Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard
Apple has unveiled the new iPad Air featuring the powerful M3 chip, available in 11-inch ($599) and 13-inch ($799) models. The device offers significant performance improvements, being nearly 2x faster than the M1 version and up to 3.5x faster than the A14 Bionic model.
Key features include a 35% faster CPU, 40% faster graphics performance, and a 60% faster Neural Engine compared to M1. The new iPad Air supports Apple Intelligence with features like Clean Up tool in Photos and Image Wand in Notes. It's compatible with the new Magic Keyboard, now available at a lower price point starting at $269 for the 11-inch model.
Pre-orders begin March 4, with availability starting March 12. The device comes in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with storage options from 128GB to 1TB. Apple also announced an updated base iPad with the A16 chip and doubled storage, starting at $349.
Apple ha presentato il nuovo iPad Air con il potente chip M3, disponibile nei modelli da 11 pollici (599 $) e 13 pollici (799 $). Il dispositivo offre miglioramenti significativi delle prestazioni, risultando quasi 2 volte più veloce rispetto alla versione M1 e fino a 3,5 volte più veloce rispetto al modello A14 Bionic.
Le caratteristiche principali includono una CPU più veloce del 35%, prestazioni grafiche più veloci del 40% e un Neural Engine più veloce del 60% rispetto all'M1. Il nuovo iPad Air supporta l'Intelligenza Apple con funzionalità come lo strumento di pulizia in Foto e la Bacchetta Magica in Note. È compatibile con il nuovo Magic Keyboard, ora disponibile a un prezzo ridotto a partire da 269 $ per il modello da 11 pollici.
Le prenotazioni iniziano il 4 marzo, con disponibilità a partire dal 12 marzo. Il dispositivo è disponibile nei colori blu, viola, starlight e grigio siderale, con opzioni di archiviazione da 128GB a 1TB. Apple ha anche annunciato un iPad base aggiornato con chip A16 e spazio di archiviazione raddoppiato, a partire da 349 $.
Apple ha presentado el nuevo iPad Air con el potente chip M3, disponible en modelos de 11 pulgadas (599 $) y 13 pulgadas (799 $). El dispositivo ofrece mejoras significativas en el rendimiento, siendo casi 2 veces más rápido que la versión M1 y hasta 3.5 veces más rápido que el modelo A14 Bionic.
Las características clave incluyen una CPU un 35% más rápida, un rendimiento gráfico un 40% más rápido y un Neural Engine un 60% más rápido en comparación con el M1. El nuevo iPad Air es compatible con Apple Intelligence, con funciones como la herramienta de limpieza en Fotos y la Varita Mágica en Notas. Es compatible con el nuevo Magic Keyboard, ahora disponible a un precio reducido a partir de 269 $ para el modelo de 11 pulgadas.
Las pre-ordenes comienzan el 4 de marzo, con disponibilidad a partir del 12 de marzo. El dispositivo viene en colores azul, púrpura, starlight y gris espacial, con opciones de almacenamiento de 128GB a 1TB. Apple también anunció un iPad base actualizado con el chip A16 y almacenamiento duplicado, comenzando en 349 $.
애플이 강력한 M3 칩을 탑재한 새로운 아이패드 에어를 공개했습니다. 11인치 모델(599 $)과 13인치 모델(799 $)로 제공됩니다. 이 장치는 성능이 크게 향상되어 M1 버전보다 거의 2배, A14 바이오닉 모델보다 최대 3.5배 빠릅니다.
주요 기능으로는 CPU가 35% 더 빠르고, 그래픽 성능이 40% 더 빠르며, M1에 비해 Neural Engine이 60% 더 빠릅니다. 새로운 아이패드 에어는 사진의 정리 도구와 메모의 이미지 마법사와 같은 기능을 가진 애플 인텔리전스를 지원합니다. 11인치 모델은 269 $부터 시작하는 가격으로 새로운 매직 키보드와 호환됩니다.
