Apple launches new iPad Air upgraded with the M3 Chip. Check India price, features

Apple has introduced the latest iPad Air, now powered by the M3 chip. This update brings improved graphics performance and increased processing power, making it nearly twice as fast as the M1 model and up to 3.5 times faster than the A14 Bionic version. The device is available in two sizes—11-inch and 13-inch—offering users a choice between portability and a larger display for creative and productivity tasks.

The new iPad Air supports iPadOS 18, Apple Intelligence, and accessories like the Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil Pro, and Apple Pencil (USB-C). It also includes upgraded cameras and 5G connectivity, aiming to enhance both everyday use and more demanding workflows.

iPad Air M3 Prices

The new iPad Air with M3 starts at Rs 59,900 for the 11-inch model and Rs 79,900 for the 13-inch version, with education pricing starting at Rs 54,900 and Rs 74,900, respectively. Pre-orders begin today, and availability starts March 12.

Powered by the M3 chip, the new iPad Air delivers nearly 2x faster performance than its predecessor with M1. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, offering a balance of portability and a larger workspace. The device supports Apple Intelligence, 5G connectivity, Apple Pencil Pro, and the new Magic Keyboard, which starts at Rs 26,900.

Apple also introduced an updated iPad with the A16 chip, doubling its starting storage. Prices begin at Rs 34,900 for the Wi-Fi model and Rs 49,900 for Wi-Fi + Cellular, with education discounts available. The Magic Keyboard Folio for this model starts at Rs 24,900.

iPad Air is powered by M3

The iPad Air with M3 brings significant performance improvements, making it more capable for both productivity and creative tasks. The M3 chip features an upgraded 8-core CPU, delivering up to 35% faster performance in multithreaded workflows compared to the M1 model. It also includes a 9-core GPU, offering up to 40% better graphics performance and introducing Apple’s advanced graphics architecture to the iPad Air for the first time. Features like dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing enhance rendering workflows, improving lighting, reflections, and overall realism in graphics-heavy applications.The M3’s Neural Engine is up to 60% faster than M1, enhancing AI-driven tasks in iPadOS. Other updates include support for Apple Intelligence, the option of 11-inch and 13-inch models, and compatibility with advanced accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro.Apple emphasizes sustainability, using 100% recycled aluminum and renewable materials. Customers can trade in older devices for credit toward a new iPad.

Apple Intelligence is the key

The iPad Air is built for Apple Intelligence, enabling features like the Clean Up tool in Photos, natural language search, and Image Wand in Notes, which transforms sketches into images. Image Playground, Genmoji, and Writing Tools enhance creative expression, while Siri is now more conversational and context-aware.

ChatGPT is integrated into Siri and Writing Tools, allowing users to access its capabilities seamlessly without switching apps. It’s free to use without an account, with built-in privacy protections.

Apple Intelligence prioritizes user privacy with on-device processing, and for tasks requiring larger models, Private Cloud Compute ensures data remains secure, never stored or shared with Apple.

There is a new Magic Keyboard

The new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air enhances functionality with a larger trackpad for precise control and a 14-key function row for quick access to settings. It magnetically attaches and connects instantly via the Smart Connector, with an aluminum hinge that includes a USB-C charging port. Priced at INR 26,900 for the 11-inch model and INR 29,900 for the 13-inch, it retains the floating design and is available in white.

Standard iPad Updated with A16 Bionic
Apple has updated the iPad with the A16 chip and doubled the starting storage, improving performance while maintaining all-day battery life. The new chip delivers a 30% speed boost over the previous generation and up to 50% faster performance compared to the A13 Bionic. It’s also up to six times faster than the best-selling Android tablet.

iPad OS18

The iPad’s new Calculator app introduces Math Notes, allowing users to write or type equations and see instant solutions. They can also create variables and insert graphs, with all math functions accessible in the Notes app.

Notes now features Smart Script, which refines handwriting in real time and makes editing more seamless. Users can add space, paste typed text in their handwriting, and improve legibility as they write with Apple Pencil.

New Audio Recording and Transcription syncs transcripts with audio, making it easy to search specific moments in a recording.

The Home Screen now offers more customization, including dark or tinted app icons and larger widgets. A redesigned Control Center simplifies daily tasks and supports new third-party controls.

Apple & Environment

The new iPad Air and updated iPad are built with sustainability in mind, supporting Apple’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030. Apple is shifting to renewable electricity in manufacturing and investing in clean energy to offset product charging emissions.

Both devices use at least 30% recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminum enclosures, rare earth elements in magnets, and cobalt in batteries. The iPad also features over 95% recycled lithium for the first time. They meet Apple’s energy efficiency standards and are free of harmful substances, with fully fiber-based packaging to eliminate plastic by year-end.