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iPad Air

398 'iPad Air' stories October 2013 - February 2014
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iPad Air 5

The iPad Air was first introduced in 2013 along the iPad mini 2 and the cylindrical “Trash Can” Mac Pro. With a 9.7-inch display, it was really thin and light, weighing only 469 grams – over 25% lighter than its respective predecessor, the iPad 4. But that’s history. Today, iPad Air is even larger, slighty lighter, and more powerful with Apple’s M-Series chips.

The current (6th generation) iPad Air with M3 was unveiled on March 4, 2025 via a press release and became available a week later on March 12, 2025. Along with the new M3 chip, Apple also gave us a new Magic Keyboard to go along with it and an updated version of the base iPad.

Pricing was unchanged for the new iPad Air, with the 11-inch model starting at $599 and the 13-inch model starting at $799. The device is available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.

6th gen iPad Air with M3 and its new Magic Keyboard.

Here are some iPad Air with M3 performance stats from Apple:

  • 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU
  • Support for dynamic caching, along with hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing
  • 2x faster than iPad Air with M1
  • 3.5x faster than iPad Air with A14 Bionic chip
  • 40% faster graphic performance than iPad Air with M1
  • 60% faster for AI-based workflows than the M1 iPad Air

You can now purchase the new iPad Air on Amazon.

Be sure to check 9to5Toys first for iPad, and other Apple deals happening across the web.

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9to5Toys Last Call: Bose AE2 headphones $80, Kingston HyperX 3K 240GB SSD $140, gaming headsets, more

Avatar for Feb 21 2014 - 10:08 am PT
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Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals: 

Last Call updates:

Bose AE2 fold-flat headphones $80 shipped (Reg. $150)

Kingston HyperX 3K 240GB SATA III 2.5″ Solid-State Drive $140 shipped (Reg. $210)

Gaming Headsets: Logitech G430s w/ surround sound: $40 (Reg. $80), Turtle Beach Z300s: $128 (Reg. $200), more

Ending Soon:

Other great deals from today:

  • New! Daily Deal Roundup: iPad Air 16GB $460, WD My Passport 2TB $100, Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard Cover for iPad $40, much more


More great deals still alive:

New Products:

  • Lacie Begins Shipping Their First 5TB External Hard Drive

Samsung mocks iPad Air & iPhone’s screen size in new Galaxy Tab Pro & Note 3 ads (Video)

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Feb 19 2014 - 7:41 am PT
116 Comments
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fThtsb-Yj0w]

Like it has done on several occasions in the past, Samsung is directly mocking Apple in its latest advertisement for the new Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1. The commercial, posted to Samsung’s YouTube page, is a clear parody of Apple’s Pencil ad for the iPad Air that has been airing on TV since Apple debuted it for the introduction of the new tablet in October of last year. Another ad for the Galaxy Note 3 (below) takes on the iPhone’s small screen size.

In the ad, Samsung mentions that Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 has an even thinner body than the iPad Air and also demos multitasking features that aren’t available on iOS. While Samsung doesn’t get into specifics in the video, we know the new Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 measures in at 7.3mm thick. That’ less than a millimeter thinner than the iPad Air at 7.5 mm. The ad also makes references to the Galaxy Tab’s  10.1-inch HD display, which comes in at a resolution of 2560-by-1600 at 299 ppi compared to the iPad Air’s 2048-by-1536 resolution at 264 ppi.
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Apple takes Your Verse iPad campaign to new heights with mountaineering feature

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Feb 18 2014 - 4:18 am PT
12 Comments
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Apple’s Your Verse advertising and marketing campaign for the iPad, depicting some of the inspiring ways in which people are using iPads to help with everything from ice hockey coaching to concussion treatment, has been expanded to include mountaineering.

Elevating the expedition is a new addition to the Your Verse microsite illustrating the ways in which mountaineers Adrian Ballinger and Emily Harrington use iPads to assist them with preparing for a climb, navigating the route and live-blogging their experiences and photographs … 
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Opinion: Why I love Apple products, and am just a tiny bit embarrassed to be seen using them

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Feb 17 2014 - 6:47 am PT
175 Comments
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I love my Apple products. I’ve used Macs since day one. My desk right now has on it my MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Air, Thunderbolt Display and iPhone. Oh, and an Apple Bluetooth keyboard and Magic Trackpad, of course.

