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

If you already own an M2 Air, the jump is modest: the M3 adds speed and the landscape front camera. Buyers coming from an older iPad or the base model get a much bigger step up.

How does it compare with the iPad Pro?

The Pro adds an OLED display, ProMotion, Face ID and a thinner body. The Air keeps the same M-series class of performance for everyday work and costs less.

Does it work with Apple Pencil Pro?

Yes. It supports Apple Pencil Pro, including squeeze and barrel roll, as well as the USB-C Pencil. Older Lightning Pencils do not pair with it.

How long does the battery last?

Apple rates it at up to 10 hours of web browsing or video over Wi-Fi. Heavy editing or gaming draws it down faster.

The tablet, a USB-C charge cable and a 20W power adapter. The keyboard and Pencil are separate purchases.

Is 8GB of RAM enough?

For browsing, notes, streaming and most editing, yes. Very heavy multitasking with large video projects is where the Pro's extra memory helps.

Where is the iPad Air 11" (M3) - Wi-Fi - 256GB - Space Gray cheapest?

At SVA Campus Store, for $599.00, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the iPad Air 11" (M3) - Wi-Fi - 256GB - Space Gray?

2 stores we checked sell it, including SVA Campus Store, Best Buy.

Apple

iPad Air 11" (M3) - Wi-Fi - 256GB - Space Gray

Best price now

$599.00at SVA Campus StoreChecked Nov 7

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

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What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers treat the M3 Air as the sensible middle of the iPad line: fast, light and well built, with the M3 chip handling most creative work. The most common complaints are the 60Hz screen and the price of accessories.

What people mention

PerformancePraisedReviewers say the M3 chip keeps apps and multitasking smooth and runs cool.
DisplayMixedOwners like the sharp, laminated panel but note the 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness.
Front cameraPraisedThe landscape 12MP camera with Center Stage is called a clear improvement for video calls.
AccessoriesCriticisedBuyers complain that the Pencil Pro and keyboard are sold separately and add cost.
StorageCriticisedSome owners say the base storage fills quickly once they shoot video or load games.

About the iPad Air 11" (M3) - Wi-Fi - 256GB - Space Gray

The iPad Air 11" (M3) is a Wi-Fi tablet with an 11-inch Liquid Retina touchscreen. The display has a 2360 x 1640 resolution at 264 ppi and 500 nits of brightness. It is powered by the Apple M3 chip and comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

It also has a media engine with hardware-accelerated H.264 and HEVC video encode and decode.

Touch ID is built into the top button, and the tablet supports Apple Pencil hover. The built-in lithium-polymer battery is rated for up to 10 hours of run time.

Display

11" Liquid Retina touchscreen, 2360 x 1640 at 264 ppi, 500 nits

Chip

Apple M3

CPU

8-core (4 performance, 4 efficiency)

GPU

9-core, integrated, shared memory

RAM

8GB

Storage

256GB, NVMe