사전 주문은 3월 4일부터 시작되며, 3월 12일부터 구매 가능합니다. 이 장치는 파랑, 보라, 스타라이트 및 우주 회색 색상으로 제공되며, 128GB에서 1TB까지의 저장 옵션이 있습니다. 애플은 또한 A16 칩과 저장 용량이 두 배로 증가한 업데이트된 기본 아이패드를 349 $부터 시작한다고 발표했습니다.
Apple a dévoilé le nouveau iPad Air avec la puissante puce M3, disponible en modèles de 11 pouces (599 $) et 13 pouces (799 $). L'appareil offre des améliorations de performance significatives, étant presque 2 fois plus rapide que la version M1 et jusqu'à 3,5 fois plus rapide que le modèle A14 Bionic.
Les caractéristiques clés incluent un CPU 35% plus rapide, des performances graphiques 40% plus rapides et un Neural Engine 60% plus rapide par rapport à l'M1. Le nouvel iPad Air prend en charge l'Intelligence Apple avec des fonctionnalités telles que l'outil de nettoyage dans Photos et la Baguette Magique dans Notes. Il est compatible avec le nouveau Magic Keyboard, désormais disponible à un prix réduit à partir de 269 $ pour le modèle de 11 pouces.
Les précommandes commencent le 4 mars, avec une disponibilité à partir du 12 mars. L'appareil est disponible en bleu, violet, starlight et gris spatial, avec des options de stockage allant de 128 Go à 1 To. Apple a également annoncé un iPad de base mis à jour avec la puce A16 et un stockage doublé, à partir de 349 $.
Apple hat das neue iPad Air mit dem leistungsstarken M3-Chip vorgestellt, das in 11-Zoll (599 $) und 13-Zoll (799 $) Modellen erhältlich ist. Das Gerät bietet erhebliche Leistungsverbesserungen und ist fast 2-mal schneller als die M1-Version und bis zu 3,5-mal schneller als das A14 Bionic-Modell.
Zu den wichtigsten Funktionen gehören eine 35% schnellere CPU, eine 40% schnellere Grafikleistung und ein 60% schnellerer Neural Engine im Vergleich zur M1. Das neue iPad Air unterstützt Apple Intelligence mit Funktionen wie dem Aufräumwerkzeug in Fotos und dem Bildzauberstab in Notizen. Es ist kompatibel mit der neuen Magic Keyboard, die jetzt zu einem reduzierten Preis ab 269 $ für das 11-Zoll-Modell erhältlich ist.
Die Vorbestellungen beginnen am 4. März, die Verfügbarkeit startet am 12. März. Das Gerät ist in Blau, Lila, Starlight und Space Grey erhältlich, mit Speicheroptionen von 128 GB bis 1 TB. Apple hat auch ein aktualisiertes Basis-iPad mit dem A16-Chip und verdoppeltem Speicher angekündigt, das ab 349 $ erhältlich ist.
- Significant performance upgrade with M3 chip (2x faster than M1)
- New Magic Keyboard offered at lower price point
- Expanded storage options up to 1TB
- Integration of advanced AI capabilities
- Educational pricing available with $50-100 discount
- Base model pricing remains unchanged at $599
- Additional cost for accessories (Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil)
- ChatGPT integration requires cloud processing
Insights
Apple's iPad Air upgrade to the M3 chip represents a significant performance leap with
The simultaneous update to the entry-level iPad with the A16 chip and doubled storage capacity at a
Most significantly, these devices are positioned as vehicles for Apple Intelligence, the company's AI initiative. The native integration of capabilities like Clean Up tool for photos, Image Wand for notes, and ChatGPT connectivity establishes iPads as AI productivity tools rather than mere content consumption devices.
The redesigned Magic Keyboard with function row and larger trackpad addresses previous limitations while lowering the price point to
This iPad refresh addresses Apple's need to revitalize its tablet segment, which represented about
The M3 chip integration standardizes Apple's silicon architecture across more product lines, likely improving manufacturing scale economies and component negotiating leverage. The dual-size strategy for iPad Air mirrors the successful approach used with MacBooks and iPhones, potentially increasing average selling prices as consumers opt for larger displays.
