Apple’s upgraded iPad Air with M3 Review – it’s all about the power

As part of Apple’s product palooza last week the iPad Air kicked things off with an all new model which drops in retail stores this Wednesday (12th March) – hand’s on with the new iPad Air it’s really a device updated for the upgraders, not one to attract some epic attention.

The inclusion of the Apple M3 processor into the iPad Air at first glance seems great, but then it becomes questionable when you see the M4 getting dropped into new MacBook Airs at the same time, add to that the M3 Ultra inclusion in the Mac Studio and we’ve got some processor generational confusion going on for sure.

But the reality is, most people are not processor nerds. In fact, people just want to know is it faster than the last one or perhaps is it fast enough to justify the ugprade.

Critically, Apple already has an iPad with the M4 Silicon in it, the existing iPad Pro models. And with a 11 inch model of the Pro hitting $1,699 the $999 price of the iPad Air starts to really look compelling. Similarly the 13 inch iPad Air is $1,349 compared to $2,199 of the Pro.

If they put the M4 into iPad Air it would make the Pro models very hard to justify – though the lack of nanotexture coating on the screen as an option would make me think.

The differences year to year are utterly incremental – but anyone comparing the M2 iPad Air to M3 iPad Air has no idea who is buying these things.

Owners of the iPad Air with M3 are most likely to have previously owned a much older base iPad, or an older curved edge iPad Air. That older iPad is being handed over to one of the kids, or perhaps a parent, while the new beast allows them to have a far snappier performance for all the apps, includes things like Apple Intellgence and far greater potential.

The specs are impressive, and I was able to export a 1 hour and 30 minute video from iMovie in around 13 minutes, that’s almost insane and makes me again question the need for a Pro model. You’ve gotta be working in Hollywood to need any more.

But again – that’s not the point! If you can afford a pro, then you’ll get a Pro – no matter what’s available below it:)

Outside of the performance jump that comes with the processor, for the first time on the Air devices the “Magic Keyboard” has the function row of keys on it. Previously that was only on the Pro model keyboards.

It’s a very very handy addition – but at $449 for the smaller one (just $50 more) it’s also very very pricey given you’re spending $999 on a device and half that for the keyboard. Really only a worthy purchase if you’re using it as a primary device when travelling etc so you can do all your work.

When recommending iPads, for me it’s quite simple and the new iPad Air really just accentuates this view, the iPad (standard) is for those on a budget who just need a device for streaming, email and Facebook.

For those with extreme needs and no budget, get an iPad Pro it’s a ridiculously good device.

If you are looking at the absolute sweet spot in the iPad lineup, no question in my mind it’s the iPad Air. And now with a bit more grunt, no brainer for a big upgrade, or – if you’ve been holding out for 15 years, your first iPad as the iPad Air is going to be amazing.