The latest Apple iPad Air M3 maintains its position as the top-notch premium tablet in the market, boasting a new chip upgrade to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
Priced at £599 (€699/$599/A$999) and available in 11in or 13in sizes, the iPad Air M3 bridges the gap between the entry-level A16 model and the high-end Pro M4 variant.
Externally, the M3 model retains the sleek design, high-resolution screen, and Touch ID fingerprint scanner found in its predecessor, the M2 model.
Featuring an Apple M3 chip, the iPad Air M3 is significantly faster than its predecessor, excelling in performance for tasks ranging from gaming to using professional apps like Affinity Photo and Adobe Lightroom.
With a battery life of 9-10 hours, the iPad Air M3 can serve as a laptop replacement when paired with accessories like the Magic Keyboard case, albeit at a high cost.
Running on iPadOS 18.4, the tablet supports multiple multitasking features and can be connected to external monitors, offering a blend of productivity and portability.
Apple emphasizes sustainability with the iPad Air M3, incorporating at least 30% recycled content and offering repair and recycling options for environmental consciousness.
Priced competitively, the iPad Air M3 is praised for its powerful performance, long software support, premium build quality, and range of available accessories.
While the iPad Air M3 is an excellent choice for a premium tablet, its value may not be justified for users mainly consuming media, as the standard iPad A16 offers similar functions at a lower price.
In comparison to the higher-priced iPad Pro M4, the iPad Air M3 strikes a balance between features and cost, making it a compelling option for those seeking a versatile tablet.