Apple launches a new iPad Air with M3 chip | TechCrunch

Apple has introduced new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models with the M3 chip. The new iPad Air can be pre-ordered starting Tuesday, and will launch on March 12.

The device starts at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model. It comes in four colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations.

While the new iPad Air supports Apple Intelligence, it doesn’t feature Apple’s newest chip, which is the M4. However, Apple says the iPad Air with M3 is nearly 2x faster compared with the iPad Air with M1, and up to 3.5x faster than the iPad Air with A14 Bionic.

It’s worth noting that Apple has shared comparisons with older iPad models, and not the iPad Air with M2 chip that launched last year.

Apple is also introducing an updated Magic Keyboard that features a larger trackpad, along with a new 14-key function row allowing easy access to features like screen brightness and volume controls. It attaches magnetically, and the Smart Connector immediately connects power and data without the need for Bluetooth. Plus, there’s a machined aluminum hinge and a USB-C connector for charging.

The new Magic Keyboard starts at $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch model. It comes in white.

Apple says the iPad Air with M3 is up to 35 percent faster for multithreaded CPU workflows than iPad Air with M1. It also features a 9-core GPU with up to 40 percent faster graphics performance over M1.

In addition, Apple says the Neural Engine in M3 is up to 60 percent faster for AI-based workloads when compared to M1.

The tech giant also notes that it has updated the iPad with double the starting storage and the A16 chip, which provides a jump in performance for everyday tasks. The new iPad with A16 is nearly 30 percent faster than its previous generation. Apple says users will see a 50% improvement in overall performance when compared to the iPad with A13 Bionic. The company also claims that the A16 chip makes its new iPad up to 6x faster than the best-selling Android tablet.

“For everyone from college students taking notes with Apple Pencil Pro, to travelers and content creators who need powerful productivity on the go, iPad Air with M3, Apple Intelligence, and the new Magic Keyboard take versatility and value to the next level,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, in a press release.