Apple is reportedly gearing up to unveil its next-generation iPad Air lineup. For the first time, the iPad Air family is expected to feature two variants: the familiar 11-inch model and a larger 13-inch option. The biggest change this time around, however, will be the new chipset powering these devices: the M3 chip.
This update promises to significantly improve performance, though Apple’s M4 chip, found in the latest iPad Pro, will not make an appearance in the Air lineup.
The iPad Air has long occupied the middle ground in Apple’s tablet lineup, positioned between the budget-friendly iPad 10 and the premium iPad Pro. Despite its place in the lineup, the iPad Air has always managed to deliver solid performance and a more accessible price point.
The introduction of the M3 chip to the iPad Air lineup is expected to boost performance by up to 15% compared to the M2, making it a solid upgrade for those looking for a quicker, more powerful tablet. While it’s not as fast as the M4 in the iPad Pro, it should provide a seamless experience for everyday tasks, as well as handle more intensive workloads like multitasking, video editing, and gaming with ease. The M3’s architecture also promises better energy efficiency, which means better battery life for users, despite the increased performance.
The two iPad Air sizes—11 inches and 13 inches—remain largely unchanged, which is in line with Apple’s typical approach of offering incremental updates. There are no major design alterations expected, with both variants maintaining the same sleek, thin profile that has become synonymous with the iPad Air line.
A standout feature of the updated iPad Air could be the inclusion of a new Magic Keyboard, specifically designed for the iPad Air. This updated keyboard could bring an improved typing experience, with a new row of function keys that brings it in line with current versions for the iPad Pro. This would allow for more intuitive shortcuts and greater functionality. In addition to the updated keyboard, some rumors suggest that the iPad Air might feature a 90Hz refresh rate display, which would provide smoother scrolling and responsiveness compared to the current 60Hz screens.
While the M3 chip upgrade is expected to be the most significant internal change, the iPad Air could also benefit from other improvements, including brighter displays and potential upgrades in connectivity. Wi-Fi 7, the latest Wi-Fi standard, could make its debut on the iPad Air, enabling faster wireless speeds and better overall network performance. This would be especially valuable for users who rely on cloud-based apps or stream media in high quality.
There has been some speculation about Apple’s decision to equip the iPad Air with the M3 chip rather than skipping directly to the M4, which is available in the iPad Pro models. The M4’s inclusion would have made sense, considering that Apple already placed the M1 chip in both the iPad Pro and iPad Air in 2021. However, this time around, it seems the company is keeping the M3 exclusive to the iPad Air, possibly to maintain a clear distinction between the two product lines. By keeping the M4 exclusive to the iPad Pro, Apple ensures that there is a performance gap between its mid-range and high-end tablet offerings, which could influence purchasing decisions.
Despite the lack of major design changes, the iPad Air is expected to offer a more powerful and feature-rich experience for users. Those seeking the best performance without the premium price of an iPad Pro will find the M3-powered iPad Air to be a compelling option
