Cupertino, California – Apple has unveiled new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models featuring the powerful M3 chip. The latest upgrades in processors and an updated Magic Keyboard are the standout changes in the new devices. However, keen-eyed observers have noticed a subtle difference in the larger 13-inch model – the absence of a “2x bass” feature previously advertised with the landscape stereo speakers on the older model.
The 13-inch iPad Air introduced the double bass feature in its predecessor with the M2 chip back in May 2024. This enhancement aimed to deliver superior sound quality with a doubled bass impact, ideal for music and video playback. Surprisingly, the “2x bass” has been omitted from the specifications for the new M3 variant, sparking questions about whether the feature has been removed, standardized across both size models, or simply missing due to an oversight. Apple has yet to comment on this change upon request.
Apple’s decision to exclude specifics on the improved bass effect from the 13-inch M2 model leaves consumers wondering about the technical alterations behind the feature. Without Apple’s clarification, analysts anticipate that a teardown of the device in the future may provide insights into the mystery. The upgraded M3 chip in the new iPad Air promises 20% faster performance than its predecessor, along with the introduction of hardware-accelerated ray tracing, promising enhanced graphics rendering experiences in gaming.
Pre-orders for the new iPad Air are now open, with the official launch slated for March 12. The 11-inch model will start at $599, while the 13-inch version will be priced starting at $799 in the US. Apple enthusiasts await to see how the enhanced features in the M3 chip and the exclusion of the “2x bass” feature will impact the overall user experience on the latest iPad Air models.