# Apple Introduces Enhanced iPad Air and Base iPad with Performance Boosts
Apple has officially revealed enhancements to two of its tablet models—the iPad Air and the basic iPad—offering notable performance upgrades and new features. Although not the complete transformation some Apple fans were hoping for, these revisions improve the productivity and functionality of Apple’s tablet range.
## **iPad Air: Now Featuring the M3 Chip**
The new iPad Air transitions from last year’s M2 chip to the more advanced **M3 processor**, resulting in better graphics performance and enabling Apple Intelligence support. This upgrade is especially advantageous for users who depend on their iPads for tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming.
Apple asserts that the **M3 chip provides up to 40% increased graphics performance compared to the M1 chip**, making it a tempting upgrade for those utilizing older iPad Air iterations. Furthermore, the new iPad Air remains available in **11-inch and 13-inch variants**, appealing to users who have different preferences for screen sizes in their workflows.
### **Magic Keyboard: A More Enhanced Experience**
In conjunction with the iPad Air upgrade, Apple has launched a **new Magic Keyboard** featuring a **larger trackpad and a dedicated function key row**. This improvement boosts usability, transforming the iPad Air into a more practical laptop alternative for many users.
A standout feature of this new Magic Keyboard is its **backward compatibility**. It is compatible with **older iPad Air units**, including the **4th and 5th generation iPad Air and the 11-inch and 13-inch M2 and M3 models**. However, the keyboard carries a **$270 price**, which might influence potential buyers.
## **Base iPad: Greater Power and Storage**
Apple has also enhanced the **standard iPad**, equipping it with an **A16 Bionic chip** for a substantial leap from the A14 chip in the prior version. This advancement promises smoother performance for daily activities, gaming, and multitasking.
In addition, Apple has **increased the base storage** from **64GB to 128GB**, addressing a frequent concern among users who found the previous storage inadequate.
Apple further claims that the new base iPad is **”6x faster” than the leading Android tablet**, although the specific Android device being referenced is not disclosed. Based on Apple’s annotations, this comparison is likely to a Samsung Galaxy tablet equipped with a Qualcomm SM6375 chip.
## **Pricing and Availability**
Apple’s latest iPads and accessories will be on sale starting **March 12, 2025**. Below is a summary of the pricing:
– **Base iPad (128GB storage)** – **$349**
– **iPad Air (11-inch, M3 chip)** – **$599**
– **iPad Air (13-inch, M3 chip)** – **$799**
– **New Magic Keyboard** – **$270**
## **Final Thoughts**
While these enhancements may not be groundbreaking, they offer significant improvements for users seeking enhanced performance, increased storage, and better usability. The **M3-equipped iPad Air** is an excellent choice for professionals and creatives, while the **base iPad’s A16 chip and expanded storage** position it as a reliable option for students and casual users.
With these updates, Apple continues to enhance its iPad array, ensuring access to powerful and versatile tablets that meet a diverse array of user needs.