My friends are convinced that I’m incapable of leaving the house without my iPad, and I have to confess that the evidence is on their side. My car has an iPhone dock so I can listen to music and podcasts. If I’m on a plane, train or tube, it’s a near-certainty that I’ll be using my iPad or listening to music on my iPhone – or both.

I love Apple hardware design. Sleek, minimalistic, beautiful. There aren’t that many other really attractive laptops out there, and most of the ones that are have essentially copied Apple’s designs … 
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iPad Air conquers all in tablet battery test with 11-13 hour showing

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Feb 12 2014 - 6:51 am PT
9 Comments

Apple boasted about maintaining its 10-hour iPad battery-life in the new iPad Air despite an overall thinner and faster design, but how does it compare to other tablets? Most reviews had good things to say about battery life (many even experiencing more than 10 hours), but it’s interesting to see how the device stacks up against the rest of the tablet market. While battery life largely depends on how you’re using your iPad, an extensive test from Which? shows that iPad Air comes out on top in just about any case and significantly beats out much of the competition.
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Tim Cook discusses Google selling Motorola, says iPhone hasn’t hit a ceiling, and more from full WSJ interview

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Feb 7 2014 - 12:10 pm PT
10 Comments

After posting excerpts last night, in which Tim Cook announced Apple’s share buyback of $14 billion in the last two weeks, The Wall Street Journal has now published the full interview with Apple’s CEO.

The interview repeats many of the comments Cook has made to investors in the past, reaffirming that new product categories under development, but does contain some new, interesting tidbits. For instance, Wakabayashi asked Cook about Google’s disposal of Motorola. Cook says he “wasn’t surprised” that Google sold it off, saying that software and hardware integration is what makes Apple unique as a company.


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Apple announces first Apple Store in Brazil to open on February 15th

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Feb 6 2014 - 2:37 am PT
1 Comment

After teasing the store last month, Apple has confirmed on its website (as noted by MacMagazine) that the store will launch on the 15th of February, in just over a week. The store will launch at 11am local time (ATZ) in the luxurious Rio de Janeiro VillageMall, marking Apple’s debut entrance into the country.


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Pad & Quill add handmade, Author Series cases for iPad Air

Avatar for Zac Hall Feb 4 2014 - 9:26 am PT
3 Comments
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Pad & Quill, makers of our favorite high-end cases for iPhone, iPad, and MacBooks, have a new unique lineup of hand made iPad Air cases with lots of customization options.

The Author Series case for iPad Air is based around a satin finished wood base with ports cut out for connector access. The book-style exterior resembles a nice moleskin journal (you wouldn’t know the difference when it’s closed). The cover actually takes advantage of the iPad magnet system and puts the display to sleep when it’s closed just like Apple’s Smart Cover, but with more security and protection (and sophistication).
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Google Maps for iOS now notifies drivers of alternative, faster routes while driving

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Feb 4 2014 - 4:23 am PT
4 Comments

Google continues to push its Maps product on iOS in the latest update, version 2.6. The app now alerts the driver when faster routes become available when navigating. This reflects functionality found in dedicated sat navs. Rather than simply offering several routing options at the beginning of your journey, Google will keep aware of traffic and road conditions in case a faster route appears later.

Theoretically, this means you are always on the fastest route possible when navigating. As always, the app is free.

Analyst says iPad tops other tablets in Q4, accounting for a third of all tablets sold in 2013

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Feb 4 2014 - 4:01 am PT
4 Comments

Strategy Analytics reported its tablet figures for 2013 and unsurprisingly, iPad remains in first place with 33.9% marketshare. Marketshare growth has dipped slightly, however, year-on-year as iPad accounted for 35.7% of tablet sales in Q4 2012.

In terms of unit growth, Apple rose 14% compared with the year-ago quarter. The second-place position goes to Samsung, with 17.7% marketshare (although this means annual growth was more than 80%). Apple sold just under double Samsung’s shipments for the period, so even though Apple’s growth has slowed, there is still a significant gap between first and second place.


