Apple’s latest iPad Air refresh arrives less than a year after its predecessor, bringing the M3 chip into the lineup. While the previous generation introduced a larger 13-inch variant for the first time, this year’s model focuses purely on performance improvements. With Apple discontinuing the M2 iPad Air, but older models still available through resellers, the question remains: is it worth paying for the latest version, or is last year’s model still a solid investment?
Performance: M3 vs. M2—How Much of a Difference Does It Make?
At the core of this debate is Apple’s shift from the M2 to the M3 chip. The M3 is built on a more advanced 3nm process, allowing for better power efficiency and performance compared to the 5nm-based M2 chip. It features an improved GPU with dynamic caching, mesh shading, and hardware-accelerated ray tracing, making it more capable for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
For most everyday users, the performance difference between the M2 and M3 will be barely noticeable. If you primarily use your iPad for browsing, watching content, note-taking, and light productivity, both chips will feel equally fast. However, if you frequently edit videos, work with large files, or play graphics-heavy games, the M3’s enhancements could provide a smoother experience over time.
No Changes to Design, Display, or Cameras
Beyond the chip, the two iPad Air models are virtually identical. Apple has made no changes to the exterior design, display technology, or cameras. Both devices still feature a 12MP front camera with Center Stage, a 12MP rear camera, USB-C connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Battery life remains unchanged as well, delivering the same all-day performance Apple promises.
This means that if aesthetics, display quality, and overall usability are your primary concerns, the M2 iPad Air offers the same experience as the M3 version at what could be a lower price.
Buying the M2 iPad Air at a Discount: A Smart Move?
With the introduction of the M3 iPad Air, the 2024 model has been removed from Apple’s official lineup. However, it’s still available through third-party retailers, and as stock clears out, discounts are likely. If you can find the M2 iPad Air at a significant markdown, it becomes a compelling option—offering nearly the same experience as the M3 model for a lower price.
The key factor here is pricing. If the M2 iPad Air is available at a discount of $100 or more compared to the M3 model, it’s likely the smarter buy. For those upgrading from an older A-series iPad Air, such as the fourth-generation model with the A14 chip, even last year’s M2 iPad Air would be a major performance boost.
Who Should Get the M3 iPad Air?
The M3 iPad Air makes the most sense for users who want the latest chip for future-proofing, those who rely on advanced graphics performance, or anyone upgrading from much older iPads that may be struggling to keep up with modern apps. If you’re buying an iPad Air today and want it to last for many years without performance concerns, the M3 version is the better long-term investment.
A Generational Gap That’s Easy to Skip
For most users, the move from M2 to M3 in the iPad Air doesn’t bring enough noticeable improvements to justify upgrading. Apple hasn’t introduced any design, display, or camera changes, making the newer model feel like a minor refresh rather than a major leap forward.
If you’re coming from an older iPad Air or base-model iPad and can find a good deal on the M2 version, it remains an excellent choice. But if you’re looking for the most powerful option available and plan to keep your device for several years, the M3 iPad Air is the better bet for longevity.
