Apple iPad Air 13" with M3 Chip (256GB) – Overview
Powered by the M3 chip, the 13" iPad Air delivers next-level performance in a thin, portable form factor. Built for Apple Intelligence, this iPad introduces powerful AI tools and Apple's most advanced graphics architecture to the Air lineup—featuring ray tracing, dynamic caching, and hardware-accelerated mesh shading. With 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a stunning 13" Liquid Retina Display, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Magic Keyboard (sold separately), the iPad Air is designed to help you create, connect, and work from anywhere.
The iPad Air comes preloaded with iPadOS. Please check your settings for the latest software update.
Performance with Apple M3 Chip
Equipped with an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, the M3 chip delivers a significant leap in performance:
- Up to 35% faster multithreaded CPU performance compared to M1
- Up to 40% faster graphics performance for intensive apps, gaming, and design tasks
Whether you're editing video, sketching in high-res apps, or multitasking across workflows, the M3 keeps everything smooth and responsive.
Pro-Level Graphics
For the first time on iPad Air, the M3 chip brings advanced GPU technologies:
- Dynamic Caching boosts GPU efficiency by allocating memory as needed per task
- Ray Tracing & Mesh Shading enable lifelike lighting, shadows, and visual depth
- Up to 4x GPU performance over M1 for immersive gaming and creative tools
13" Liquid Retina Display
The expansive 13" Liquid Retina display delivers vibrant visuals with precision:
- 2732 × 2048 resolution with P3 wide color and True Tone
- 600 nits brightness and anti-reflective coating for excellent outdoor visibility
- Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) for advanced input and creative control
Apple Intelligence Built In
iPad Air is built for Apple Intelligence, a new personal intelligence system in iPadOS:
- Image Wand: Turn sketches into fully rendered images
- Image Playground: Create AI-generated art based on text, concepts, or your Photos library
- Writing Tools: Rewrite, proofread, and summarize content with ease
- Clean Up Tool: Remove background objects in photos with one tap
All features are processed on-device to protect your privacy.
Camera System
- 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera (now on the landscape side) with Center Stage for dynamic video calls
- 12MP rear wide camera captures vivid photos and detailed 4K video
- Use the rear camera to scan documents and annotate them with Apple Pencil
Connectivity
- Wi‑Fi 6E delivers blazing-fast internet—over 2x faster than the previous generation
- Bluetooth 5.3 ensures low-latency audio for next-gen headphones and hearing aids
- 5G Cellular (on supported models) with eSIM support for convenient international use and multiple data plans (carrier plan required, sold separately)
Ports & Audio
- USB-C port with up to 10 Gb/s speeds for connecting displays, drives, cameras, and more
- Dual studio-quality microphones and landscape stereo speakers for immersive audio experiences
Environmentally Conscious Design
Apple designed the iPad Air to minimize its environmental impact:
- 100% recycled aluminum enclosure
- 100% recycled cobalt and 95%+ recycled lithium in the battery
- 100% recycled copper, rare earth elements, gold, and tin in key components
- 15% recycled glass in the display
- 20%+ recycled plastic in 12 internal parts
- 100% fiber-based packaging with 39% recycled content