Is the M3 iPad Air worth it over the M2 model?

If you already own an M2 Air, the jump is modest for everyday tasks. The M3 gives more headroom for heavy editing, games and Apple Intelligence features, so it makes more sense as an upgrade from an older Air or base iPad.

Does it work with the Apple Pencil Pro?

Yes. It supports Apple Pencil Pro, including hover, squeeze and barrel roll, and it also works with the USB-C Apple Pencil. The older second-generation Pencil does not pair with it.

How long does the battery last?

Apple rates it at about 10 hours of web browsing or video over Wi-Fi. Heavy gaming or editing shortens that, and it charges over USB-C.

For streaming, browsing, notes and cloud photos, yes. If you shoot video, keep large game libraries or edit locally, the 256GB or 512GB versions are safer.

How does it compare with the iPad Pro?

The Air gives you most of the Pro's speed in a lighter body, but the Pro adds a 120Hz OLED display, Face ID, better speakers and a thinner design. The Air is the better fit unless the screen matters most.

The iPad, a USB-C charging cable and a power adapter. The keyboard, Pencil and case are sold separately.

Where is the Apple iPad Air 11-inch with M3 chip 128GB cheapest?

At Manu, for $647.86, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Apple iPad Air 11-inch with M3 chip 128GB?

2 stores we checked sell it, including bkstr.com, Manu.

Apple iPad Air 11-inch with M3 chip 128GB

Best price now

$647.86at ManuChecked Nov 9

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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What reviewers say

Reviewers treat the M3 Air as a fast, well-built tablet that covers most people's needs, and most say the chip is more than enough. The recurring complaints are the 60Hz screen and the 128GB starting storage, plus accessory costs.

What people mention

PerformancePraisedOwners say the M3 keeps apps, games and split-screen multitasking running without stutter.
DisplayMixedReviewers like the color and brightness but call the 60Hz refresh rate the biggest step down from the Pro.
StorageCriticisedBuyers say 128GB goes quickly once photos, video and large games are installed.
BatteryPraisedUsers report getting through a full day of mixed use on a charge.
AccessoriesMixedPencil Pro support is welcome, but owners note the keyboard and stylus are extra purchases.
BuildPraisedReviewers describe it as light, rigid and comfortable to hold for long sessions.

About the Apple iPad Air 11-inch with M3 chip 128GB

• WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air is powerful, versatile, and comes in a choice of two sizes. Featuring the incredible performance of the M3 chip built for Apple Intelligence and a stunning Liquid Retina display along with Touch ID, advanced cameras, blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6E, and a USB-C connector.

• APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections integrated into the core of iPad, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.

• PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — M3 is a powerful chip built for Apple Intelligence that brings amazing performance for advanced creative and product tasks, graphic-intensive games, and smooth multitasking. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage depending on the room you need for apps, music, movies, and more.*

• 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*

• IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* Stage Manager makes multitasking easy with resizable, overlapping apps and external display support. iPad Air comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.

• APPLE PENCIL AND MAGIC KEYBOARD — Apple Pencil Pro transforms iPad Air into an immersive drawing canvas and the world’s best note‑taking device. Apple Pencil (USB-C) is also compatible with iPad Air.* Magic Keyboard for iPad Air delivers an amazing typing experience with a built-in trackpad and 14-key function row, and it doubles as a protective cover on the go.*

• ADVANCED CAMERAS — iPad Air features a 12MP Center Stage front camera that’s perfect for video calls and selfies. The 12MP Wide back camera with True Tone flash is perfect for document scanning and capturing photos and 4K videos.

• CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6E gives you fast wireless connections.* Work from almost anywhere with quick transfers of photos, documents, and large video files. Connect to external displays and more with the USB-C connector.

• UNLOCK AND PAY WITH TOUCH ID — Touch ID is built into the top button, so you can use your fingerprint to unlock your iPad Air, sign in to apps, and make payments securely with Apple Pay.*

• * LEGAL DISCLAIMERS — This is a summary of the main product features. See below to learn more.

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