Apple’s M3 iPad Air lineup is on sale right now with a flat $150 discount across the board. That means the 11-inch model starts at $449 instead of $599, and the 13-inch version drops to $649 instead of $799.
At first glance, this looks like a great deal. But let’s take a closer look before you hit the buy button.
What You’re Actually Getting for $449
The 11-inch iPad Air with 128GB of storage is the cheapest option here. It’s powered by Apple’s speedy M3 chip, has a Liquid Retina Display that’s sharp enough for streaming and gaming, and supports all the latest iPadOS 26 features, including Apple Intelligence when it fully rolls out.
On paper, it’s more than enough tablet for most people.
The Catch You Shouldn’t Ignore
Here’s the thing: iPads almost always need accessories to feel complete. A Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil can easily add another $300+ to your bill, and those are rarely discounted. That $150 saving suddenly doesn’t feel as dramatic if you plan to use the Air as a laptop replacement.
And while the M3 is fast, most people with an M1 or M2 iPad won’t notice a life-changing upgrade. If you’re still rocking an older iPad though — like an iPad 9th gen or earlier — this deal makes a lot more sense.
Should You Grab It?
If you’ve been waiting for a capable iPad without splurging on a Pro, this $150 discount is a solid excuse to pull the trigger. Just know that the “real cost” of going all-in on the iPad Air ecosystem is higher once you factor in accessories.
For everyone else, this is a good deal, but not necessarily the once-in-a-lifetime “red hot steal” it’s being pitched as.
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