The M3 iPad Air Is $150 Cheaper After the Launch of the M4
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Apple announced new Apple products this week, including the new M4 iPad Air, which Walmart has starting at $559 for the basic 11-inch wifi model, the best pre-order deal so far. Unsurprisingly, both sizes of the older M3 iPad Air have dropped $150 in price, reaching their lowest levels since their release, according to price-tracking tools. The 11-inch cellular version starts at $599 (originally $749), and the 13-inch cellular version starts at $799 (originally $949).
Yes, the older M3 is technically the same price as the new M4, but remember this is the M3 cellular version, which means you don't depend on wifi to surf the web. Apple usually up-charges $150 for upgrading to the cellular version, so that's what you'd be saving by going for the older M3 chip here as opposed to the newer one. As Jake Peterson, Lifehacker's senior technology editor, explains in his breakdown of the new iPad, there's not much else that is different between the M3 and M4 iPad Airs.
When it comes to chips, more power means a longer lifespan for your iPad. In theory, you'll also see more efficient multitasking, heavier applications working more efficiently, and more speed overall.
The M3 iPad Air comes with a 2,360 by 1,640 pixel resolution display at 264 ppi, a 12MP Center Stage front camera (follows your face around), and a 12MP Wide back camera with flash, USB-C and Touch ID, and a battery life of up to 10 hours depending on use. Of course, you'll also have Apple Intelligence (if you care about that), and it supports the Apple Pencil as well as the new Magic Keyboard.
So ask yourself: Do you value independence from wifi to use your iPad or are you okay sticking to wifi and prefer better performance? For those looking for a more affordable iPad, the basic model is just $329 (originally $349) right now, and it will be good enough for most people.