Apple’s mid-tier tablet has received a significant update with the introduction of the M3-powered iPad Air. Available in both 11-inch and 13-inch variants, this latest iteration brings desktop-class performance to a more affordable price point while introducing several key improvements across the board. The new models hit store shelves on March 12, with pre-orders already open.
Designer: Apple
Two Sizes, More Choices
For the first time in its history, the iPad Air now comes in two distinct screen sizes. The standard 11-inch model continues the Air’s tradition of lightweight portability at $599, while the new 13-inch version offers a more spacious canvas for $799. Both models come in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray finishes.
The larger display on the 13-inch model provides obvious benefits for creative work, multitasking, and media consumption. Educational institutions receive special pricing: $549 for the 11-inch and $749 for the 13-inch models.
M3 Silicon: A Substantial Performance Boost
The heart of this update is Apple’s M3 chip, which represents the first time the iPad Air has received Apple’s latest-generation silicon architecture. The 8-core CPU delivers 35% faster performance in multithreaded tasks compared to the previous M1 iPad Air, while the 9-core GPU offers 40% faster graphics.
The M3 brings several technical improvements, including dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing. These technologies enable more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in games and professional applications. Graphics-intensive rendering tasks see up to 4x performance gains over the M1 model.
The Neural Engine also received attention, with AI workloads running up to 60% faster than on the M1 chip. This acceleration benefits the numerous machine learning features built into iPadOS.
AI Features Take Center Stage
The new iPad Air fully supports Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI system designed to enhance productivity and creativity. The Photos app now includes a Clean Up tool for removing unwanted elements from images, while natural language search lets users find photos by describing their content.
In the Notes app, Image Wand transforms rough sketches into polished images when users circle them with the Apple Pencil. The feature can even generate contextually relevant images when circling empty space within a note.
Other AI capabilities include Image Playground for visual expression, Genmoji for custom emoji creation, and enhanced writing tools. ChatGPT integration with Siri and writing features allows users to access AI assistance without switching applications.
Apple emphasizes privacy with these features—IP addresses are obscured, OpenAI doesn’t store requests, and users control when to use ChatGPT and what information to share.
Redesigned Magic Keyboard Adds Function Row
The iPad Air’s accessory ecosystem expands with a redesigned Magic Keyboard featuring a larger trackpad and a new 14-key function row. These keys provide quick access to screen brightness, volume controls, and other frequently used functions.
The keyboard maintains the floating design of previous models while adding a USB-C port in the hinge for charging. It attaches magnetically and connects via the Smart Connector, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing or separate charging.
Available in white, the new Magic Keyboard costs $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch version, with education pricing at $249 and $299, respectively.
Environmental Considerations
Apple continues its environmental efforts with the new iPad Air, which contains at least 30% recycled materials overall. The aluminum enclosure uses 100% recycled material, as do the rare earth elements in all magnets.
The battery incorporates 100% recycled cobalt and—marking a first for iPad—over 95% recycled lithium. The packaging is entirely fiber-based, supporting Apple’s goal to eliminate plastic from all packaging this year.
All Apple facilities, including the data centers powering Apple Intelligence, run on 100% renewable electricity. The company is also investing in renewable energy projects worldwide to offset the electricity used to charge its devices.
iPadOS 18 Brings New Capabilities
The software experience on the new iPad Air benefits from iPadOS 18’s new features. Math Notes lets users write mathematical expressions and see them instantly solved in handwriting that matches their own. The feature supports variables and graphing equations.
Smart Script makes handwritten notes more flexible by allowing users to add space within text or paste typed text that converts to their handwriting. The system also automatically refines handwriting in real time for improved legibility.
Audio Recording and Transcription captures lectures or conversations with synchronized transcripts, making it easy to search for specific moments by keyword. The Home Screen now supports dark or tinted effects for app icons and widgets, and the Control Center has been redesigned for easier access to common functions.
Pencils, Storage, and Getting Your Hands on One
Artists and note-takers have their choice of stylus options with the new iPad Air. It works with both the feature-packed Apple Pencil Pro ($129) and the more basic Apple Pencil USB-C ($79). Students and educators get a small discount on either option.
Storage won’t be an issue for most users, with options ranging from a decent 128GB to a massive 1TB for digital pack rats. If you need connectivity everywhere, the cellular models will set you back an extra $150.
Got an older iPad gathering dust? Apple’s trade-in program might knock a chunk off the price of a new one. And if dropping $599+ at once feels painful, Apple Card holders can spread payments over time without interest while getting a little cash back.
While this update doesn’t completely reimagine what an iPad Air can be, it does meaningfully improve the experience with better performance, a size option for everyone, and smarter software. The M3 chip and AI features keep it feeling modern, while the price remains in that sweet spot between basic tablets and pro-level devices—making it a solid choice whether you’re taking notes in class, sketching on the couch, or editing photos on a plane.
The post The iPad Air Gets a Major Refresh: M3 Chip and Two Size Options first appeared on Yanko Design.