Apple made headlines on March 4, 2025, by introducing the new iPad Air featuring the M3 chip and enhanced Magic Keyboard, catching many off guard who anticipated the announcement of the new MacBook Air instead.
The iPad Air now boasts unparalleled speed and enhanced features, making it one of the fastest tablets on the market. According to Apple, the iPad Air with the M3 chip is nearly two times faster than its predecessor, the M1, and achieves performance speeds up to 3.5 times faster than the iPad Air powered by the A14 Bionic chip. This remarkable boost is largely due to the new 8-core processor and the 9-core GPU, which delivers 40% faster graphics performance compared to the M1.
The latest model will be available in two sizes—11-inch and 13-inch—offered at starting prices of $599 and $799, respectively. Pre-orders for the new iPad Air commenced on March 4, with general availability set for March 12.
Apple has also launched the refreshed Magic Keyboard, which enhances functionality with features like a built-in trackpad and additional function keys, providing users with more capabilities at lower prices. The Magic Keyboard is priced at $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch model, making it more accessible for users who rely on their devices for productivity.
Bob Borchers, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, noted, “iPad Air is so popular because of its unmatched combination of powerful performance, portability, and support for advanced accessories, all at affordable pricing.”
The M3’s advances extend to AI capabilities, where the Neural Engine is reported to be 60% faster for AI-based workloads than its predecessor, enhancing users' experience with features powered by Apple Intelligence. This includes tasks like image editing through the Cleanup tool which simplifies removing unwanted elements from photos, and the Image Wand tool which allows users to create visually appealing notes easily.
On the technical spectrum, the M3 chip also introduces support for advanced graphics technologies, including dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing. This puts the device firmly at the forefront of graphics-intensive gaming and creative applications, allowing for unparalleled realism.
Apple’s iPadOS 18 is set to take full advantage of the M3 chip's capabilities, featuring fast wireless 5G connectivity and compatibility with both the Apple Pencil Pro and the standard Apple Pencil, thereby boosting creative possibilities.
Pricing and Availability
The pricing strategy remains consistent with previous models, as Apple positions itself competitively against the broader tablet market. The 11-inch variant starts at $599, and the 13-inch version at $799. For educational institutions, the pricing is slightly lower—$549 for the 11-inch and $749 for the 13-inch model.
Apple’s shift is also seen through environmental responsibility efforts, as both the new iPad Air and the updated iPad A16 come equipped with significantly more recycled materials. Apple has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2030, shifting to renewable electricity for production and using recycled materials to drive down the carbon footprint.
Alongside the announcement of the iPad models, Apple quietly updated its base iPad with the A16 chip, which provides roughly 30% faster performance compared to its previous generation without any increase to the retail price, standing at $349.
Investors and analysts alike will be watching closely as this new release might shape the future competitive strategy from Apple against other tech giants. Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman hinted at upcoming developments, indicating the much-anticipated MacBook Air with the M4 chip may be just around the corner, stating, “Expect to see the MacBook Air potentially announced within the week.”
While many had speculated on the announcement of the MacBook Air during this latest briefing, Apple shifted focus to showcase its advancements within the iPad lineup, which now stands as one of its prominent devices. Expectations remain high for future announcements as Apple continues to innovate and expand its product offerings.
The rollout of the iPad Air with M3 chip has set the stage for what could be the next significant leap for Apple's hardware capabilities, promising users higher efficiency, productivity, and creativity options.
With the introduction of more AI-integrated tools and improved performance metrics, users can expect this device to meet the demands of modern consumer technology. The Apple ecosystem continues to evolve, and for many, the new iPad Air promises to be central to their computing needs.