Apple's iPad Air continues to be a premium tablet option, with the latest version featuring an upgraded chip for enhanced performance.
The new iPad Air M3, priced from £599 (€699/$599/A$999), is available in 11-inch and 13-inch screen sizes. It positions itself between the entry-level £329 iPad A16 and the £999 iPad Pro M4, offering a middle ground in price and features.
Visually, the M3 model is a direct replacement for the M2 model, retaining the same sharp screen, sleek aluminum design, and Touch ID fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button.
The Centre Stage webcam at the top of the screen facilitates smooth video calls by automatically adjusting its position to keep the user and their family members in frame. Stereo speakers provide a good experience for watching movies and television, while support for the £129 Apple Pencil Pro enhances note-taking and drawing capabilities.
Specifications
- Screen: 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina display (264ppi)
- Processor: Apple M3 (9-core GPU)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
- Operating system: iPadOS 18.4
- Camera: 12MP rear, 12MP Centre Stage
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (5G optional eSIM-only), Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Touch ID, Smart Connector
- Dimensions: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm or 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1mm
- Weight: 460g or 616g
M3 Upgrade and Battery Life
The primary enhancement in the new Air is the Apple M3 chip, initially introduced in late 2023 in the MacBook Pro and subsequently employed in the MacBook Air until its replacement with the M4 chip in March 2025.
Though not the latest chip, the M3 offers significantly more processing power than most users will require in a tablet, surpassing competitors in speed. Benchmarks indicate approximately a 10-20% performance improvement over the M2 model, facilitating smooth operation for demanding tasks, including games and professional-grade applications like Affinity Photo, Procreate, and Adobe Lightroom.
Combined with a reliable battery life of nine to ten hours, the iPad Air M3 effectively functions as a laptop replacement when paired with accessories such as Apple's improved Magic Keyboard case, although this option comes with a premium price tag of £269. More affordable third-party options from Logitech and other manufacturers are available.
iPadOS 18.4, with its multitasking tools, and the USB-C port for connecting to external monitors, further enhance the iPad Air M3's functionality. The M3 chip also enables various Apple Intelligence features, not available on the standard iPad A16, including AI-powered image editing and generation tools, writing and proofreading assistance, Siri integration with ChatGPT, and other features.
Sustainability
Apple claims the battery should last for over 1,000 full charge cycles, maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. Battery replacements are available from £115. The tablet is generally repairable, with out-of-warranty repairs starting at £429.
The device incorporates at least 30% recycled content, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, and tin. Apple provides details on the tablet's environmental impact in a dedicated report and offers trade-in and recycling programs, including for non-Apple products.
Pricing
The 11-inch iPad Air M3 starts at £599 (€699/$599/A$999), while the 13-inch model begins at £799 (€949/$799/A$1,349).
For comparative purposes, the iPad A16 starts at £329, the iPad Pro M4 at £999, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE from £499. The MacBook Air M4 starts at £999.
Verdict
The iPad Air M3 is a compelling premium tablet, representing a significant upgrade from the base model iPad.
Its powerful M3 chip, extended battery life, high-quality screen, and extensive accessory options make it a versatile device suitable for various tasks, from drawing and note-taking to replacing a laptop. The availability of both 11-inch and 13-inch models provides a balance between portability and screen size.
However, the M3 upgrade may not be justified over recent iPad Air models. For users primarily focused on watching movies or television, the standard iPad A16 offers a more cost-effective solution. Ultimately, the high-end iPad Pro M4 surpasses the Air in most aspects but comes at a substantially higher price point.
The iPad Air M3 remains a strong contender for users seeking a comprehensive and powerful premium tablet.
Pros: Choice of sizes, M3 performance comparable to laptops, reliable battery life, high-quality screen, USB-C connectivity, extended software support, wide range of apps and accessories, good speakers, landscape Centre Stage camera, recycled aluminum.
Cons: High price point, lack of multi-user support, iPadOS requires further development for optimal laptop replacement capabilities, no built-in kickstand (requires case), no Face ID, 60Hz display.