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UK watchdog finalizes rules for free-to-play games, requires compliance by April 1st

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Jan 30 2014 - 4:57 am PT
2 Comments

The UK’s Office of Fair Trading has today published its final “principles” for free-to-play games, after starting an investigation back in April last year. Publishers have until April 1st to comply to the regulations or their titles breach UK consumer law and may result in legal action … 
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Love is in the (iPad) Air, suggests Apple, in Valentine’s Day promotion

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jan 28 2014 - 5:22 am PT
2 Comments

I never can resist a bad pun, and it appears Apple can’t either: the online Apple Store homepage today leads with a Valentine’s Day promotion with a photo of the iPad Air and the headline ‘Love is in the Air.’

The iPad Air isn’t featured on the actual gifts page, where the top valentine’s gifts are apparently Product RED cases for iPad Air and iPhone 5s, Nike+ FuelBands, Anki DRIVE cars and JayBird BlueBuds earphones.

Prices for the suggested gifts range from $30 to $400.

Dark Sky update brings iOS 7 design, beautiful 3D radar maps and more detailed forecasts

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Jan 27 2014 - 10:05 am PT
3 Comments

The Forecast team today released their iOS 7 update for Dark Sky ($3.99), the ‘down-to-the-minute’ weather app. The update strips back the bevels and gloss to fit the iOS 7 aesthetic. The new design puts the most important information — the current weather conditions — front and center. A graph plot of upcoming precipitation is also available at a glance on the main page of the app.

Blurring has also been used to great effect, with the forecast information superimposed on a blurred view of the global radar maps. These maps are beautifully rendered; the radar patterns smoothly transition over time. In addition to the radically new design, version 4 also brings much forecasts that span longer into the future. The next 24 hours is prioritised, but 7-day outlooks are available with a swipe. The day-by-day breakdowns offer a lot of information, more so than most weather reports will provide.

From the developers’ blog:

Completely rewritten from scratch, it sets aside the limitations of the web to become the weather app we’ve always wanted — and always wanted to build. It’s the culmination of over two years of work in figuring out how to display and organize weather data the right way. And it’s a full featured weather app — something we swore we’d never do — but it still remains true to its original focus on what’s happening right now, where you’re standing.

The developers say the app is a complete rewrite, which makes the fact they are not charging for the update impressive. For new customers, Dark Sky is available for $3.99 on the App Store. Note that Dark Sky coverage currently encompasses the United States, the UK and Ireland. The developers have said that they are actively working on adding data for more regions.

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9to5Toys Last Call: $50 off all iPad Air models, 50% off OtterBox Armor Series, up to 73% off SwissGear backpacks, more

Avatar for Jan 24 2014 - 10:03 am PT
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Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals: 

Last Call updates:

https://twitter.com/9to5toys/status/426837161368121344
Best Buy 2-Day Doorbuster Sale: $50 off iPad Air plus iPad mini/iPhone discounts

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFBOnvOR4MA]Get 50% off all Otterbox Armor Series cases & 25% off select Otterbox Defender cases

Amazon Gold Box: Up to 73% off SwissGear computer backpacks

Other great deals from today:

More great deals still alive:

Analysts estimate iPad sales up 10 percent year-on-year, to 25M last quarter

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Jan 22 2014 - 5:01 am PT
1 Comment
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A couple of days after Fortune did its roundup of analyst estimates of iPhone sales, it has now done the same for the iPad, with the average forecast coming out at 25M sales in the final quarter of last year (Apple fiscal Q1) – up 10 percent from the previous year.

iPads were a more challenging market to forecast, observes Fortune‘s Philip Elmer-Dewitt:

The iPad Air didn’t ship until Nov. 1, missing one third of the quarter; the new iPad Mini (with Retina display) showed up 12 days later and was in short supply all the way through Christmas … 
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9to5Toys Last Call: LifeProof iPhone 5/5s cases, various iPad models discounted, Logitech gear up to 63% off, more

Avatar for Jan 20 2014 - 1:31 pm PT
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Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals: 

LifeProof Nuud Series Case for iPhone 5S: $64 shipped (Reg. $90), iPhone 5 Frē case: $40 shipped (Reg. $80)

Tablet Roundup: iPad Air 16GB $460, iPad mini 32GB $340, Kindle Fire HDX $199, more

Amazon Gold Box: Up to 63% off Logitech computer accessories

Other great deals from today:

https://twitter.com/9to5toys/status/425388276602523648
More great deals still alive:

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H.H. Gregg begins offering in-store pickup for Apple devices, celebrates by discounting iPad Air up to $60

Avatar for Jan 20 2014 - 6:16 am PT
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Regional consumer electronics/home appliance retailer H.H. Gregg has just announced that it will be offering in-store pickup of Apple devices for the first time ever.

