Apple’s M3 iPad Air arrives this week, and the first reviews just dropped. Here’s a roundup of the key points you should know about the upgraded new iPad Air.
M3 vs M2 chip: Does it make a difference?
Last year Apple upgraded the iPad Air in a big way. The 2024 model introduced a 13-inch version for the first time, providing an iPad Pro-like experience on an iPad Air. It also came equipped with a powerful M2 chip.
This year, aside from an improved accessory, the new iPad Air has one difference: an M3 instead of M2.
Here’s what reviewers have to say about that chip upgrade.
David Pierce at The Verge:
Scott Stein at CNET:
The new and improved Magic Keyboard
Last year when the M4 iPad Pro debuted with an upgraded Magic Keyboard, I was instantly a big fan. Thanks to the addition of a function row, larger trackpad, aluminum palm rest, and more, Apple improved on the prior Magic Keyboard in every single way.
Now, the iPad Air’s new Magic Keyboard benefits from most of those improvements too. The lack of aluminum palm rest is a disappointment, but the other major upgrades of the iPad Pro’s keyboard are now included here.
Nathan Ingraham at Engadget:
Tony Polanco at Tom’s Guide:
Wrap-up and video reviews
After reading a variety of M3 iPad Air reviews, the basic message I found boils down to: it’s a fantastic tablet, just like the M2 Air was last year. Meaning, just like it, because it’s pretty much the same device.
Also worth noting: if you already own an M2 model, the new Magic Keyboard is fully compatible.
The only real complaints reviewers had essentially had to do with the iPad Air not having more iPad Pro features. For example, Nathan Ingraham wrote:
Overall though, if you’re in the market for an iPad Air, now you can get an even more future-proof model than before. And with a Magic Keyboard that will serve you better than before for full-time computing.
The M3 iPad Air is currently available at a discount for both the 11-inch and 13-inch models.
Best iPad accessories
- AirPods Pro 2 (only $169, down from $249)
- Apple Pencil Pro (only $99, down from $129)
- 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging
- Anker USB-C 8-in-1 hub with Ethernet, HDMI, SD, more
- Baseus 10ft USB-C cable for extended reach
