Apple has launched iPad Air tablet with the M3 chip promising to deliver significant improvements in performance, graphics, and artificial intelligence capabilities.
It is nearly twice as fast as the M1 model and 3.5 times faster than the A14 Bionic version. The M3 chip’s 8-core CPU enables up to 35 percent faster multithreaded workflows, while the 9-core GPU delivers 40 percent faster graphics performance over the M1.
M3 introduces Apple’s advanced graphics architecture, including dynamic caching, mesh shading, and ray tracing, which improves gaming and rendering performance by up to four times compared to the M1 model. These enhancements make it an excellent choice for content creators, gamers, and professionals who require power on the go.
Apple Intelligence enhances iPad Air’s capabilities with AI-driven features such as intelligent photo editing and real-time handwriting refinement. The Neural Engine in M3 is up to 60 percent faster for AI-related tasks than M1, improving functions like handwriting-to-text conversion and voice interactions.
Features like Image Wand allow users to transform rough sketches into images, and Siri now understands context better, making interactions more seamless. With built-in ChatGPT support, users can access AI assistance directly in Writing Tools and Siri without needing an external application. Apple prioritizes privacy with on-device processing, and when cloud computing is required, Private Cloud Compute ensures data is not stored or shared with Apple.
The redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad Air is affordable and enhances functionality. It features a larger trackpad, a 14-key function row, and an aluminum hinge with a USB-C charging port. Magnetically attaching to the iPad Air, it enables a laptop-like experience, making it ideal for students, travelers, and professionals. The 11-inch version is priced at $269, while the 13-inch model costs $319, offering a lower-cost solution for users who need greater versatility.
Apple has also introduced an updated standard iPad with an A16 chip, which is nearly 30 percent faster than the previous generation and 50 percent faster than models with A13 Bionic. Compared to the best-selling Android tablet, it offers six times the performance, ensuring a smooth experience for productivity and everyday use.
The new iPad starts at $349 for Wi-Fi models and $499 for Wi-Fi + Cellular models, with educational pricing available at $329 and $479, respectively. It includes double the base storage, with options up to 512GB, making it a more attractive option for students and professionals.
iPadOS 18 introduces a variety of features that enhance productivity and usability. A new Calculator app includes Math Notes, allowing users to write equations that are instantly solved and graphed. Notes now features Smart Script, which refines handwriting in real-time, and new audio recording and transcription capabilities that sync with notes, enabling easy search functionality.
Home screen customization options have expanded, offering dark or tinted app icons, larger widgets, and an improved Control Center. These updates make the iPad experience more personalized and efficient for all users.
Apple continues to prioritize environmental sustainability with the latest iPad Air and iPad models. Both devices use at least 30 percent recycled materials, including 100 percent recycled aluminum enclosures and rare earth elements in magnets. The batteries now contain 100 percent recycled cobalt, and over 95 percent of the lithium is recycled — a first for iPad. Apple aims to remove plastic from its packaging entirely by the end of the year as part of its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality across all operations by 2030.
The iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, priced at $599 and $799 for Wi-Fi versions, and $749 and $949 for Wi-Fi + Cellular models. Education pricing is available at $549 for the 11-inch model and $749 for the 13-inch.
The new iPad with A16 starts at $349, and its Wi-Fi + Cellular model starts at $499. The Apple Pencil Pro is priced at $129, and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) at $79. Customers can also trade in their old devices for credit toward a new iPad, and Apple Card users in the U.S. can opt for 0 percent APR financing with 3 percent Daily Cash back.