The Magic Keyboard price reduction (from
Most importantly, these devices expand Apple's AI ecosystem footprint at a important competitive moment. With both new models shipping March 12, the timing suggests potential revenue recognition within fiscal Q2, though the majority of impact will affect fiscal Q3 results. Given the unchanged price points despite enhanced capabilities, this refresh strengthens Apple's competitive positioning in the premium tablet segment while expanding its AI platform reach.
iPad Air with M3 takes performance and portability to a new level. (Photo: Business Wire)
With the same starting price of just
“iPad Air is so popular because of its unmatched combination of powerful performance, portability, and support for advanced accessories, all at an affordable price,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “For everyone from college students taking notes with Apple Pencil Pro, to travelers and content creators who need powerful productivity on the go, iPad Air with M3, Apple Intelligence, and the new Magic Keyboard take versatility and value to the next level.”
Supercharged Performance with M3
iPad Air with M3 empowers users to be productive and creative wherever they are, from aspiring creatives using demanding apps and working with large files, to travelers editing content on the go. The powerful M3 chip offers a number of improvements over M1 and previous-generation models. Featuring a more powerful 8-core CPU, M3 is up to 35 percent faster for multithreaded CPU workflows than iPad Air with M1. M3 features a 9-core GPU with up to 40 percent faster graphics performance over M1. M3 also brings Apple’s advanced graphics architecture to iPad Air for the first time with support for dynamic caching, along with hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing. For graphics-intensive rendering workflows, iPad Air with M3 offers up to 4x faster performance than iPad Air with M1, enabling more accurate lighting, reflections, shadows, and extremely realistic gaming experiences.3
The faster Neural Engine in M3 means iPad Air users can enjoy even more AI capabilities in iPadOS. Compared to M1, the Neural Engine in M3 is up to 60 percent faster for AI-based workloads. Other improvements over iPad® models with A-series chips include support for Apple Intelligence, the choice of 11- and 13-inch sizes, and support for advanced accessories, including the new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro.
iPad Air: Built for Apple Intelligence
iPad Air is built for Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence.4 In Photos, the Clean Up tool makes it easy to remove distracting elements in images, and natural language search allows users to search for just about any photo or video by simply describing what they are looking for. With Image Wand in the Notes app, users can make notes more visually engaging by turning rough sketches into delightful images, just by drawing a circle around the sketch with their Apple Pencil. Users can even circle empty space within a note, and Image Wand will gather context from the surrounding area to create a relevant image that complements the note and makes it more visual.
Apple Intelligence helps users explore creative new ways to express themselves visually with Image Playground™, create the perfect emoji with Genmoji™, and make their writing even more dynamic with Writing Tools. Users can now type to Siri®, and Siri is more conversational with the ability to follow along if users stumble over their words. Siri can also maintain context from one request to the next, and with extensive product knowledge, Siri can answer thousands of questions about the features and settings of Apple products, so users can learn how to do things like take a screen recording.
With ChatGPT seamlessly integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, users can tap into ChatGPT’s expertise without jumping between applications, so they can get things done faster and easier than ever before. In addition, users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and privacy protections are built in — their IP addresses are obscured and OpenAI won’t store requests. Users can choose whether to enable ChatGPT integration, and are in full control of when to use it and what information is shared with ChatGPT.
Designed to protect users’ privacy at every step, Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing, meaning that many of the models that power it run entirely on device. For requests that require access to larger models, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of iPad into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. When using Private Cloud Compute, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple; it is used only to fulfill their request.
