While Samsung, Xiaomi, and other tech giants showcased their latest innovations at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, Apple made sure its fans weren’t left out of the excitement. In a surprise move, the Cupertino-based company announced a new M3-powered iPad Air, less than a year after releasing the M2 version.
What’s New in the M3 iPad Air?
The new M3 iPad Air comes in two sizes—11-inch ($599) and 13-inch ($799)—and is available in four colors: Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray. While the design remains largely unchanged, the real upgrades lie under the hood and in the accessories.
Performance Boost
Apple claims the M3 chip makes the new iPad Air twice as fast as the M1 version and up to 3.5x faster than the A14-powered model. The M3 chip introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing, enhancing gaming and creative rendering experiences. It also features a 60% faster Neural Engine, promising smoother AI-powered features, especially with the anticipated rollout of Apple Intelligence.
Magic Keyboard Upgrade
The Magic Keyboard for the M3 iPad Air gets a significant upgrade, borrowing features from the iPad Pro’s version. It now includes a function row and a larger trackpad, making typing and navigation feel more intuitive. The new machined aluminum hinge, Smart Connector support, and USB-C charging add a premium touch. Pricing starts at $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch.
Should You Upgrade?
The decision to upgrade depends on your current device and usage needs:
- M1 or Older iPad Air Users: If you’re still using an M1 or older iPad Air, the M3 version offers a noticeable performance boost, especially for gaming, creative workflows, and AI-powered tasks.
- M2 iPad Air Users: For those with the M2 iPad Air, the upgrade might feel incremental unless you’re heavily into creative apps or gaming.
- Apple Intelligence: Apple Intelligence, expected to roll out to M-series iPads, could make the upgrade less urgent for some users.
What’s Missing?
While the M3 iPad Air is a solid refresh, it doesn’t feature Apple’s latest chip, the M4. This omission suggests that Apple is saving its cutting-edge technology for future releases, possibly the iPad Pro lineup. Additionally, the lack of a design overhaul might disappoint users hoping for a more radical change.
Availability and Pricing
Preorders for the M3 iPad Air are live now, with availability starting March 12. The base model starts at 128GB of storage, offering ample space for most users. The upgraded Magic Keyboard, while pricey, adds significant value for those who use their iPad Air as a laptop replacement.
Final Thoughts
The M3 iPad Air is a subtle yet meaningful upgrade that keeps Apple’s mid-tier tablet competitive in a crowded market. While it may not be a game-changer for M2 users, it offers enough improvements to entice those with older models.
With its lightweight design, enhanced performance, and upgraded accessories, the M3 iPad Air is a compelling option for anyone looking to elevate their tablet experience—even if it’s not the revolutionary leap some might have hoped for.
