The new iPad Air features the M3 chip, offers two screen sizes, and supports all the Apple Intelligence features. The 2024 iPad Pro, on the other hand, stands its ground as the most powerful tablet ever made.

There are reasons to spend more on this Air than the entry-level $349 iPad, even if you're spending $250 more to get it. The two big ones are the M3 chip and Pencil Pro ($129, sold separately) compatibility.

The iPad Air M3 makes one of our favorite tablets even faster, though folks who own a recent Apple tablet won’t find much new here.