March 5th, 2025

Apple unveils new iPad Air with M3 chip and Apple Intelligence

Latest iPad Air models promise enhanced performance and AI-driven features

iPad Air with M3 delivers an unrivaled experience, and the new Magic Keyboard brings advanced features at a lower price.
iPad Air with M3 delivers an unrivaled experience, and the new Magic Keyboard brings advanced features at a lower price.

Apple introduced its latest iPad Air models on Tuesday, powered by the M3 chip and built to support Apple Intelligence. The new devices, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, boast significant performance improvements, including up to twice the speed of the M1-powered iPad Air and support for advanced AI capabilities.

Customers can pre-order the new iPad Air models starting today, with availability beginning Wednesday, 12 March. Prices start at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch variant, with lower pricing available for education customers.

The big picture: A leap in power and intelligence

  • Apple’s M3 chip delivers up to 35% faster multithreaded CPU performance and up to 40% faster graphics performance compared to the M1-powered iPad Air.

  • The new iPads include a Neural Engine that is up to 60% faster for AI-driven tasks.

  • Support for Apple Intelligence introduces new AI-powered features, such as advanced photo editing tools, enhanced Siri capabilities, and seamless ChatGPT integration.

What they’re saying

Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, highlighted the iPad Air’s balance of power and affordability:

“iPad Air is so popular because of its unmatched combination of powerful performance, portability, and support for advanced accessories, all at an affordable price.”

Zoom in: New accessories and AI-driven features

  • Magic Keyboard: The new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, available at a lower price than before, includes a larger trackpad, a 14-key function row, and a magnetic attachment with a machined aluminium hinge. It starts at $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch version.

  • Apple Pencil Pro: The new iPads support Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), catering to students, professionals, and creatives.

  • Apple Intelligence features:

    • The Clean Up tool in Photos helps users remove unwanted elements in images.

    • Image Wand in Notes converts rough sketches into polished visuals.

    • ChatGPT integration allows users to access AI assistance directly through Siri or Writing Tools, with built-in privacy protections.

Compared to the previous generation, iPad with A16 offers a jump in performance for apps like Morpholio Trace, while still providing all-day battery life.
Compared to the previous generation, iPad with A16 offers a jump in performance for apps like Morpholio Trace, while still providing all-day battery life.

The bottom line

Apple’s latest iPad Air models aim to offer a balance of power, portability, and AI-driven intelligence at a competitive price. With significant performance boosts, advanced AI tools, and new accessories, the M3-powered iPad Air is positioned as a versatile device for students, professionals, and creatives.