M3 Power Brings Laptop-Class Speed to the iPad Air

Apple’s latest iPad Air marks the biggest leap yet for its mid-tier tablet. Now powered by the M3 chip with an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, it brings laptop-class performance to a slim, lightweight form factor.

Apps launch faster, multitasking feels smoother, and creative tasks like photo editing or drawing handle without stutter, and all in a device that remains completely silent and cool.

For the first time the Air comes in two sizes: an 11-inch and a 13-inch Liquid Retina display. Both panels hit 500–600 nits brightness, cover the P3 color gamut, and have a fully laminated, anti-reflective finish. Text and graphics are crisp, colors are accurate, and the larger model gives artists and multitaskers more space without the weight of an iPad Pro.

Apple Intelligence Comes to the iPad Air

A key selling point of this generation is that it supports Apple Intelligence, Apple’s on-device AI suite. That means features like the new Image Wand in Notes, system-wide writing and summarizing tools, and more advanced predictive functions run locally on the M3 chip. For students or professionals who want AI features without sending data off-device, it’s a big draw.

Storage tiers also get a bump. The base model now starts at 128GB instead of 64GB, and you can configure it up to 1TB if you need room for large creative projects, high-resolution video, or big app libraries. Combined with the M3’s speed, it makes the Air much more viable as a primary work machine.

Battery life remains a strong suit. Apple rates it for all-day use, and early tests show the M3 chip’s improved efficiency helps it sustain heavy multitasking or creative work without quickly draining. Whether you’re streaming, drawing, or running productivity apps, you can expect a full day away from the charger.

A Versatile iPad for Students, Creatives, and Pros

Beyond raw performance and battery life, the new iPad Air builds on its accessory ecosystem. It supports the latest Apple Pencil Pro with hover, squeeze, and haptic feedback, as well as the updated Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad. These additions turn the Air into a far more capable sketching, note-taking, and light laptop replacement device than earlier generations. iPadOS with Stage Manager now feels more like a desktop environment, letting you overlap and resize windows for true multitasking.

Cameras remain solid for a mid-tier tablet. The 12-megapixel rear sensor captures crisp photos and 4K video, while the 12-megapixel front camera with Center Stage keeps you framed in video calls. Combined with the larger display options and Apple Intelligence features, it makes the Air a well-rounded tool for everything from content creation to everyday tasks without stepping up to the price of an iPad Pro.

Taken together, the M3 iPad Air is Apple’s most versatile mid-range tablet yet. It’s a device that combines near-Pro performance, bigger screen options, and new AI features at a lower entry price. It’s aimed at students, creatives, and professionals who want a lightweight iPad that can double as a productivity machine without breaking the bank.