As predicted, Apple announced not one but two new iPads this week. The new entry-level iPad starts at $349, while the 11-and 13-inch iPad Airs start at $599 and $799, respectively. Both tablets are set to arrive on March 12th, though you can preorder them from Apple and Best Buy starting today, March 4th.
Unsurprisingly, both tablets represent pretty minor upgrades over prior models. The 11th-gen iPad has twice as much base storage as its last-gen predecessor (128GB vs. 64GB); however, it also remains the only tablet in Apple’s current lineup that lacks support for Apple Intelligence. It doesn’t run on Apple’s silicon, either, but Apple says the upgraded A16 chip is nearly 30 percent faster than the A14 chip found in the 10th-gen iPad.
As for the new 11- and 13-inch iPad Air, both run on Apple’s M3 chip. The last-gen processor isn’t as powerful as the M4 chip found in the latest Pro models, but Apple claims the Air should be twice as fast as the M1-powered Air released in 2022. The M3 chip also introduces GPU upgrades, including dynamic caching support, which improves the performance of demanding apps by optimizing the device’s memory usage.
As for accessories, both tablets support the Apple Pencil USB-C, but only the Air supports the Apple Pencil Pro, which offers built-in Find My support and a gyroscope sensor. The M3-powered Air is also compatible with the new Magic Keyboard, which boasts a larger trackpad and a new 14-key function row so you can quickly adjust the volume and other settings. The keyboard starts at $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch model.
Where to preorder the new iPad
The new iPad will be available on March 12th in four colors: blue, pink, yellow, and silver. You can currently preorder the base model with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage from Apple, Best Buy, and B&H Photo starting at $349. If you prefer more storage, you can get the 256GB model for $449 or the 512GB version for $649. LTE-equipped versions are also available starting at $499 for 128GB of storage, $599 for 256GB of storage, and $799 for 512GB of storage.
$349
Apple’s 11th-gen iPad offers double the base storage of its predecessor at 128GB and runs on the faster A16 chip. It comes in four colors: blue, pink, yellow, and silver.
Where to preorder the new iPad Air
As mentioned previously, the iPad Air comes in two flavors: a smaller 11-inch variant and a 13-inch model. Both sizes also come in four colors: dark gray, blue, purple, and a “starlight” cream shade.
You can preorder the 11-inch iPad Air with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage directly from Apple, Best Buy, and B&H Photo starting at $599. You can also reserve it with 256GB of storage for $699, 512GB of storage for $899, or 1TB of storage for $1,099. If you want cellular connectivity, you can get the 11-inch Air starting at $749 with 128GB of storage, $849 for 256GB, $1,049 for 512GB, and $1,249 for 1TB.
$599
The late new 11-inch iPad Air comes with Apple’s M3 chip and GPU upgrades. It’s available in dark gray, blue, purple, and a “starlight” cream shade.
As for the 13-inch iPad Air, it’s available for preorder from Apple, Best Buy, and B&H Photo starting at $799. You can also buy the tablet with 256GB of storage for $899, the 512GB model for $1,099, and the 1TB version for $1,299. The LTE-equipped model, meanwhile, starts at $949 for 128GB of storage, $1,049 for 256GB, $1,249 for 512GB, and $1,449 for 1TB.
$799
In addition to the 11-inch model, the iPad Air is also available in a 13-inch configuration with Apple’s M3 processor.
Update, March 4th: Added new preorder links for Best Buy and B&H Photo.