All-New Magic Keyboard for iPad Air
The all-new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air expands what users can do at an even lower price. The larger built-in trackpad brings greater precision for detail-oriented tasks, and a new 14-key function row allows easy access to features like screen brightness and volume controls. The new Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically, and the Smart Connector immediately connects power and data without the need for Bluetooth; a machined aluminum hinge also includes a USB-C connector for charging. Now starting at just
iPad Updated with Double the Starting Storage and the A16 Chip
Apple today also updated iPad with double the starting storage and the A16 chip, bringing even more value to customers. The A16 chip provides a jump in performance for everyday tasks and experiences in iPadOS, while still providing all-day battery life. Compared to the previous generation, the updated iPad with A16 is nearly 30 percent faster.5 In fact, compared to iPad with A13 Bionic, users will see up to a 50 percent improvement in overall performance,5 and A16 makes the updated iPad up to 6x faster than the best-selling Android tablet.6
Powerful and Intelligent Features with iPadOS 18
iPadOS 18 offers powerful features that enhance the iPad experience, making it more versatile and intelligent than ever:7
- Designed for the unique capabilities of iPad, Calculator delivers an entirely new way to use Apple Pencil to solve expressions. With Math Notes, users are now able to write out mathematical expressions or type to see them instantly solved in handwriting like their own. They can also create and use variables, and add an equation to insert a graph. Users can access their Math Notes in the Notes app and use all of the math functionality in any of their other notes.
- In Notes, handwritten notes become more fluid and flexible. Smart Script™ unleashes powerful new capabilities for users editing handwritten text, allowing them to easily add space or even paste typed text in their own handwriting. And as users write with Apple Pencil, their handwriting will be automatically refined in real time to be smoother, straighter, and more legible.
- With new Audio Recording and Transcription, iPad can capture a lecture or conversation, and transcripts are synced with the audio, so users can search for an exact moment in the recording.
- Users now have even more options to express themselves through the Home Screen. App icons and widgets can take on a new look with a dark or tinted effect, and users can make them appear larger to create the experience that’s perfect for them. A redesigned Control Center provides easier access to many of the things users do every day, including the option to organize new controls from third-party apps.
Better for the Environment
The new iPad Air and updated iPad are designed with the environment in mind. As part of Apple 2030, the company’s ambitious goal to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade, Apple is transitioning to renewable electricity for manufacturing, and investing in wind and solar projects around the world to address the electricity used to charge all Apple products, including the new iPad Air and iPad. Today, all Apple facilities run on 100 percent renewable electricity — including the data centers that power Apple Intelligence.
To achieve Apple 2030, the company is designing products with more recycled and renewable materials, which further drives down the carbon footprint. The new iPad Air and iPad each feature at least 30 percent recycled content overall, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets. The batteries contain 100 percent recycled cobalt and — in a first for iPad — over 95 percent recycled lithium. The new iPad Air and iPad meet Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency, and are free of mercury, brominated flame retardants, and PVC. The packaging is also entirely fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of removing plastic from its packaging by the end of this year.8
Pricing and Availability
-
Customers can pre-order the new iPad Air with M3 starting today, March 4, on apple.com/store, and in the Apple Store® app in 29 countries and regions, including the
U.S. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, starting March 12. - The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air with M3 will be available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations.