“With the addition of ordering Apple products to our site, our mobile phone and tablet product offering is now more expansive than ever on hhgregg.com, adding more choice and convenience for our customers,” said Jeff Pearson, senior vice president of marketing for h.h. gregg. “Now, customers can order online and easily and conveniently pick up Apple products in-store without waiting at a checkout.”

Now, this may not be earth-shattering news since major retailers like Best Buy and Apple have been doing this for years, but to mark this milestone H.H. Gregg will be offering sizable discounts on some of Apple’s most popular products.

From now until February 1, customers can save $40 on a 32GB WiFi iPad Air ($559.99) and $60 on a 64GB model ($639.99). Notably omitted from the press release but showing online is a $40 discount on the entry-level 16GB WiFi iPad model ($459.99). The first generation iPad mini will also be offered with a modest discount of $20.

H.H. Gregg has 228 retail locations with its highest concentration being in the Midwest/East Coast. Head over to hhgregg.com to locate your nearest store and pick up a discounted iPad.

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9to5Toys Last Call: Netgear networking up to 70% off, PNY 128GB USB3 flash drive $61, Logitech UE buds $39, more

Avatar for Jan 8 2014 - 10:00 am PT
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Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

 

Up to 70% off Netgear networking products at Amazon

PNY 128GB Turbo High Performance USB 3 Memory stick: $61 shipped

Logitech Ultimate Ears 600vi Noise-Isolating In-Ear Headset $39 shipped (Reg. $120)


Other great deals from today:

  • New! Game/App Deals: Tomb Raider: $15, 3DS XL special edition: $150 shipped, iOS freebies, more
  • New! Asus Google Nexus 7 16GB or 32GB Tablet (Gen 2) Refurb $190–$220 + $5 shipping
  • New! Eton American Red Cross Hand Turbine AM/FM/NOAA Emergency Radio/Flashlight $10 shipped (Reg. $30)
  • New! Anker Astro 15000mAh Portable Ultra-High Capacity External Battery Backup Charger: $42.49

More great deals still alive:

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9to5Toys Last Call: JBL/Vizio sound bars, Dell 24″ UltraSharp $229, LifeProof 50% off, iPod Touch $40 off, more

Avatar for Jan 6 2014 - 10:00 am PT
0 Comments

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

  • 25% off a variety of tech accessories for a limited time at T-Mobile

JBL Soundbar w/ 150W subwoofer: $199 (Reg. $500), VIZIO theater system w/ wireless sub: $200 (Reg. $330)

Dell UltraSharp 24″ 1080p IPS monitor w/ USB hub, tilt/swivel $229 (Reg. $370)

50% off select LifeProof accessories for iPad/iPhone

 Apple iPod Touch 32GB 5th gen in multiple colors $260 shipped (Reg. $300)

Other great deals from today:

More great deals still alive:

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No Bible available? NY swears in politician with iPad Bible app

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jan 2 2014 - 1:11 pm PT
35 Comments

NewsDay reports Republican Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano was sworn in for his second term today using an iPad and Bible app when officials were unable to locate a physical copy of the Bible:

Addressing a standing room audience at Bethpage High School, where he graduated in 1980, Mangano took the oath of office on an iPad featuring a text of the Bible when a printed copy could not be located.

Not surprisingly there is much debate heating up online over whether or not an iPad and Bible app should qualify as a replacement for the real thing. Video from the ceremony is available here.

How to spend your iTunes credit this holiday season — the best apps and games for iPhone and iPad

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Dec 25 2013 - 7:30 am PT
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Whether you are just unwrapping a new iPhone or iPad or have received stacks of iTunes gift cards this holiday season, you are undoubtedly on the hunt for the best apps to fill up your shiny iOS devices. Read on for my recommendations of the best apps and games for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch for 2013.


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