Apple has introduced the latest iPad Air, now powered by the M3 chip, promising improved performance and a better experience for users looking for a mid-range tablet. With up to 20% faster speeds compared to its predecessor, support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and a refreshed Magic Keyboard, the new iPad Air aims to strike a balance between power and affordability. But is it worth upgrading if you already own a recent iPad, or should you hold onto your current device a little longer?
What’s New in the M3 iPad Air?
The biggest change in this update is the introduction of the M3 chip, which enhances both CPU and GPU performance. Apple claims the new iPad Air delivers better multitasking, improved gaming capabilities, and a smoother experience for users who rely on demanding creative apps. One of the standout features is hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which enhances graphics in compatible games and creative software.
The new iPad Air is also available in two sizes: the familiar 11-inch model and 13-inch version.
Another refinement comes with the updated Magic Keyboard. The redesigned version features a larger trackpad and function keys for quick access to brightness and volume controls. While the core design of the iPad Air remains unchanged, Apple has increased the base storage to 128GB, up from 64GB, ensuring more space for apps and files.
However, some things remain the same. The iPad Air continues to feature a 12MP front camera with Center Stage, a 12MP rear camera, a USB-C port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Battery life remains consistent with previous models, providing all-day usage.
Who Should Upgrade?
For some users, the M3 iPad Air represents a worthwhile upgrade, especially for those using older devices.
If You Own an Older iPad Air (M1 or Earlier)
If you’re still using an iPad Air with an M1 chip or an even older A-series processor, the M3 model brings a noticeable performance boost. Users upgrading from an iPad Air 4 (A14 Bionic) or earlier will see a dramatic increase in speed, better multitasking capabilities, and improved future-proofing for years to come.
If You’re Using a Base Model iPad
The standard iPad (9th or 10th generation) serves as Apple’s budget-friendly option, but it lacks the power needed for intensive workflows or gaming. If you want a smoother experience for video editing, gaming, or handling multiple apps at once, moving to the M3 iPad Air is a significant step up.
Who Should Hold Off?
Despite the upgrades, not everyone needs to rush out and buy the latest iPad Air.
If You Already Own an M2 iPad Air
The difference between the M2 and M3 chips is relatively minor for most users. Unless you specifically need the improved graphics performance of hardware-accelerated ray tracing, you likely won’t notice a huge difference in everyday use. The M2 iPad Air is still a highly capable device, and upgrading for the sake of a small performance boost might not be necessary.
If You Use Your iPad for Basic Tasks
Not everyone needs the power of an M3 chip. If your iPad is primarily used for browsing the web, streaming videos, note-taking, or occasional app use, an upgrade may not be necessary. The previous-generation iPads still handle these tasks smoothly, and the M3 iPad Air won’t make a noticeable difference for casual users.
Should You Upgrade?
The M3 iPad Air is a strong upgrade for those using older iPads, offering improved performance, a new 13-inch display option, and a refined Magic Keyboard. However, if you already have an M2 iPad Air or iPad Pro, the benefits may not be enough to justify an upgrade.
If you’re in the market for a new iPad and want a balance of power and affordability, the M3 iPad Air is a fantastic choice. But for those with recent models, holding off for another generation may be the smarter move.
