Apple has launched new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models powered by the M3 chip, available for pre-order starting Tuesday and set to release on March 12.
The 11-inch model starts at 599,whilethe13−inchversionbeginsat599, while the 13-inch version begins at 599,whilethe13−inchversionbeginsat799. Customers can choose from four colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
Although the new iPad Air supports Apple Intelligence, it does not include the latest M4 chip. However, Apple claims the M3 version is nearly twice as fast as the M1 model and up to 3.5 times faster than the A14 Bionic-equipped iPad Air.
Apple has also released an updated Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad and a new 14-key function row for easy access to features like brightness and volume controls. This keyboard connects magnetically and features a Smart Connector for seamless power and data transfer. The new Magic Keyboard starts at 269forthe11−inchmodeland269 for the 11-inch model and 269forthe11−inchmodeland319 for the 13-inch version, available in white.
The M3 iPad Air is reported to be up to 35% faster in multithreaded CPU tasks compared to the M1, with a 9-core GPU offering up to 40% better graphics performance. The Neural Engine in the M3 chip is said to be 60% quicker for AI tasks compared to the M1.
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Additionally, Apple has updated its standard iPad, equipping it with the A16 chip, which significantly boosts performance for everyday tasks, making it nearly 30% faster than the previous generation and up to 6 times quicker than leading Android tablets.
Bob Borchers, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, stated, “For everyone from college students to content creators, the iPad Air with M3, Apple Intelligence, and the new Magic Keyboard elevate versatility and value.”
SOURCE: TECH CRUNCH
