Apple Unveils New iPad Air with M3 Chip and AI Capabilities

Enhanced Performance and Innovative Features Await Users

Apple has introduced an upgraded version of its popular tablet, the iPad Air, now equipped with the powerful M3 chip and artificial intelligence support through Apple Intelligence. This latest release, marking the first significant update in 10 months since May of the previous year, brings notable improvements in performance, design, and functionality, catering to a wide range of users from students to professionals and content creators. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch configurations, the new iPad Air starts at $599 for the smaller model and $799 for the larger one, with preorders already underway and an official launch scheduled for March 12, 2025.

The standout feature of this new iPad Air with M3 chip is its enhanced processing power, driven by Apple’s custom-designed M3 silicon. While not the company’s most cutting-edge processor, the M3, previously featured in the 2023 iMac and MacBook Pro, offers a substantial leap over its predecessors. Compared to the M1-powered iPad Air, it delivers up to twice the speed, and it outpaces older models with the A14 Bionic chip by 3.5 times. Although Apple didn’t directly compare it to the M2 chip from the prior iPad Air, the M3 introduces advanced capabilities like hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which enhances gaming visuals with lifelike graphics. With an 8-core CPU, a 9-core GPU, and a Neural Engine capable of 18 trillion operations per second, this tablet is optimized for both productivity and entertainment, making it a top contender in the best tablets for AI performance category. The sleek design retains the Liquid Retina display and comes in four stylish colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB.

Artificial intelligence takes center stage with the integration of Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-driven features unveiled at WWDC 2024. This marks a significant step forward for users searching for iPad Air models with AI capabilities, as the M3 chip’s upgraded Neural Engine powers tools like text summarization, image generation through apps like Image Playground, and custom emoji creation with Genmoji. These features enhance multitasking, creativity, and user interaction, positioning the iPad Air as a versatile device for modern workflows. Available on iPadOS 18.1 and later, Apple Intelligence is currently supported in English-speaking regions such as the US, UK, and Australia, offering a seamless experience for those leveraging AI tools on tablets. Beyond AI, the device supports the Apple Pencil Pro, making it an excellent choice for digital artists and note-takers seeking precision and responsiveness.

Alongside the tablet, Apple revealed a redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, elevating productivity with a larger trackpad and a row of 14 function keys for quick adjustments to brightness, volume, and more. Priced at $269 and up, this accessory attaches magnetically and connects via a Smart Connector, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing while enabling instant data transfer and power delivery. Users can also charge other devices through its USB-C port, adding practicality for those on the go. For budget-conscious buyers, Apple upgraded its entry-level iPad, keeping the $349 price point. This model retains its 11-inch display but swaps the A14 chip for the A16, boosting performance by 30%, though it lacks Apple Intelligence support, making it a solid yet less advanced option among affordable tablets with upgraded chips.

This rapid refresh cycle reflects Apple’s strategy to sustain the iPad lineup’s momentum, especially after a 15% sales surge during the last holiday season, when fourth-quarter revenue reached $8.09 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $7.32 billion. The new iPad Air with M3 chip and Magic Keyboard targets diverse audiences, from college students jotting notes with the Apple Pencil Pro to travelers needing robust portable productivity tools and creators harnessing AI for content development. Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of worldwide product marketing, emphasized this versatility, stating that the combination of the M3 chip, Apple Intelligence, and enhanced accessories elevates both value and functionality to new heights.

For those researching the latest iPad Air specifications and pricing, this release delivers a compelling mix of power and affordability. The M3 chip, while not as advanced as the M4 found in the iPad Pro, strikes a balance suited to the Air’s mid-tier positioning, ensuring high performance without the premium cost. The inclusion of ray tracing and AI features also makes it a strong pick for gamers and tech enthusiasts exploring tablets with advanced graphics capabilities. Meanwhile, the upgraded Magic Keyboard and entry-level iPad refresh broaden Apple’s ecosystem appeal, catering to varied needs and budgets. As the tablet market grows increasingly competitive, this update reinforces Apple’s commitment to innovation, keeping the iPad Air a standout choice for anyone seeking a blend of cutting-edge technology and practical design in 2025.