Apple has unveiled a significant upgrade to its iPad Air lineup, introducing models powered by the M3 chip and featuring enhanced capabilities designed to leverage Apple Intelligence. This advancement brings a substantial performance boost to the iPad Air, positioning it as a powerful tool for both creative and productivity-focused users. The new iPad Air models are available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, catering to different user preferences for portability and screen real estate.
The M3 chip, a key feature of the new iPad Air, delivers significant performance improvements over previous generations. It boasts an 8-core CPU, offering up to 35 per cent faster-multithreaded CPU workflows compared to the M1 chip. The 9-core GPU provides a 40 per cent increase in graphics performance, and for the first time in the iPad Air series, Apple’s advanced graphics architecture, including dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing, is integrated. This results in up to four times faster graphics performance for demanding tasks like 3D rendering and gaming.
The Neural Engine in the M3 chip is also significantly faster, providing a 60 per cent increase in AI-based workload performance compared to M1. This enhanced AI processing enables users to experience the full potential of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s personal intelligence system, which is designed to provide helpful and relevant intelligence. Features like the Clean Up tool in Photos, natural language search, and Image Wand in Notes are all powered by Apple Intelligence, enhancing the user experience with intuitive and intelligent functionalities.
Apple Intelligence also introduces features like Image Playground, Genmoji, and Writing Tools, offering users new ways to express themselves creatively. Siri is also enhanced with the ability to understand natural language and maintain context across requests, and ChatGPT integration is seamlessly integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, offering users access to advanced AI capabilities while maintaining privacy.
The new iPad Air is also accompanied by an all-new Magic Keyboard, designed to enhance the device’s versatility. The Magic Keyboard features a larger trackpad, a 14-key function row, and a magnetic attachment with a Smart Connector for power and data. The keyboard is available in white and comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes to match the new iPad Air models.
In addition to the iPad Air, Apple has also updated its base iPad model, now featuring the A16 chip and double the starting storage. The A16 chip provides a significant performance boost, offering a 30 per cent increase in performance compared to the previous generation. The updated iPad also features iPadOS 18, which introduces new features like Math Notes in Calculator, Smart Script in Notes, and Audio Recording and Transcription.
Apple’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in the design of the new iPad Air and iPad. Both devices are designed with recycled and renewable materials, and Apple is transitioning to renewable energy for manufacturing and investing in renewable energy projects. The packaging is also entirely fibre-based, aligning with Apple’s goal to eliminate plastic from its packaging.
The new iPad Air and iPad are available for pre-order, with availability beginning March 12. The iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, with various storage configurations and colour options. The base iPad is also available in multiple storage configurations and colours. Apple offers trade-in options and education pricing for eligible customers, and Apple Card users can benefit from monthly instalments and Daily Cashback.
