Apple has unveiled the latest iPad Air models in India, introducing significant upgrades with the powerful M3 chip. The new iPad Air retains the sleek design of its predecessor while delivering enhanced performance, making it an appealing option for professionals, students, and casual users alike. The company has also announced a redesigned Magic Keyboard, offering improved functionality and a more seamless user experience. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, the latest iPad Air models are priced similarly to the previous generation, ensuring that users receive upgraded hardware without a price hike.
Pricing and Availability in India
The 11-inch iPad Air starts at ₹59,900 for the Wi-Fi-only model, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant is priced at ₹74,900. The larger 13-inch iPad Air begins at ₹79,900 for the Wi-Fi model and ₹94,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version. Apple is offering special discounts for students under its educational pricing program, bringing the cost down to ₹54,900 for the 11-inch version and ₹74,900 for the 13-inch model. The new Magic Keyboard, designed to complement the iPad Air, is available at ₹26,900 for the 11-inch model and ₹29,900 for the 13-inch version. Students can purchase the Magic Keyboard at discounted prices of ₹24,900 and ₹27,900, respectively.
Pre-orders for the new iPad Air have already begun in India, and official sales are expected to start soon.
Performance and Features of the M3 iPad Air
One of the standout upgrades in the new iPad Air is the M3 chip, which brings significant improvements in performance and efficiency. Apple claims that the M3 chip offers nearly double the speed of the M1-powered iPad Air and up to 3.5 times faster performance compared to the A14 Bionic model. This performance boost enhances multitasking, video editing, gaming, and content creation, making the iPad Air a more capable device for professionals and students alike.
Both the 11-inch and 13-inch models feature stunning Liquid Retina displays, providing high brightness, sharp details, and vibrant colors. The 11-inch version offers a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi, while the 13-inch model has a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels at 264 ppi. These displays come with advanced features such as True Tone, wide color (P3), an anti-reflective coating, and full lamination, ensuring an immersive and high-quality viewing experience.
Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Support
Apple has introduced a newly designed Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air, taking inspiration from the iPad Pro’s keyboard but offering a more affordable alternative. The new keyboard features a floating design, a larger trackpad for better navigation, and a 14-key function row that includes shortcuts for adjusting screen brightness and volume. Unlike the iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard, this version uses different materials, except its aluminum hinge, making it a lightweight yet functional accessory.
The iPad Air M3 supports both the Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil (USB-C), allowing users to take advantage of advanced drawing and note-taking features. Apple Pencil Pro brings enhanced capabilities such as squeeze gestures, haptic feedback, and barrel roll functionality for precise artistic control.
Camera, Connectivity, and Battery Life
The new iPad Air is equipped with a 12MP ultra-wide front camera, positioned horizontally for better video calls, and a 12MP rear camera capable of recording 4K videos. The device supports fast 5G connectivity in its cellular variant, along with Wi-Fi 6E for improved wireless performance.
Apple promises an all-day battery life, thanks to the efficiency of the M3 chip and iPadOS optimizations. The new iPad Air runs on iPadOS 18, which brings several AI-driven features, enhanced multitasking options, and improved app functionalities.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the M3-powered iPad Air brings significant upgrades without an increase in price, making it an attractive option for users looking for a powerful yet portable device. With a high-performance chipset, a premium display, support for advanced accessories, and competitive pricing, the new iPad Air is set to be a strong contender in the tablet market. Pre-orders have already begun, and sales are expected to start soon.
