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Apple iPad Air 11 M3 Review
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Apple iPad Air 11 M3 Review Powerful Affordable and Worth the Upgrade

Apple iPad Air 11 (M3) has quickly become one of the most talked-about tablets of the year, providing a solid mix of power, affordability, and user-friendly features.

The Apple iPad Air 11 (M3) has quickly become one of the most talked-about tablets of the year, providing a solid mix of power, affordability, and user-friendly features. In this review, we’ll explore whether the new iPad Air is worth upgrading to, how it stacks up against the competition, and if it delivers on Apple’s promise of providing great performance at an accessible price point.

Rumors and Pre-Launch Buzz

The hype surrounding the iPad Air 11 (M3) began well before its official announcement, with multiple rumors circulating about its design, features, and performance. Many believed that Apple would introduce significant changes, but early rumors suggested a more evolutionary update than a revolutionary one.

  • M3 Chip: One of the most exciting rumors was the possible inclusion of the M3 chip in the iPad Air, which would be a big leap from the M2 and would put the tablet in direct competition with high-end iPads like the iPad Pro.

  • Design: Leaked images suggested that the design would stay close to the previous iPad Air models, with a focus on slimness and portability.

  • Display: Speculation pointed to an improvement in display brightness and color accuracy, though many expected the ProMotion display reserved for the Pro models to remain exclusive.

  • Battery: Many thought the battery life would be similar to the previous models, but some reports hinted at minor improvements to accommodate the new chip.

Despite these rumors, Apple kept the official details under wraps until the announcement. The official unveiling didn’t disappoint, delivering on most of the rumors while adding a few unexpected surprises.

iPad Air 11 (M3) Launch Date and Official Announcement

Apple officially announced the iPad Air 11 (M3) on March 12, 2025. This release followed the typical Apple pattern of refreshing its product lines in early spring. The event highlighted the iPad Air’s new features, including the M3 chip, a more powerful battery, and the seamless integration of the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard. Despite being positioned as a "mid-range" device, Apple made sure to emphasize the tablet's capability for heavy multitasking, creative work, and even gaming, all thanks to the power of the M3 chip.

iPad Air 11 (M3) Pricing

  • Starting Price: The 11-inch iPad Air M3 starts at £599 for the base 128GB model, which is the same price as the previous generation with the M2 chip. This pricing positions the iPad Air 11 as an affordable alternative to the more expensive iPad Pro models, which start at over £800.

  • Storage Options: The iPad Air 11 (M3) is available in storage configurations of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, with prices rising as you go up in storage. A model with 512GB storage would cost approximately £899, while the 1TB model could be priced around £1099.

  • 5G Connectivity:There is also a 5G-enabled version of the iPad Air, which costs an additional £150-200, depending on the model.

Key Features and Specifications of the Apple iPad Air 11 (M3)

Apple has equipped the iPad Air 11 (M3) with some impressive specs that put it in a unique position among tablets. Let’s start with the most notable upgrades:

  • M3 Chip: The heart of the iPad Air 11 is its powerful M3 chip, offering significant improvements in speed and efficiency over previous models. This chip makes multitasking and running demanding apps like Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, and games like Asphalt 9 a breeze.

  • Display: The iPad Air 11 features a Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels. It offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a high level of detail that’s perfect for both work and play.

  • Battery Life: Apple claims up to 10 hours of web browsing or video watching on a single charge. During our testing, the battery life held up impressively well with moderate use, including gaming and editing tasks.

  • Storage Options: The iPad Air 11 comes in storage configurations ranging from 128GB to 1TB, providing ample space for apps, media, and files.

  • Design: The design remains sleek and lightweight, with the same slim profile that’s become a hallmark of the iPad Air line. It’s easy to carry and use on the go.

How Does the iPad Air 11 (M3) Perform?

Performance is where the iPad Air 11 (M3) really shines. Powered by the M3 chip, the tablet easily handles demanding tasks that were previously exclusive to higher-end devices. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing AAA games, or multitasking with several apps, the M3 chip delivers smooth performance without lag.

Gaming Performance

Gamers will appreciate the power of the M3 chip. Games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 run flawlessly on the iPad Air 11. The M3 chip delivers excellent frame rates, ensuring a smooth and immersive gaming experience, even during intense action sequences.

Productivity and Multitasking

For productivity tasks, the iPad Air 11 (M3) delivers fast, responsive performance. We tested several apps like Slack, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and Excel, and the iPad Air handled them all with ease. Thanks to the iPadOS 18 features like Stage Manager, multitasking is a breeze, allowing you to seamlessly work across apps without any slowdowns.

For creative professionals, the iPad Air 11 (M3) shines with apps like Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and Final Cut Pro. With the added power of the M3 chip, these apps run faster and more efficiently than ever before.

