At $499, Apple’s M3-powered iPad Air is a good deal

At a glance:\n- 128‑GB iPad Air with M3 and 5G is on sale for $499 at Best Buy.\n- The M3 chip adds GPU upgrades and Apple Intelligence support, outpacing the A16.\n- It’s only slightly slower than the newer M4 Air but costs $250 less.\n\n## Deal details\nApple has been raising the price of its hardware across the board, and the iPad line is no exception. The most recent hikes mean that a new iPad Air now costs $449, up from $349 a few weeks ago, while the base iPad sits at $399. For those who missed Prime Day, a surprisingly good opportunity has emerged: the 128‑GB iPad Air, powered by the new M3 processor and featuring both Wi‑Fi and 5G cellular, is available for $499 at Best Buy.\n\n## Performance and features\nThe M3 chip brings a host of performance improvements over its predecessor, the A16. Apple has added GPU upgrades that include dynamic caching, which smooths demanding apps and games. In addition, the M3 supports Apple Intelligence, a new framework that enhances machine‑learning tasks, and will run the upcoming iPadOS 27 slated for release later this year.\n\nThe processor also packs more cores than the A16, giving the iPad Air a noticeable speed edge. Memory is 8 GB, which is less than the 12 GB found in the M4‑based Air, but the difference is marginal when it comes to everyday tasks and moderate multitasking.\n\n## Display and accessories\nThe 11‑inch screen on the M3‑powered Air matches the base iPad’s size, but it comes with a laminated, antireflective coating that reduces glare and a wider color gamut for richer visuals. These improvements make it a better choice for watching media or creating content than the base model.\n\nThe tablet also supports the Apple Pencil Pro, providing a precise drawing and note‑taking experience. The newest Magic Keyboard pairs seamlessly, featuring a larger build and a 14‑key function row that adds extra productivity options for power users.\n\n## Comparison to M4 Air\nThe newer M4 Air starts at $749 for the Wi‑Fi model and $899 for the cellular variant, making it a premium offering. The M3 Air’s 8 GB memory and older wireless radio mean it is slightly slower, but the performance gap is narrow. For users who want a high‑performance tablet without the premium price tag, the M3 Air offers a compelling compromise.\n\nIn essence, the M3 Air is almost identical to the M4 Air in terms of design and core features, but it comes at a $250 discount and with a lower memory capacity that is still adequate for most workloads.\n\n## Bottom line\nAt $499, the 128‑GB iPad Air with M3 and 5G is a solid bargain for creators, students, and everyday users who need a powerful yet affordable tablet. The price is just $50 above the base iPad, and the performance leap from the A16 to the M3 is substantial. If you’re looking for a device that balances cost, performance, and a great display, the M3‑powered Air is a smart purchase.