How to Pre-Order Apple’s New iPad Air (M3) in India
Published March 2025
Apple has launched the new iPad Air with the M3 chip, and pre-orders are now open in India. This guide covers pricing, key features and how to place your order. We’ll also look at the iPad Pro (M4) for anyone deciding between the two.
What’s New in the iPad Air (M3)?
The headline upgrade is the M3 chip. Apple says the new iPad Air is nearly twice as fast as the M1 model and 3.5 times faster than the iPad Air with the A14 Bionic chip.
Other key features include:
- Two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch Liquid Retina displays
- Apple Intelligence support: Apple’s new AI features run on the M3 chip
- Apple Pencil Pro support: Useful for students, artists and note-takers
- New Magic Keyboard: Designed for the new iPad Air, with a function row and USB-C pass-through charging
- Colours: Blue, purple, starlight and space grey
iPad Air (M3) Pricing in India
11-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi)
- 128GB: ₹59,900
- 256GB: ₹69,900
- 512GB: ₹89,900
- 1TB: ₹1,09,900
11-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
- 128GB: ₹74,900
- 256GB: ₹84,900
- 512GB: ₹1,04,900
- 1TB: ₹1,24,900
13-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi)
- 128GB: ₹79,900
- 256GB: ₹89,900
- 512GB: ₹1,09,900
- 1TB: ₹1,29,900
13-inch iPad Air (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
- 128GB: ₹94,900
- 256GB: ₹1,04,900
- 512GB: ₹1,24,900
- 1TB: ₹1,44,900
Accessories: The new Magic Keyboard costs ₹26,900 for the 11-inch model and ₹29,900 for the 13-inch model.
Education pricing: Students, parents and educators can get the 11-inch model from ₹54,900 and the 13-inch model from ₹74,900.
Important Dates
- Pre-orders open: 4 March 2025
- Available in stores: 12 March 2025
Where to Pre-Order
- Apple India online store: Pre-order through Apple’s official website.
- Apple Store app: Order directly from your phone.
- Apple Stores and authorised resellers: From 12 March, buy in person at Apple’s retail stores and authorised resellers.
How to Pre-Order Your iPad Air
1. Choose your model
Decide between the 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, choose your storage, and pick Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular.
2. Pick where to buy
Ordering online from Apple is the quickest way to pre-order. If you’d rather see the iPad in person first, wait for in-store availability from 12 March.
3. Check for offers
Look out for trade-in offers, bank card cashback and no-cost EMI options, which can make the purchase more affordable.
4. Place your order
- Add the iPad to your bag.
- Add accessories such as the Apple Pencil Pro or Magic Keyboard if needed.
- Complete payment.
- Watch your email for order confirmation and delivery updates.
Considering the iPad Pro Instead?
The iPad Pro with M4 chip, launched in 2024, remains Apple’s most powerful iPad and is available to buy now. It may suit you better if you need top-end performance:
- Ultra Retina XDR OLED display: Deeper blacks and higher brightness than the iPad Air’s LCD screen
- M4 chip: More powerful than the M3, built for demanding work like video editing and 3D design
- Thin, light design: Apple’s thinnest iPad Pro yet
- LiDAR scanner: Useful for augmented reality and 3D scanning apps
- Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard support
The iPad Pro costs much more than the iPad Air. Prices start at ₹99,900 for the 11-inch model and ₹1,29,900 for the 13-inch model. For most students and everyday users, the iPad Air offers better value.
Should You Upgrade?
An upgrade may make sense if:
- Your current iPad feels slow or is running out of storage
- You want Apple Intelligence features
- You want to use the Apple Pencil Pro or the new Magic Keyboard
- You need more power for editing, design or multitasking
If you already own an iPad Air with M2, the upgrade is smaller, so consider whether the extra speed is worth it for you.
Final Thoughts
The new iPad Air with M3 brings faster performance and Apple Intelligence support at the same starting price as before. For most people, it hits the sweet spot between price and power, while the iPad Pro remains the choice for professionals who need the very best.
Are you planning to pre-order the new iPad Air? Which size are you choosing? Let us know in the comments!