Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

Apple has unveiled its latest iPad Air, powered by the M3 chip, alongside a redesigned Magic Keyboard, marking a significant upgrade in performance, features, and versatility. The new iPad Air is available in two sizes—11-inch and 13-inch—and offers advanced AI-driven tools, improved graphics capabilities, and enhanced accessory support.

Key Features of the New iPad Air

1. M3 Chip Performance:
   • The M3 chip delivers up to 2x faster performance compared to the M1 iPad Air and up to 3.5x faster than the A14 Bionic model148.
   • It features an 8-core CPU, offering 35% faster multithreaded workflows, and a 9-core GPU, with 40% better graphics performance than the M118.
   • Advanced graphics architecture includes support for ray tracing, dynamic caching, and hardware-accelerated shading for realistic gaming and rendering17.
2. Apple Intelligence Integration:
   • Powered by iPadOS 18, the device includes AI-driven features such as:
     • Writing Tools integrated with ChatGPT.
     • Clean Up in Photos for removing distractions.
     • Image Wand in Notes for graphic editing.
     • Genmoji creation tools268.
   • The Neural Engine is 60% faster than the M1’s, ensuring smoother AI workflows78.
3. New Magic Keyboard:
   • Redesigned with a larger trackpad, a new 14-key function row, and a USB-C charging port.
   • Connects via Apple’s Smart Connector without Bluetooth pairing25.
4. Display Options:
   • Available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, offering portability for on-the-go users and more screen space for productivity14.
   • Both models maintain the same display resolution and refresh rate (60Hz) as their predecessors5.
5. Accessory Compatibility:
   • Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), enhancing creativity and note-taking functionality18.

Pricing and Availability

• The 11-inch model starts at $599, while the 13-inch model starts at $799. Education discounts reduce these prices to $549 and $749, respectively15.
• Pre-orders are open as of today (March 4), with shipments beginning on March 1234.

Enhanced Value Proposition

Apple markets the new iPad Air as an ideal choice for students, travelers, content creators, and professionals seeking powerful performance in a portable package. With its advanced M3 chip, AI capabilities, and updated accessories, it aims to set a new benchmark in its price category.

This release underscores Apple’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its tablet lineup while maintaining affordability and versatility.

Citations:

1. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-ipad-air-with-powerful-m3-chip-and-new-magic-keyboard/
2. https://mashable.com/article/apple-ipad-air-m3-apple-intelligence-magic-keyboard
3. https://mashable.com/article/march-4-ipad-air-preorder-2025
4. https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/04/apple-announces-new-ipad-air-with-m3-chip/
5. https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_announces_m3_ipad_airs-news-66798.php
6. https://www.theverge.com/ipad/623027/apple-ipad-air-2025-launch-price-specs
7. https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-new-ipad-air-with-m3-is-here-with-an-updated-magic-keyboard-to-match/
8. https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/apple-unveils-ipad-air-with-m3-chip-and-apple-intelligence-integration-see-specs-and-price-466701-2025-03-04
9. https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/04/apple-announces-redesigned-ipad-air-magic-keyboard/
10. https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-launches-new-ipad-air-with-ai-features-stoke-demand-2025-03-04/
11. https://petapixel.com/2025/03/04/apple-gives-ipad-air-an-m3-chip-and-launches-new-magic-keyboard/
12. https://www.wired.com/story/apple-new-ipad-air-m3-chip/
13. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/mobiles-tabs/apple-launches-ipad-air-with-m3-chip-all-the-details/articleshow/118713656.cms
14. https://economictimes.com/magazines/panache/apple-launches-new-ipad-air-upgraded-with-the-m3-chip-check-india-price-features/articleshow/118713632.cms
15. https://dev.ua/en/news/apple-ipad-air-m3-1741099090
16. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-launches-ipad-air-with-m3-chip-updates-entry-level-ipad-with-improved-peformance-145309753.html
17. https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/04/apple-launches-a-new-ipad-air-with-m3-chip/