Apple launches a new M3-powered iPad Air

The iPad Air is a tricky tablet. At times, it has been the most compelling of Apple’s lineup, the Goldilocks-perfect combination of features and price. Other times, it starts to feel like an awkwardly placed option, both too expensive and not good enough. With the new model, which Apple just announced via a press release, Apple is once again trying to strike the perfect balance. The new Air is primarily a spec bump over last year’s device. It has an upgraded M3 chip, and of course supports Apple Intelligence. It’s not Apple’s most modern chip — that would be the M4 — but Apple says it’s twice as fast as the M1-powered Air and the A14 Bionic-powered Air. (Those are older devices, and Apple’s comparisons notably don’t include last year’s model.) It comes in four colors, 11- and 13-inch models, and starts at $599 for the smaller model and $799 for the larger. There’s also a new Magic Keyboard attachment ($269 for the smaller model and $319 for the larger), which includes the extra row of ... Read full article.