New iPad Air Release

Less than a year has passed since Apple last updated the iPad Air, but the company is once again enhancing its performance by incorporating the M3 chip. The latest iPad Air is available in 11- and 13-inch sizes, with prices starting at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model, unchanged from the previous version. Additionally, it is compatible with a redesigned Magic Keyboard, similar to the one introduced by Apple in May for the iPad Pro.

This update is somewhat unexpected, as Apple typically does not upgrade its iPads annually. Furthermore, the transition from the M2 to the M3 chip may not have a significant impact on most users, as the iPad Air already supported Apple Intelligence and the M-series chip enables the use of the advanced Stage Manager multitasking mode.

In a surprising move, Apple has reduced the price of the Magic Keyboard, with the 11-inch model now starting at $269 and the 13-inch model at $319, a $30 reduction in both cases. However, there are some differences between this keyboard and the one designed for the iPad Pro. Notably, it lacks backlighting and the trackpad does not feature haptic feedback. Nonetheless, it represents a significant improvement over the previous model offered by Apple, and at a more competitive price.

Pre-orders for the new iPad Air are now available, with shipping scheduled to commence on March 12. The device will be offered in the same four colors as its predecessor: space grey, starlight silver, purple, and blue.