Apple has introduced the latest iPad Air, now powered by the advanced M3 chip, bringing faster performance and stunning graphics. This new version is designed to boost productivity and creativity, whether you’re on the go or working from home.
The iPad Air with M3 is nearly 2x faster than the previous M1 model and up to 3.5x faster than the A14 Bionic chip, delivering enhanced performance for both everyday tasks and high-demand applications.
iPad Air price and availability in UAE
The new iPad Air will be available for pre-order starting today, March 4, and will be in stores from March 12.
- iPad Air (11-inch): Starts at Dhs 2,499 (Wi-Fi) and Dhs 3,099 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
- iPad Air (13-inch): Starts at Dhs 3,299 (Wi-Fi) and Dhs 3,899 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
- Magic Keyboard: Available starting at Dhs 1,099 for the 11-inch model.
For students, the 11-inch model starts at Dhs 2,299 and the 13-inch model starts at Dhs 3,099. The new iPad Air models will be available in four stunning finishes: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.
What’s new with the iPad Air M3
The iPad Air’s new M3 chip offers massive improvements in performance and graphics. The 8-core CPU makes multitasking faster, while the 9-core GPU enhances graphics performance by up to 40%. This allows users to enjoy smoother, more realistic gaming experiences and run demanding creative applications with ease.
The iPad Air now supports advanced graphics features like dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing, making it a top choice for users who require high-quality graphics rendering. The faster Neural Engine also enhances AI tasks in iPadOS, allowing for smarter features across apps.
Apple Intelligence for smarter use
The iPad Air is built for Apple Intelligence, offering powerful features that make everyday tasks easier and more intuitive. Users can take advantage of tools like the Clean Up feature in Photos, which removes unwanted elements from images, and Image Wand, which transforms sketches into detailed images in Notes. Siri has also been upgraded to be more conversational, understanding follow-up questions and maintaining context.
Additionally, Apple has integrated ChatGPT into the iPad’s writing tools, allowing users to get assistance without leaving the app. This makes it easier to work, create, and communicate directly on the device.
New Magic Keyboard
Apple has also updated the Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, which now features a larger trackpad for greater precision and a new 14-key function row for quicker access to controls like volume, brightness, and more. The keyboard attaches magnetically, connects seamlessly via the Smart Connector, and includes a USB-C port for charging. The Magic Keyboard is available for Dhs 1,099 (11-inch) and Dhs 1,199 (13-inch).
The new iPad Air continues Apple’s commitment to sustainability. The device is made from 30% recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminum and rare earth elements in the magnets. Apple also ensures that the device is energy-efficient and runs on renewable energy, supporting the company’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
The new iPadOS 18 brings several enhancements that improve the overall experience, including Math Notes, which allows users to write equations with Apple Pencil and instantly solve them. Handwriting is now automatically refined for better readability, and new features like Audio Recording and Transcription help capture and search through audio content.
The new iPad Air models, along with the updated Magic Keyboard, are available for pre-order now. The new iPad Air models will be available in multiple storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
Apple’s environmental efforts ensure that these products are designed with the planet in mind, helping reduce waste and promote sustainability.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
