Apple has refreshed its iPad lineup with notable upgrades to the iPad Air and the basic iPad, making both devices more powerful without increasing their price. While the M2 chip in the new iPad Air grabs headlines, the real game-changer is the entry-level iPad, which now offers improved storage and a better processor for the same price. With these updates, Apple is reinforcing its dominance in the tablet market, but is it enough to keep users satisfied?
The Entry-Level iPad: A Much-Needed Upgrade
The standard iPad, Apple’s most affordable model, has received an overdue refresh, making it an even better deal at $349. The latest version now features an A16 Bionic chip, replacing the older A14, and starts with 128GB of storage instead of the previous 64GB. These enhancements ensure smoother performance and a more future-proof experience for users who need a reliable device for everyday tasks.
However, Apple missed an opportunity by not equipping the basic iPad with the A17 chip found in the iPad Mini. This omission means it won’t support Apple Intelligence, which could have extended its lifespan even further. Still, for students, casual users, and families, the entry-level iPad remains the best value-for-money tablet in Apple’s lineup.
iPad Air Gets M2 Power but Lacks a Competitive Edge
Apple has positioned the iPad Air as a powerful yet affordable alternative to the iPad Pro. The latest version now features the M2 chip, making it significantly faster than its predecessor with the M1 chip. According to Apple, the new Air is up to twice as fast as the M1 model and 3.5 times faster than the older A14-powered Air.
While the M2 upgrade sounds impressive, Apple chose not to equip the iPad Air with the latest M3 chip found in the new iPad Pro models. This decision leaves a performance gap between the Air and Pro, maintaining a clear distinction between the two lines.
Another notable addition is the updated Magic Keyboard, which now includes function keys for improved usability. The Air is available in two sizes—11-inch and 13-inch—starting at $599 and $799, respectively. However, storage options remain limited, with the base model still offering only 128GB unless you opt for a higher-tier version.
What Apple Got Right: No Price Increases
A rare but welcome surprise is that Apple has kept the prices of both the iPad Air and the entry-level iPad unchanged despite the hardware improvements. Given recent price hikes on other Apple products, this move ensures that the iPads remain accessible to a broad audience.
Apple has also expanded storage options, now offering a 512GB variant for the basic iPad. However, accessory compatibility remains frustratingly limited, as the base iPad still only supports the first-generation Apple Pencil and USB-C Pencil, skipping the newer Pencil Pro.
Apple Intelligence and What It Means for iPad Users
Apple’s latest push into AI-powered features—branded as Apple Intelligence—will be available on the M2 iPad Air but absent from the entry-level iPad. This includes features like “Clean Up,” which removes unwanted objects from images, and “Image Wand,” which enhances rough sketches. While these additions may not be deal-breakers for most users, their absence from the basic iPad highlights Apple’s strategy to differentiate its product lines.
Additionally, Apple has integrated ChatGPT into Siri and Writing Tools, enhancing the overall user experience. However, without the latest chips in all models, only certain iPads will get the full benefit of Apple Intelligence.
Final Thoughts: Which iPad Should You Buy?
Apple’s latest iPad refresh presents a mixed bag of improvements. The M2-powered iPad Air is a solid upgrade, but its lack of an M3 chip makes it feel like a mid-tier option rather than a future-proof investment. The real star of this update is the entry-level iPad, which now offers a better processor and more storage for the same price, making it the go-to option for budget-conscious buyers.
For those needing serious performance and Apple Intelligence capabilities, the iPad Pro remains the best choice. But if you’re looking for a versatile, affordable tablet, the upgraded standard iPad delivers the best value.
With pre-orders open and availability set for March 12, it’s time to decide: Do you need the extra power of the iPad Air, or is the newly improved base model the smarter buy?