-
The 11-inch iPad Air starts at
$599 U.S. ) for the Wi-Fi model, and$749 U.S. ) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 13-inch iPad Air starts at$799 U.S. ) for the Wi-Fi model, and$949 U.S. ) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. -
For education, the new 11-inch iPad Air starts at
$549 U.S. ), and the 13-inch model starts at$749 U.S. ). Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels. For more information, visit apple.com/us-hed/shop. -
The new Magic Keyboard, available in white, is compatible with the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air. The 11-inch Magic Keyboard is available for
$269 U.S. ), and the 13-inch Magic Keyboard is available for$319 U.S. ). For education, the 11-inch Magic Keyboard is available for$249 U.S. ), and the 13-inch Magic Keyboard is available for$299 U.S. ). -
Customers can pre-order the new iPad with A16 starting today, March 4, on apple.com/store, and in the Apple Store app in 29 countries and regions, including the
U.S. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, starting March 12. -
The new iPad starts with 128GB of storage, and is also available in 256GB and a new 512GB configuration. Available in blue, pink, yellow, and silver, Wi-Fi models of the new iPad are available with a starting price of
$349 U.S. ), and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at$499 U.S. ). For education, Wi-Fi models of the new iPad are available with a starting price of$329 U.S. ), and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at$479 U.S. ). -
Magic Keyboard Folio® for iPad is available for
$249 U.S. ) and comes in white. For education, the Magic Keyboard Folio is available for$229 U.S. ). -
Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) are compatible with the new iPad Air. Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (1st generation) are compatible with the new iPad. Apple Pencil Pro is available for
$129 U.S. ), and$119 U.S. ) for education. Apple Pencil (USB-C) is available for$79 U.S. ), and$69 U.S. ) for education. - Apple offers great ways to save on the latest iPad. Customers can trade in their current iPad and get credit toward a new one by visiting the Apple Store online, the Apple Store app, or an Apple Store location. To see what their device is worth and for terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.
-
Customers in the
U.S. who shop at Apple using Apple Card® can pay monthly at 0 percent APR when they choose to check out with Apple Card Monthly Installments, and they’ll get 3 percent Daily Cash® back — all up front. More information — including details on eligibility, exclusions, and Apple Card terms — is available at apple.com/apple-card/monthly-installments.
Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.
1 Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2025. See apple.com/ipad-air for more information.
2 Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2025 using preproduction iPad Air 11-inch (M3) and iPad Air 13-inch (M3) units as well as production iPad Air (4th generation) units. Tested with Procreate Dreams v1.0.14 by exporting a 29-second project. Performance tests are conducted using specific iPad units and reflect the approximate performance of iPad Air.
3 Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2025 using preproduction iPad Air 11-inch (M3) and iPad Air 13-inch (M3) units as well as production iPad Air (5th generation) units. Octane X 2024.1.01 for iPad tested using a scene with 770,000 meshes and 8 million unique primitives, utilizing hardware-accelerated ray tracing on M3-based systems and software-based ray tracing on all other units. Performance tests are conducted using specific iPad units and reflect the approximate performance of iPad Air.
4 Apple Intelligence is available on iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 and later, in localized English for
5 Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2025 using preproduction iPad (A16) units as well as production iPad (10th generation) units. Tested with a selection of tasks using Microsoft Excel for iPad v2.93. Performance tests are conducted using specific iPad units and reflect the approximate performance of iPad.
6 Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2025 using preproduction iPad (A16) units with Apple A16, as well as production Qualcomm SM6375-based Android tablet units with the latest version of Android 14 available at the time of testing. Best-selling Android tablet based on publicly available sales data over the last 12 months. Tested with common tasks in commercial applications and select industry-standard benchmarks. Performance depends on device settings, usage, environment, and many other factors. Performance tests are conducted using specific systems and reflect the approximate performance of iPad.
7 Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. For more information on iPadOS 18, visit apple.com/ipados/ipados-18.
8 Based on retail packaging as shipped by Apple. Breakdown of
NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple Newsroom (www.apple.com/newsroom), or email Apple’s Media Helpline at media.help@apple.com.
© 2025 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPad Air, Apple Intelligence, Magic Keyboard, iPadOS, Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil, iPad, Image Playground, Genmoji, Siri, Smart Script, Apple Store, Magic Keyboard Folio, Apple Card, and Daily Cash are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250304165106/en/
Press Contacts:
Tara Courtney
Apple
tcourtney@apple.com
Skylar Eisenhart
Apple
s_eisenhart@apple.com
Source: Apple
FAQ
What are the key performance improvements of the new iPad Air M3 compared to M1?
When will the new iPad Air M3 be available and at what price?
What storage options are available for the new iPad Air M3?
What are the key features of the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air?
What AI capabilities does the new iPad Air M3 offer?
