New iPad Air with M3 chip: leak reveals specs and release dates

The next iPad Air and base iPad models are likely to feature the M3 chip, as revealed by a leak from well-known insider Evan Blass.

Here's What We Know

In a private post on social media, he shared an image of a source code containing references to previously unreleased 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models, as well as the iPad 11. The source of the information is not specified, but Blass has a positive reputation for leaks. In particular, in 2020, he published marketing images for the iPhone 12 and HomePod mini a few hours before the announcements.

The leaked information confirms that the new iPad Air models are likely to receive the M3 chip. Previously, there were rumours that Apple might decide to use the M4 chip from the iPad Pro for the iPad Air. However, given the previous experience when both the iPad Air and iPad Pro in 2022 had the same M1 chip, it is now expected that the iPad Air will still receive the M3 chip.

As for the iPad 11, the insider does not specify which chip will be used, but according to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, this device will be equipped with an A17 Pro chip and 8 GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence functions.

Information from an insider about the iPad Air with the M3 chip. Illustration: MacRumors

It should be noted that the base iPad 10 has an A14 Bionic chip and 4 GB of RAM, and the starting price of the model in the US for May 2024 has been reduced to $349.

The leak also seems to confirm rumours of an iPhone SE 4.

It is not yet known whether the iPad 11 will have a starting price of $349 or return to the previous level. The last update of the iPad Air was in May 2024, when the model received the M2 chip and the first 13-inch iPad Air was introduced.

Most likely, the new iPads will be presented by March or April this year, and rumours suggest that there will be no significant changes in the design. New Magic Keyboards for these devices are also expected to be released.

Source: MacRumors