Is the iPad Air 11 (M3) Worth the Upgrade?

If you’re coming from an older iPad or a different tablet, the iPad Air 11 (M3) offers compelling reasons to upgrade. The combination of the M3 chip, the Liquid Retina display, and improved battery life gives you a truly powerful device for both work and play. But is it worth upgrading if you already have the iPad Air (M2) or the iPad Pro? Let’s take a closer look.

iPad Air (M2) vs. iPad Air (M3)

While the M2-powered iPad Air is still a great device, the M3 chip offers tangible improvements in speed, efficiency, and overall performance. If you use your iPad for heavy multitasking or creative apps, the M3 chip will provide a noticeable boost. On the other hand, if your tasks are more basic (web browsing, media consumption, light productivity), the M2 iPad Air will still get the job done.

iPad Air vs. iPad Pro

The iPad Pro is undoubtedly the more powerful device, but it comes at a significantly higher price. While the iPad Air doesn’t offer the ProMotion display or Thunderbolt support that the Pro models have, the performance of the M3 chip ensures that it’s capable of handling most tasks with ease. If you don’t need the extra power of the iPad Pro but still want a premium experience, the iPad Air 11 (M3) is a great alternative.

Display and Design: The iPad Air 11’s Visual Experience

One of the standout features of the iPad Air 11 (M3) is its Liquid Retina display. While it doesn’t feature ProMotion or OLED technology like the iPad Pro, the display is still incredibly vibrant and clear. Colors are rich and accurate, and text appears sharp and legible. Whether you’re watching movies, browsing the web, or editing photos, the display provides an excellent experience.

The design is sleek, with a slim profile that makes it easy to take anywhere. The 11-inch size is perfect for portability without sacrificing usability, and the aluminum build provides a premium feel without adding unnecessary weight.

Camera and Battery Life: What’s the Real-World Experience?

Camera Performance

The camera setup on the iPad Air 11 (M3) is solid, featuring a 12MP wide camera on the rear and a 12MP ultra-wide camera on the front. The front camera is particularly useful for video calls, as it supports Center Stage, ensuring you stay in frame during calls, even as you move around.

The rear camera is capable of shooting in 4K resolution, and it performs well for quick snapshots or video recording. While it won’t replace a DSLR for serious photography, it’s more than sufficient for everyday use.

Battery Life

With up to 10 hours of battery life, the iPad Air 11 (M3) will get you through a full day of work, entertainment, or study. In our testing, the iPad Air lasted a full day of web browsing, watching videos, and light multitasking without needing a recharge.

Accessories: What Can You Use with the iPad Air 11 (M3)?

One of the iPad Air’s key strengths is its compatibility with Apple Pencil 2 and the Magic Keyboard. The Pencil 2 allows for precise drawing, writing, and note-taking, while the Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad into a productivity powerhouse, making it ideal for those who need to work on the go.

FAQs

1. How long does the battery last on the iPad Air 11 (M3)?

The iPad Air 11 (M3) offers up to 10 hours of battery life, depending on usage.

2. Does the iPad Air 11 (M3) support Apple Pencil 2?

Yes, the iPad Air 11 (M3) is fully compatible with the Apple Pencil 2.

3. Is the iPad Air 11 (M3) good for gaming?

Absolutely! The M3 chip provides excellent performance for gaming, even with graphically demanding titles like Asphalt 9.

4. How does the iPad Air 11 (M3) compare to the iPad Pro?

While the iPad Pro offers more advanced features like ProMotion and Thunderbolt support, the iPad Air 11 (M3) provides similar performance at a much more affordable price.

Pros and Cons of the iPad Air 11 (M3)

Pros:

  • Powerful M3 chip for top-tier performance

  • Liquid Retina display with vibrant colors

  • Excellent battery life (up to 10 hours)

  • Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard compatibility

  • Affordable compared to the iPad Pro

Cons:

  • No ProMotion display

  • Lacks Thunderbolt support

  • Not as slim and light as the iPad Pro

Conclusion: Is the iPad Air 11 (M3) Worth the Upgrade?

The Apple iPad Air 11 (M3) is a powerhouse tablet that strikes the perfect balance between performance and price. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a fast, affordable, and versatile tablet that can handle everything from gaming to productivity to creative work.

While it may not have all the high-end features of the iPad Pro, the M3 chip, Liquid Retina display, and excellent battery life make it an ideal choice for most users. If you’re coming from an older iPad, the iPad Air 11 (M3) is definitely worth the upgrade.

Final Thoughts

If you're in the market for a tablet that delivers great performance, affordable pricing, and future-proofing with Apple's M3 chip, the iPad Air 11 (M3) is a strong contender. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or someone who simply wants a reliable device for everyday tasks, this tablet checks all the right boxes.