keyboard to go along with it and an updated version of the base iPad Air.
New iPad Air is here
Here are some performance stats from Apple on the new M3 version of the iPad Air:
- 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU
- Support for dynamic caching, along with hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing
- 2x faster than iPad Air with M1
- 3.5x faster than iPad Air with A14 Bionic chip
- 40% faster graphic performance than iPad Air with M1
- 60% faster for AI-based workflows than the M1 iPad Air
Apple says:
Apple today introduced the faster, more powerful iPad Air with the M3 chip and built for Apple Intelligence. iPad Air with M3 brings Apple’s advanced graphics architecture to iPad Air for the first time — taking its incredible combination of power-efficient performance and portability to a new level. iPad Air with M3 is nearly 2x faster compared to iPad Air with M1, and up to 3.5x faster than iPad Air with A14 Bionic.
Users will feel the speed of M3 in everything they do, from creating engaging content faster than ever to playing demanding, graphics-intensive games. Available in two sizes and four gorgeous finishes that users love, the 11-inch iPad Air is super portable while on the go, and the 13-inch model provides an even larger display for more room to be creative and productive. Designed for iPad Air, the new Magic Keyboard enhances its versatility and delivers more capabilities at a lower price. With iPadOS 18, support for Apple Intelligence, advanced cameras, fast wireless 5G connectivity, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), the new iPad Air offers an unrivaled experience.
Meanwhile, Apple has also announced a new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air. The new Magic Keyboard is similar to the iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard, but not identical. It features a 14-key function row with things like screen brightness and volume controls, along with a bigger trackpad than before. However, it’s not made from higher-end aluminum materials (except for the hinge) like the iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard.
The new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air starts at $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch model.
Pricing is unchanged for the new iPad Air, with the 11-inch model starting at $599 and the 13-inch model starting at $799. You can order starting today with availability beginning Wednesday, March 12. It’s available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.
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