Apple’s new M3 iPad Air just landed
But is it worth the upgrade?
Samsung, Xiaomi, and a bunch of other companies have been flexing their latest gadgets at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, and Apple—which doesn't typically attend the event—wasn’t about to let its fans feel left out.
So, what does it do? Drops a new M3-powered iPad Air less than a year after the M2 version.
Well, like its predecessor, the new M3 iPad Air comes in two sizes (11-inch for $599 and 13-inch for $799) but now gets an updated Magic Keyboard. Apple says the new M3 iPad Air is twice as fast as the M1 version and up to 3.5x faster than the A14-powered model. But somehow conveniently skips any direct comparisons to last year’s M2 iPad Air, which makes you wonder just how big of a leap this really is.
That said, there's still plenty to like.
For one, the new M3 iPad Air keeps its lightweight design, comes in four colors (Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray), and starts at 128GB of storage. As for performance, Apple says the M3 chip brings hardware-accelerated ray tracing (for both gaming and creative rendering) and a 60% faster Neural Engine which should mean smoother AI-powered features—especially when Apple Intelligence finally arrives.
The Magic Keyboard also gets a serious glow-up—Apple borrowed the function row and larger trackpad from the iPad Pro’s version, making typing feel less like an afterthought. Its new machined aluminum hinge, Smart Connector support, and USB-C charging should give it that premium feel. Pricing for the Magic Keyboard starts at $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch.
So, should you upgrade?
If you’re still using an M1 or older iPad Air, this may feel like a big jump performance-wise. But if you have an M2 iPad Air, the difference might be barely noticeable—unless you’re deep into creative workflows or gaming. As for Apple Intelligence, that should make its way to M-series iPads (including the M1 and M2 iPad Air).
Overall, the M3 iPad Air is a solid refresh that keeps things interesting even without Apple's latest chip—the M4. Preorders are live now, with availability starting March 12.
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