Apple Unveils Faster iPad Air with M3 Chip and Enhanced Features
Apple has officially introduced the new iPad Air featuring the powerful M3 chip, marking a significant leap in performance, portability, and versatility. With the integration of Apple Intelligence, the latest iPad Air is designed to offer an exceptional user experience, from faster processing speeds to enhanced graphics and AI capabilities.
The M3 chip powers the new iPad Air, featuring an advanced 8-core CPU that delivers up to 35 percent faster performance for multithreaded workflows compared to the previous M1 model. Additionally, the 9-core GPU provides up to 40 percent faster graphics performance, enabling smoother and more realistic visuals, particularly in graphics-intensive applications. For the first time, Apple’s advanced graphics architecture is incorporated into the iPad Air, with dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing support—making it up to four times faster than the M1 model for high-quality rendering and gaming experiences.
“With iPadOS 18, support for Apple Intelligence, advanced cameras, fast wireless 5G connectivity, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), the new iPad Air offers an unrivaled experience,” Apple stated in its announcement.
The M3 chip’s enhanced Neural Engine also brings faster AI capabilities, offering up to 60 percent greater performance than the previous M1 chip for AI-based tasks. This increase in processing power will benefit a range of applications, from productivity to creative endeavors.
Bob Borchers, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, emphasized the iPad Air’s broad appeal, saying, “iPad Air is so popular because of its unmatched combination of powerful performance, portability, and support for advanced accessories, all at an affordable price.”
The new iPad Air is tailored for various user groups, including students, content creators, and business professionals, offering a seamless experience with accessories like the new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. Its portability combined with robust performance makes it an ideal choice for those seeking productivity on the go.
Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, the iPad Air with M3 will come in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray finishes. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations. Customers in 29 countries and regions, including the US, can pre-order the new device starting today, with shipments beginning on March 12.
With this update, Apple continues to push the boundaries of tablet performance, providing an unmatched balance of power and portability.
