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Apple has officially launched its latest iPad Air lineup, introducing 11-inch and 13-inch models powered by the M3 chip. The new devices are now available for preorder and will hit the market on March 12. The 11-inch model starts at $599, while the 13-inch version is priced at $799.
New iPad Air Features
The latest iPad Air models come in four color options including blue, purple, starlight, and space gray. Users can choose from storage configurations of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, offering flexibility based on their storage needs.
The latest iPad Air lacks Apple’s M4 chip, but the M3 processor provides significant performance improvements. According to Apple, the iPad Air with M3 is nearly twice as fast as the iPad Air with M1 and up to 3.5 times faster than the iPad Air A14 Bionic chip. Apple failed to provide performance benchmarks for this tablet model vs an iPad Air running the M2 system processor in 2022.
The M3-powered iPad Air offers improved performance for multitasking and AI-driven tasks. Apple claims that the M3 processor’s Neural Engine performs AI processing at 60% higher speeds than M1 chip models.
The new GPU from the M3 model has 9 cores and gives at least 40% more graphics output than the M1-powered variant. When numerous threads are running at the same time, the new iPad Air outperforms the M1 by 35%.
Revamped Magic Keyboard
Apple offers an updated version of its Magic Keyboard option, which was developed for the introduction of the new iPad Air. The accessory has been recently updated to provide users with a large trackpad and a 14-key function row that provides direct access to essential features, such as screen luminance control and volume management.
Through the Smart Connector, this keyboard establishes a direct connection to the iPad and achieves magnetic attachment to its body. The keyboard is equipped with machined aluminum components and USB-C charging capabilities.
The 11-inch variant of the new Magic Keyboard is priced at $269, while the 13-inch model is priced at $319. This device is available for purchase in a white color.
Apple has upgraded its fundamental iPad with the A16 processor, in addition to the iPad Air refresh. The upgrade doubles the starting storage and brings a notable jump in performance. The new A16 processor from Apple boasts a 30% increase in performance compared to the previous iPad and a 50% increase in speed compared to the A13 Bionic model iPad. Apple claims that the A16 processor in the new iPad outperforms every Android tablet currently available on the market by a factor of up to six.
“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,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, in a press release.
With these latest updates, Apple continues to expand its iPad lineup, catering to a wide range of users looking for enhanced performance, functionality, and portability.
