Apple has given the iPad Air a speed boost, equipping it with the M3 chip and Apple’s advanced graphics architecture. Apple says the new M3-powered iPad Air has almost double the performance of the M1-powered iPad Air.
It’s worth noting that almost all of Apple’s performance comparisons with the current generations of M-series chips are in comparison to the first generation suggesting that the boosts between generations are incremental and only worth looking at if you skip a few.
Apple has also released an all-new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air. It has a larger built-in trackpad and a 14-key function row allows easy access to features like screen brightness and volume controls. The new Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically, and the Smart Connector immediately connects power and data without the need for Bluetooth. A machined aluminium hinge also includes a USB-C connector for charging. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air starts at $449 for the 11-inch model and $499 for the 13-inch model.
The new iPad Air also supports Apple Pencil Pro.
Prices remain the same with a starting price of $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,349 for the 13-inch model. If you’re eligible for Apple’s education pricing, the 11-inch iPad Air starts at $919 and the 13-inch model starts at $1,259. Pre-orders are open with availability beginning 12 March 2025.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.