Apple’s iPad Air continues to be the premium tablet to beat, with the latest version featuring a chip upgrade to keep it ahead of the pack.The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.Learn more.The new iPad Air M3 costs from £599 (€699/$599/A$999) – the same as its predecessor – and comes in two sizes with either an 11in or 13in screen. It sits between the base-model £329 iPad A16 and the £999iPad Pro M4, splitting the difference in price and features.Nothing has changed on the outside of the tablet. The M3 model is a straight replacement for theM2 model, featuring the same crisp screen, sleek aluminium design and Touch ID fingerprint scanner in the power button.The Centre Stage webcam at the top of the screen makes video calls a breeze by automatically panning and scanning to keep you and your family in frame. Stereo speakers make watching TV and films great, while support for the £129 Apple Pencil Pro makes doodling or taking notes a joy.View image in fullscreenThe slender aluminium frame contains the stereo speakers, a Touch ID sensor and volume buttons.Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The GuardianSpecificationsScreen:11in or 13in Liquid Retina display (264ppi)Processor:Apple M3 (9-core GPU)RAM:8GBStorage:128, 256, 512GB or 1TBOperating system:iPadOS 18.4Camera:12MP rear, 12MP centre stageConnectivity:Wifi 6E (5G optional eSim-only), Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Touch ID, Smart ConnecterDimensions:247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm or 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1mmWeight:460g or 616gM3 upgrade and solid battery lifeView image in fullscreenThe iPad takes about two hours to charge using a 30W or greater power adaptor, which is not included.Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The GuardianThe big change for the new Air is an upgrade to the Apple M3 chip, which was first seen in late 2023 in theMacBook Proand was successfully used in theMacBook Airuntil March when it was replaced with theM4 chip.While the M3 isn’t Apple’s latest chip, it is still far more powerful than most will ever need in a tablet and much faster than the competition. It is about 10-20% quicker than the outgoing M2 model in tests and will make short work of games and even pro-level apps such asAffinity Photo,ProcreateorAdobe Lightroom.Combined with a reliable battery life of nine to 10 hours, it can easily be used as a laptop replacement when equipped with accessories such as the new version of Apple’s excellent Magic Keyboard case, although that comes at great cost at £269. Cheaper third-party options from Logitech and others are available, however.The iPad Air runs iPadOS 18.4, which includes a collection of multitasking tools, and can be plugged into an external monitor such as a laptop via the USB-C port. But the M3 chip also enables variousApple Intelligence features, which are not available on the standard iPad A16. These include several AI image editing and generation tools, writing and proofreading tools, ChatGPT integration into Siri and other bits.SustainabilityView image in fullscreenThe recycled aluminium body looks and feels great.Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The GuardianApple says the battery should last inexcess of 1,000 full charge cycleswith at least 80% of its original capacity, and can be replaced from £115. The tablet is generally repairable, with adamaged out-of-warranty repair costing from £429.The tablet contains at least 30% recycled content, including aluminium, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements and tin. Apple breaks down the tablet’s environmental impact inits reportand offers trade-in and free recycling schemes, including for non-Apple products.PriceThe 11in iPad Air M3 costs from£599(€699/$599/A$999) and the 13in iPad Air M3 costs from£799(€949/$799/A$1,349).For comparison, the iPad A16 costs from£329, theiPad Pro M4costs from£999and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE costs from£499. TheMacBook Air M4starts at£999.VerdictThe iPad Air M3 is a great premium tablet that makes for an excellent upgrade over the base model Apple tablet.It is a highly capable machine with laptop-level power, long battery life, a quality screen and plenty of accessories to turn it into a drawing tablet, computer replacement or many other tools. The choice of sizes balances nicely between portability at the 11in and the big-screen utility of the 13in version.But the M3 model isn’t an upgrade worth making overrecent iPad Air versions, and if all you do is watch TV or films on it, the standard iPad A16 does the job for much less. Meanwhile, the top-endiPad Pro M4beats the Air on all counts but costs an awful lot more.So for those looking for a premium do-it-all tablet, the iPad Air M3 is hard to beat.Pros:choice of sizes, laptop-level M3 performance, solid battery life, quality screen, USB-C, long software support life, large range of apps and accessories, good speakers, landscape Centre Stage camera, recycled aluminium.Cons:expensive, no multiuser support, iPadOS still needs work as a laptop replacement, no kickstand without case, no Face ID, 60Hz screen.View image in fullscreenBrowsing the web and reading stories is still a joy on the 11in iPad Air.Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Apple iPad Air M3 review: the premium tablet to beat
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Apple iPad Air M3 Review: A Premium Tablet with Enhanced Performance"
The Guardian
7.8
TruthLens AI Summary
The new Apple iPad Air M3 continues to establish itself as a top-tier tablet with enhanced performance features, while retaining its sleek design and user-friendly interface. Priced from £599 (€699/$599/A$999), the iPad Air M3 is available in two screen sizes: 11 inches and 13 inches. This model is positioned between the more economical iPad A16 and the pricier iPad Pro M4, offering a balanced blend of features and pricing. Physically, the iPad Air M3 mirrors its predecessor, the M2 model, keeping the same sharp Liquid Retina display, aluminum body, and Touch ID fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button. Its Centre Stage webcam enhances video calling by automatically adjusting the frame, while stereo speakers deliver a rich audio experience. The tablet is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, making it ideal for creative tasks such as drawing and note-taking.
