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Apple has once again raised the bar with the launch of its new iPad Air, now powered by the M3 chip. This latest update promises a dramatic boost in performance, bringing an iPad Air thatās faster, more powerful, and ready to meet the needs of both creative professionals and everyday users. Along with the new tablet, Apple has also introduced a redesigned Magic Keyboard to complement the device. Hereās everything you need to know about this exciting release.
the New iPad Air with M3 Chip
Appleās latest iPad Air, now powered by the M3 chip, features impressive upgrades that push the limits of performance and design. With an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU, the M3 chip brings dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing capabilities. As a result, the new iPad Air is up to 2x faster than its predecessor, the iPad Air with the M1 chip, and 3.5x faster than the version powered by the A14 Bionic chip. Graphics performance is also significantly improved, with a 40% boost over the M1 model. Apple also claims a 60% improvement in AI-based workflows.
Users can choose between two sizes of the iPad Air: the 11-inch and the 13-inch models, each available in stunning colors like blue, purple, starlight, and space gray. The new iPad is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, offers 5G connectivity, and comes with iPadOS 18 to unlock new features.
Alongside the updated iPad Air, Apple has launched a new Magic Keyboard, featuring a 14-key function row and a larger trackpad. However, unlike the iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard, this version is made from lower-cost materials, though it retains the high-quality hinge design. The 11-inch Magic Keyboard starts at $269, while the 13-inch version costs $319.
Pricing for the new iPad Air remains unchanged, with the 11-inch model starting at $599 and the 13-inch model priced at $799. The iPad Air will be available for order starting today, with shipments beginning on March 12.
What Undercode Says:
The new iPad Air powered by the M3 chip is a formidable contender in the tablet market. The integration of Appleās M3 chip is a clear statement of intentāApple continues to innovate, making devices that push boundaries in terms of performance and user experience. For professionals and creatives who demand more from their tech, this new version of the iPad Air presents an incredible opportunity to do everything faster, whether itās content creation, video editing, or gaming.
What stands out in this update is the leap in performance. The 2x speed increase over the M1 model and 3.5x increase over the A14 Bionic shows that Apple is serious about offering power and efficiency in a sleek, portable design. The new GPU capabilities, including hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, are game-changers for users looking to play high-end graphics-intensive games or work with advanced visual effects.
The inclusion of support for AI workflows is also a significant move, as it enables applications that rely on artificial intelligenceāsuch as machine learning toolsāto run significantly faster. This makes the new iPad Air a great choice for developers and tech enthusiasts who work in AI-based fields.
One of the standout features of the new iPad Air is its compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro. This offers a seamless digital drawing experience, making it a valuable tool for designers and illustrators. The device also benefits from 5G connectivity, making it future-proof for users looking for fast internet speeds on the go.
Appleās updated Magic Keyboard is also a key enhancement. While it isnāt made from the premium materials of the iPad Proās Magic Keyboard, the new design delivers all the essentialsāimproved functionality, an expanded trackpad, and enhanced key layoutāat a more affordable price point.
Pricing remains in the same range, with the 11-inch model starting at $599, and the 13-inch model starting at $799. Given the performance improvements and new features, this is a reasonable price for anyone looking to get a productivity powerhouse in a portable form. The fact that Apple has kept the pricing stable while increasing the performance demonstrates their strategy to provide value at a competitive price.
In terms of the larger ecosystem, the updated iPad Air will seamlessly integrate with Appleās suite of services, including iPadOS 18, which brings a range of productivity features. Additionally, with iPadOS evolving, the iPad Air is now a viable alternative to a laptop for many users. The portability of the 11-inch model combined with the powerful M3 chip could be enough for students, creators, and professionals to ditch their laptops for this sleek tablet.
Whatās also important to consider is the Magic Keyboard’s role in expanding the device’s functionality. While not made of the premium materials used in the iPad Proās version, this new keyboard offers essential functionality like a larger trackpad and additional function keys that increase the productivity potential of the iPad Air. Given the keyboard’s lower price compared to the iPad Pro version, it could attract a broader audience who might have previously considered purchasing a laptop instead.
Fact Checker Results:
- Performance Boost: Appleās claims of up to 3.5x faster performance than the A14 Bionic are supported by the M3 chipās impressive specs, especially in GPU and AI processing.
- Pricing Validity: Prices for both the iPad Air and the Magic Keyboard remain unchanged despite the added power, reflecting Apple’s strategy to offer a high-performance tablet at a competitive price.
- Magic Keyboard: The new Magic Keyboard offers essential upgrades over its predecessor but isnāt built from the premium materials of the iPad Pro version. However, it remains an affordable and functional accessory for iPad Air users.
References:
Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/04/apple-unveils-new-ipad-air-powered-by-m3-chip/
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