'Something in the air': Apple drops new iPad Air. Release date, price, colors, sizes, more.
Days after it released a new budget-friendly smartphone, Apple has unveiled another new product: iPad Air with M3.
The announcement comes less than a day after Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a post on X, teased the launch of a new product with a short video that said: “There’s something in the air.”
Apple says its new iPad Air is a "faster, more powerful" version that comes equipped with the M3 chip and is built for Apple Intelligence.
The new iPad Air with M3 will have "Apple’s advanced graphics architecture" in an iPad for the first time, "taking its incredible combination of power-efficient performance and portability to a new level," the company said in a news release
The tech giant adds that the new gadget is "nearly 2x faster compared to iPad Air with M1, and up to 3.5x faster than iPad Air with A14 Bionic, enabling more accurate lighting, reflections, shadows, and extremely realistic gaming experiences."
Features, sizes, colors
Other features include advanced cameras and fast wireless 5G connectivity with Apple Intelligence incorporated into every element of the tablet. Additionally, Writing Tools and Siri will have a built-in ChatGPT function, so that users don't have to switch between applications. Apple added OpenAI users can use ChatGPT free and without an account, and that IP addresses will be secured.
The seventh generation of iPad Air will be available in two sizes and four colors including blue, purple, space gray and starlight, Apple said, and is compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C).
Magic keyboard
Along with the new iPad, Apple is also launching a new magic keyboard, "designed for iPad Air," which the company says will "enhance its versatility and deliver more capabilities at a lower price."
The magic keyboard, featuring a larger built-in trackpad and a new 14-key function row, "attaches magnetically" to the iPad while the "smart connector immediately connects power and data without the need for Bluetooth," Apple said. The larger built-in trackpad will allow for greater precision while the 14-key function row will allow "easy access to features like screen brightness and volume controls," as per Apple.
“iPad Air is so popular because of its unmatched combination of powerful performance, portability, and support for advanced accessories, all at an affordable price,” Apple executive Bob Borchers said in a statement. “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.”
iPad Air preorders, release date
Customers can pre-order the new iPad Air starting Tuesday, and the product will be available to buy beginning March 12.
How much is the new iPad Air?
The new iPad Air will be available for the following prices, according to the news release:
- 11-inch model - from $599
- 13-inch model - from $799
The magic keyboard, meanwhile, is available separately in white, for:
- 11-inch model - from $269
- 13-inch model - from $319
Apple iPad Air with M3 storage
The new iPad Air will be available with the following storage capacity:
- 128 GB
- 256 GB
- 512 GB
- 1 TB
iPad upgraded
Besides introducing a new version of iPad Air, Apple said it is also releasing an updated version of its basic iPad "with double the starting storage and the A16 chip, bringing even more value to customers."
The A16 chip "provides a jump in performance for everyday tasks and experiences, while still providing all-day battery life." The new iPad with A16 is nearly 30 percent faster compared to the previous generation, Apple said, adding it is "up to 6x faster than the best-selling Android tablet."
The upgraded 11th generation of the iPad is also available for pre-order and will roll out on March 12, with pricing starting from $349.
iPhone 16e
Last week, Apple dropped a new, budget-friendly smartphone, the fourth edition of the company's less expensive smartphone series. The new iPhone 16e, starting at $599, features a larger screen, utilizes Face ID, features a USB-C charging port and includes a 48-megapixel rear camera. The smartphone also features Apple's first cellular modem, Apple C1.
This story was updated with more information.
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Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.