Apple has announced the latest generation of the iPad Air, featuring the powerful M3 chip and an updated Magic Keyboard. The upgraded tablet offers significant performance enhancements, including improved graphics capabilities, faster AI processing, and increased versatility for productivity and creative tasks.
Key Features and Specifications
- Available in two sizes: 11-inch and new 13-inch
- M3 chip featuring:
- 8-core CPU (up to 35% faster than M1)
- 9-core GPU (up to 40% faster graphics than M1)
- Advanced graphics architecture with ray tracing and mesh shading
- Up to 4x faster graphics rendering performance than the M1-based iPad Air
- Neural Engine that is up to 60% faster for AI workloads
- Compatible with Apple Intelligence and iPadOS 18
- Support for Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C)
- 5G wireless connectivity
- Magic Keyboard:
- Redesigned with larger trackpad and 14-key function row
- Magnetic attachment via Smart Connector, USB-C charging port
- Pricing starts at $269 for 11-inch, $319 for 13-inch
- Storage options: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB
- Available colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray
- Environmental commitments:
- Enclosure contains 100% recycled aluminum
- Batteries feature 100% recycled cobalt and over 95% recycled lithium
- Packaging is entirely fiber-based, free from plastics
The new Magic Keyboard includes a machined aluminum hinge and continues Apple's floating design, now offered at lower prices. Additionally, Apple updated the standard iPad lineup with the A16 chip and doubled its base storage.
Pricing and Availability
- iPad Air 11-inch:
- $599 (Wi-Fi), $749 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
- Education pricing: $549
- iPad Air 13-inch:
- $799 (Wi-Fi), $949 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
- Education pricing: $749
- Magic Keyboard:
Pre-orders begin today, with availability starting March 12.
