Apple (subtly) updates its entry-level and mid-range tablets and unveils its iPad 11 and iPad Air M3, which benefit respectively from A16 and Apple M3 chips. The result is more power… and disparities in access to Apple Intelligence.
iPad Air M3: two versions based on the M3 chip
Less than a year after the launch of the 6th-generation iPad Air, Apple unveils the iPad Air M3. Still available in 2 screen sizes (11 and 13 inches) and 4 colors (gray, mauve, green and starlight), it features the same technical specifications as its predecessor.
It has an IPS LCD screen with a definition of 2,360 x 1,640 pixels (11″) and 2,732 x 2,048 pixels (13″). Dimensions remain unchanged: 24.7 x 17.9 x 0.6 cm (11″) or 28 x 21.5 x 6.1 mm (13″). Likewise, it uses the same photo sensors (12 MP and f/1.8 optics on the rear, 12 MP and f/2.4 ultra-wide-angle optics on the front).
The only real innovation is the Apple Silicon M3 chip. Compatible with Apple Intelligence (except in the EU and China), it features an 8-core CPU (4 performance cores, 4 energy-efficient cores), a 9-core GPU, a 16-core Neural Engine and 8 GB of RAM. Apple specifies that this chip should be 4 times more powerful… than the M1 chip.
In any case, this refresh enables Apple to eliminate from its catalog any reference to the M2 chip, which may have seemed “obsolete” compared to models equipped with an M4 chip (iPad Pro and Mac).
iPad 11: A16 Bionic chip on board
Apple also unveils its 11th-generation iPad. The entry-level slate retains the features of the previous version, launched at the end of 2022. Measuring 24.8 x 18 x 0.7 cm, it continues to feature an IPS display with 2360 x 1640 pixels. The 12 MP front camera is accompanied by an ultra-wide-angle lens compatible with the Center Stage function. The rear camera features a 12 MP sensor.
Still featuring a USB-C port and compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil USB-C, the iPad 11 is equipped with an A16 Bionic chip, launched in 2022 with the iPhone 14. The catch is that this chip is not compatible with Apple Intelligence.
Indeed, Apple’s AI requires at least an A17 chip… A rather surprising choice on the part of Apple, which strives to make all its (new) products compatible with its AI solution. In fact, even the “small” iPad Mini 2024 is equipped with an A17 Pro chip. Similarly, the recent iPhone 16e is equipped with a latest-generation A18 chip.
One consolation is the integration (by default) of 128 GB of storage, with Apple doing away with the basic 64 GB configuration.
iPad Air M3 and iPad 11 prices and availability
The iPad Air M3 is available for pre-order from $699 (11″) or $899 (13″). An additional €170 is required for 5G-compatible versions.
The iPad 11 is available for pre-order from $349. Here too, Wi-Fi + Cellular versions are €170 more expensive.
Our first impression of the iPad Air M3 and iPad 11
Little by little, Apple is modernizing its tablets with “new” chips. In the case of the iPad Air, the aim was undoubtedly to retire once and for all the versions still equipped with an M2 chip.
However, the case of the iPad 11 is more surprising, since Apple’s most affordable tablet is deprived of Apple Intelligence. Admittedly, this is less of a problem in Europe, since Apple Intelligence is unavailable there anyway; but elsewhere, this aspect may come as a surprise. All the same, the iPad 11 remains an interesting option for those looking for a high-performance tablet at a lower cost.
