Apple has officially introduced the latest iteration of the iPad Air, now powered by the M3 chip. This announcement comes just a year after the previous model, reaffirming Apple’s strategy of frequent but incremental tablet updates. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, the new iPad Air starts at $599 and $799, respectively. Alongside the tablet, Apple has also launched a revamped Magic Keyboard priced at $269 (for the 11-inch) and $319 (for the 13-inch), featuring an extra row of function keys and a larger trackpad. But does this new iPad Air truly offer anything groundbreaking, especially for professional content creators?
M3 Performance: Powerful but Not Cutting-Edge
The biggest change in this iPad Air is the inclusion of Apple’s M3 chip, which, according to Apple, is twice as fast as the M1 and significantly outperforms the older A14 Bionic. However, it is worth noting that Apple has chosen not to include the latest M4 chip, which is already available in other devices. This decision raises questions: Is Apple intentionally keeping the iPad Air a step behind the iPad Pro to maintain product segmentation? Or is the M3 simply the right balance of power and efficiency for most users? For professionals who rely on iPads for video editing, the boost in power could make a difference—especially in apps like DaVinci Resolve for iPad, which was recently a finalist in the App Store Awards. The added processing power should allow for smoother editing workflows and improved real-time rendering.
Apple’s Ongoing iPad Identity Crisis
One of the most persistent questions surrounding the iPad lineup is: What exactly is the iPad for? Apple continues to position the iPad as a professional tool, but its ecosystem still feels caught between being a tablet and a full-fledged laptop alternative. Apple’s recent efforts to bring professional-grade software to the iPad, such as Final Cut Pro for iPad, signal an attempt to make it a viable option for content creators. However, the general sentiment has been that these efforts came “too little, too late.” While the software does provide powerful editing tools, it remains a simplified version of its macOS counterpart, leaving many professionals still preferring MacBooks for serious work. Additionally, Apple has published an official camera compatibility document for Final Cut Pro on iPad, reinforcing the idea that the company wants filmmakers to consider the iPad a legitimate production tool. However, the lack of macOS-like multitasking, coupled with storage limitations, continues to make it a secondary device rather than a primary workstation for most professionals.
A Step Forward for Video Editing?
Despite these challenges, the iPad Air’s new M3 chip should enhance the experience of using high-end creative applications like DaVinci Resolve. When Blackmagic Design first announced the DaVinci Resolve for iPad, many were skeptical of whether it could perform well on a tablet. However, some reviewers have found hidden and improved functionality—such as the inclusion of the Edit, Fusion, Fairlight, and Deliver pages—that can make the app a serious tool for mobile video editing. The combination of the M3 chip and these software enhancements means that iPad Air users should experience a noticeable boost in video rendering speeds and overall editing fluidity. That said, the iPad still faces inherent limitations compared to a full-fledged laptop, particularly when it comes to multitasking and storage management.
iPad Air vs. MacBook Air: Which One Makes More Sense?
For many content creators, a MacBook Air may still be the more practical choice. With similar pricing and performance, the MacBook Air offers a more traditional computing experience with better file management, a full keyboard, and an operating system that supports professional workflows without restrictions. Many professionals who once relied on an iPad Pro have since switched to the MacBook Air, as it better suits their needs. The new iPad Air, while powerful, does not seem to address the fundamental issues that have prevented the iPad from becoming a true laptop replacement. Apple Intelligence and performance improvements will certainly help, but they do not change the fact that iPadOS remains a limiting factor in professional workflows.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This iPad Air For?
The new M3-powered iPad Air is undoubtedly a solid device. It’s fast, well-designed, and capable of handling creative applications with ease. However, the bigger question remains: Is it enough? For casual users, the new iPad Air is a fantastic tablet. For professional creators, it continues to be a secondary device rather than a primary workstation. As Apple refines the iPad lineup, it may need to reconsider its approach. If the goal is to position the iPad as a true alternative to a MacBook, then iPadOS must evolve to match the power of its hardware. Until then, the iPad Air—while a fantastic piece of technology—will remain an in-between device searching for a clear purpose.