The standout feature of the iPad Air M3 is its upgraded Apple M3 chip, which significantly boosts performance, providing a 10-20% increase in speed compared to the M2. This makes it capable of handling demanding applications like Procreate and Adobe Lightroom with ease. The device boasts a reliable battery life of nine to ten hours, making it suitable for extended use, especially when paired with accessories like the Magic Keyboard. While the iPad Air M3 runs on iPadOS 18.4, which includes advanced multitasking capabilities, it also supports various AI features that enhance productivity. The tablet is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating at least 30% recycled materials, and offers options for trade-in and recycling. Although the iPad Air M3 is an impressive device, potential buyers who primarily use tablets for media consumption may find the more affordable iPad A16 sufficient for their needs. Overall, the iPad Air M3 stands out as a premium, versatile tablet that is difficult to surpass in its category.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a detailed review of the latest Apple iPad Air M3, highlighting its features, specifications, and pricing. It positions the iPad Air as a leading option in the premium tablet market, emphasizing the upgrade in its processing power while maintaining the same price point as its predecessor. This review aims to inform potential buyers about the benefits and features of the new model, while also reinforcing Apple's reputation in the technology space.
Target Audience Perception
The piece is likely aimed at tech enthusiasts, Apple loyalists, and consumers in the market for a premium tablet. By emphasizing the iPad Air's performance capabilities and features like the Centre Stage webcam, the article cultivates a perception that Apple continues to innovate and dominate the tablet sector. This could foster a sense of urgency or desirability among potential customers.
Potential Omissions
While the review is largely positive, it may downplay any drawbacks or limitations of the iPad Air M3, such as its lack of significant external design changes from the M2 model. Additionally, it does not address competing tablets in detail, which could provide a more balanced view of the market landscape. There may also be an inclination to present Apple products in a favorable light, potentially obscuring critical perspectives.
Reliability Assessment
Given that the article comes from a reputable source, The Guardian, the factual accuracy concerning specifications and features is likely high. However, the positive framing of Apple products suggests a slight bias, which could affect the overall reliability of the review. The manipulative nature of the article is moderate, focusing on the positive aspects while potentially glossing over negatives or competitor offerings.
Impacts on Society and Economy
The promotion of the iPad Air M3 may influence consumer purchasing decisions, thereby affecting sales figures for Apple and possibly impacting stock prices. As the tech sector is closely watched, any significant shifts in consumer preference due to this product could have broader implications for the market and economy.
Market Influence
This review may resonate more with Apple fans and tech-savvy consumers who prioritize high-quality devices. It could encourage discussions within communities that value premium technology products and innovations. The article's potential impact on the stock market is notable, particularly concerning Apple’s stock, as positive reviews can lead to increased consumer interest and investment.
Geopolitical Context
While the article primarily focuses on product features, it indirectly reflects broader trends in consumer technology and innovation, which are relevant in discussions about global tech competition. As companies like Apple continue to lead, this can affect international relations, especially in sectors where technology plays a critical role.
Artificial Intelligence Considerations
The writing style seems consistent with human authorship, though the possibility of AI assistance in the drafting process cannot be entirely ruled out. If AI were used, it might have influenced the structure and flow of the review, ensuring clarity and engagement. The persuasive language used could also be indicative of AI-driven optimization aimed at enhancing reader engagement. In conclusion, while the review provides valuable insights into the iPad Air M3, it leans towards a favorable depiction of Apple products, potentially limiting a fully objective assessment of the device. The overall reliability of the information is bolstered by the source, but the positive framing suggests a moderate level of bias.