29 Sept 2025
Apple recently introduced a range of new products, including updated iPad Air, iPad 11th generation, MacBook Air models, and Mac Studio, following an 'S' teaser. These introductions offer varied options from affordable tablets to professional-grade workstations, though high-end pricing remains a point of concern.
Apple previewed new products with a teaser labeled 'S,' reminiscent of the original MacBook Air launch by Steve Jobs, indicating upcoming 'Air' product releases. The company subsequently unveiled new iPads, MacBook Air models, and the Mac Studio.
The new iPad Air features an M2 chip with 8 CPU and 9 GPU cores, 8GB RAM, and 128GB internal storage, available in 11-inch ($600) and 13-inch ($800) versions. Cellular support adds an extra $100. It includes a 60Hz display, Touch ID, a 12-megapixel selfie camera with Center Stage and horizontal mode, and a 12-megapixel rear camera. Connectivity is via USB Type-C, supporting the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, and is aimed at users seeking a powerful iPad experience without the iPad Pro's premium price.
The 11th-generation iPad is equipped with the A16 chip, likely 4-6GB RAM, and starts at 128GB storage for $349, representing an $80 price reduction and increased base memory from its predecessor. It features a non-laminated display, 12-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera, 12-megapixel rear camera, and Touch ID. The device supports Apple Pencil (USB Type-C or first generation) and is an affordable option for general tasks like web browsing, media consumption, and note-taking.
The MacBook Air with the M3 chip was introduced, with Apple cutting its price by $100. The 13-inch model costs $1000, featuring 8 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage. It includes a 3-inch notched display, a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, a new Sky Blue color, USB Type-C ports, and a 3.5mm jack. The 15-inch version, priced at $1200, comes with 10 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores, and 256GB storage. These models offer up to 18 hours of battery life and are not designed for sustained heavy gaming due to the lack of a fan, making them strong value propositions for productivity.
The Mac Studio was unveiled with M3 Max and M3 Ultra chips. The base M3 Max version starts at $2000, supporting up to 128GB Unified RAM, 16 CPU cores, 40 GPU cores, and 8TB storage. The M3 Ultra version offers configurations up to 512GB Unified RAM, 60 CPU cores, 80 GPU cores, and 16TB internal memory, with the highest configuration reaching $14,000. It supports over six monitors and is intended for professionals in heavy 3D modeling, complex design, genomic research, and video editing of extremely long and layered projects, as well as running large-scale offline artificial intelligence models.
Apple's new MacBook Air and iPad Air models offer exceptional value, making them prime choices for users seeking professional capabilities without excessive expenditure.
| Product | Chip | Starting Price | Key Features / Target User |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air | M2 | $600 (11-inch) | Powerful, Apple Pencil Pro support, 60Hz display, Touch ID; for users wanting Pro features without the Pro price. |
| iPad 11th Gen | A16 | $349 | Affordable, A16 chip, 128GB base storage, non-laminated display; suitable for general use like web browsing and note-taking. |
| MacBook Air M3 | M3 | $1000 (13-inch) | 18-hour battery, no fan, 12MP Center Stage camera; strong value for productivity, not ideal for heavy gaming. |
| Mac Studio | M3 Max / M3 Ultra | $2000 | Extreme performance, up to 16TB storage, multi-monitor support; for heavy modeling, AI, professional video editing, and genomic research. |
