The M3 iPad Air Is $150 Cheaper After the Launch of the M4

Apple announced new Apple products this week, including the new iPad Air M4, which Walmart has starting at $559 for the base 11-inch Wi-Fi model, the best pre-order deal yet. Unsurprisingly, both sizes of the older M3 iPad Air are down $150, hitting their lowest levels since release, according to price trackers. The 11-inch cellular version starts at $599 (originally $749), and the 13-inch cellular version starts at $799 (originally $949).

Yes, the old M3 is technically the same price as the new M4, but remember that this is the M3 cellular version, which means you don’t rely on wifi to surf the web. Apple typically charges $150 to upgrade to the cellular version, so that’s what you’d save by going with the older M3 chip here, as opposed to the newer one. As Jake Peterson, senior technology editor at Lifehacker, explains in his review of the new iPad, there’s not much else that’s different between the M3 and M4 iPad Air.

When it comes to chips, more power means a longer lifespan for your iPad. In theory, you’ll also see more efficient multitasking, heavier applications running more efficiently, and higher overall speed.

The iPad Air M3 comes with a 2360 x 1640 pixel resolution display at 264 ppi, a 12 MP Center Stage front camera (that tracks your face) and a 12 MP wide rear camera with flash, USB-C and Touch ID, and a battery life of up to 10 hours depending on usage. Of course you will also have Apple Intelligence (if you are interested), and he supports Apple Pencil as well as the new Magic Keyboard.

So ask yourself: do you value Wi-Fi independence for using your iPad or would you rather stick to Wi-Fi and prefer better performance? For those looking for a more affordable iPad, the base model is just right $329 (originally $349) for now, and it will be enough for most people.