Apple Reveals iPad Air With M3 Chip

Apple has unveiled the newest addition to the iPad family: an all-new iPad Air fitted with the M3 chip and built for Apple Intelligence.

The iPad Air with M3 is near double the speed of the M1 model, and it’s up 3.5x faster than the iPad Air with A14 Bionic. The M3 chip features a more powerful eight-core CPU, which is up to 35% faster for multithreaded CPU workflows, and a nine-core GPU, which boasts up to 40% faster graphic performances than the M1 chip.

Meanwhile, the device is built for Apple Intelligence, which comes with an abundance of helpful tools throughout the user experience. Among them, the “Clean Up” function in Photos lets users easily remove distracting elements in images, and the “Image Wand” in the Notes app lets users turn rough sketches into more nuanced illustrations. Additionally, users can now type to Siri, which is equipped with ChatGPT functionality.

There’s also an all-new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air, which includes a larger built-in trackpad, a USB-C connector for charging, and a magnetic connectivity system. The accessory, which starts at $269 USD, also houses a Smart Connector that immediately connects power and data without Bluetooth.

“iPad Air is so popular because of its unmatched combination of powerful performance, portability, and support for advanced accessories, all at an affordable price,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of worldwide product marketing. “For everyone from college students taking notes with Apple Pencil Pro, to travelers and content creators who need powerful productivity on the go, iPad Air with M3, Apple Intelligence, and the new Magic Keyboard take versatility and value to the next level.”

The newest iPad Air will start at $599 USD for the 11-inch model and $799 USD for the 13-inch model. You can now pre-order the new device, as well as the Magic Keyboard, with availability beginning Wednesday, March 12. Take a look at the design in the gallery above.