Apple has unveiled the latest models of the iPad Air, featuring the M3 chip. The new iPad Air is available for preorder starting Tuesday, and will officially launch on March 12. The pricing for the 11-inch model starts at $599, while the 13-inch model starts at $799, with options for 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations. The color options include blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.
Improved Performance with M3 Chip
Despite not including Apple’s latest M4 chip, the new iPad Air with M3 boasts impressive performance enhancements. Apple claims that the iPad Air with M3 is almost twice as fast as the previous M1 model, and up to 3.5 times faster than the iPad Air with A14 Bionic. It is important to note that Apple’s comparisons are made with older iPad models, and not with the iPad Air featuring the M2 chip released last year.
Enhancements in Magic Keyboard
Apple has also introduced an updated Magic Keyboard that now features a larger trackpad, a new 14-key function row for easy access to features like screen brightness and volume controls, and a USB-C connector for charging. The Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically and connects power and data instantly through the Smart Connector without the need for Bluetooth. The starting price for the Magic Keyboard is $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch model, available in white.
Performance Improvements with A16 Chip
Additionally, Apple has updated the iPad with double the starting storage and the A16 chip, providing a significant performance boost for daily tasks. The new iPad with A16 chip is nearly 30% faster than its predecessor and offers a 50% improvement in overall performance compared to the iPad with A13 Bionic. Apple even claims that the A16 chip makes the new iPad up to 6 times faster than the leading Android tablet.
In conclusion, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, Bob Borchers, stated that the iPad Air with M3, Apple Intelligence, and the new Magic Keyboard elevate versatility and value for a wide range of users, from students to travelers and content creators in need of powerful productivity tools on the go.
