While there are no iPad Pro models with the M3 chip currently available (the latest iPad Pro models use the M4 chip), we can compare the design and features of the iPad Air M3 with the iPad Pro M4 to highlight significant differences. Here's a detailed overview:
Design and Display
- iPad Air M3: The design of the iPad Air M3 remains largely unchanged from its predecessors, featuring a "magical floating design" and available in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. It comes in four colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray[1][2]. The display is a Liquid Retina LED, which offers good color accuracy but lacks the advanced features found in the iPad Pro.
- iPad Pro M4: The iPad Pro M4 boasts a sleeker design, being thinner at 5.3 mm compared to the iPad Air M3's 6.1 mm thickness[6]. It also features a Tandem OLED display with dual layers of OLED, offering better color balance and higher brightness (up to 1,000 nits) compared to the iPad Air M3's maximum of 600 nits on the 11-inch model and 600 nits on the smaller 13-inch model[6]. Additionally, the iPad Pro M4 supports a 120 Hz ProMotion refresh rate, which is not available on the iPad Air M3[6].
Biometric Security
- iPad Air M3: The iPad Air M3 uses Touch ID for biometric security, which is integrated into the power button[7].
- iPad Pro M4: The iPad Pro M4 uses Face ID, providing a more advanced and convenient biometric authentication method compared to Touch ID[6].
Connectivity and Storage
- iPad Air M3: The iPad Air M3 features a USB-C port with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gbps), and storage options range from 128GB to 1TB[2][5].
- iPad Pro M4: The iPad Pro M4 offers Thunderbolt connectivity with speeds up to 40 Gbps, significantly faster than the iPad Air M3. Storage options extend up to 2TB, providing more flexibility for users who need larger storage capacities[6][8].
Accessories and Performance
- iPad Air M3: The new Magic Keyboard designed for the iPad Air M3 includes a larger trackpad and a new 14-key function row, enhancing productivity[5][7]. The M3 chip provides a substantial performance boost, with an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU, offering improved graphics and AI capabilities[1][2].
- iPad Pro M4: The iPad Pro M4 also supports advanced accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro, similar to the iPad Air M3. However, the M4 chip in the iPad Pro offers even more powerful performance, though specific comparisons to the M3 chip in terms of raw performance are not detailed here.
In summary, while the iPad Air M3 offers significant performance upgrades and a new Magic Keyboard, the iPad Pro M4 stands out with its superior display technology, thinner design, Face ID, and faster connectivity options. The iPad Pro M4 is positioned as a more premium offering with advanced features suitable for professional users.
Citations:[1] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-ipad-air-with-powerful-m3-chip-and-new-magic-keyboard/
[2] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-launch-ipad-air-m3-processor-specs-price-features/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/ipad/comments/164oczj/major_m3_ipad_pro_feature/
[4] https://www.whathifi.com/smartphones-tablets/tablets/ipad-air-m3-vs-ipad-pro-m4-whats-the-difference
[5] https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/03/04/the-ipad-air-gets-a-major-refresh-m3-chip-and-two-size-options/
[6] https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/ipad-air-m3-vs-ipad-pro-m4_id7053
[7] https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/ipad-a16-m3-ipad-air-2025-release-date-price-features
[8] https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ipad-pro/
[9] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/6-things-about-the-m3-ipad-air/
[10] https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/electronics/ipad-air-m3-pre-order