Apple announced a refresh to its popular MacBook Air lineup, featuring the all-new M3 chip and several user-requested upgrades. While the spotlight was firmly on the laptops, rumors continue to swirl about potential updates to the iPad lineup, including a possible iPad Air with the M3 chip itself.

M3 Powers Up the New MacBook Air

The new MacBook Air boasts the latest M3 chip, promising significant performance improvements. Apple claims the M3 delivers up to 60% faster performance compared to the M1-equipped MacBook Air and a staggering 13x improvement over the last Intel-based models. The M3 also brings features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing for improved graphics and AV1 video decoding for efficient high-quality streaming.

Beyond the chip, the new MacBook Air offers several user-centric enhancements. Notably, it now supports up to two external displays when closed, a significant upgrade from the previous single-display limitation. Additionally, it boasts improved Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and enhanced microphone features for clearer audio calls. Pre-orders are open now, with deliveries starting March 8th.

iPad Rumors Persist

While Apple remained silent about the iPad during its recent announcement, rumors suggest new models are on the horizon. The most prominent speculation surrounds a potential iPad Air refresh featuring the M2 chip, offering a performance boost over the current M1 model. Whispers also hint at a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air, catering to users who prefer a bigger canvas.

It’s important to note that these are just rumors, and Apple has not officially confirmed any details about upcoming iPads. However, with new iPad releases often occurring in the March/April timeframe, tech enthusiasts remain eagerly awaiting any official announcements.