It’s no secret that the iPad is considered the best tablet. Even the most die-hard Android acolytes will agree that there is no better alternative. But is it a better alternative than its predecessors? Or are the previous discounted versions simply a better value proposition than a brand-new launch with minimal changes?

Launched at $999 for the 11-inch (128GB) variant and $1,349 for the 13-inch model, the iPad Air M3 comes at a premium. Meanwhile, the M1 iPad Air is now available at a discounted $749. So, does the M3 chip justify spending an extra $250, or is the older model still the smarter buy?

Many in the Apple community seem disappointed—especially after Tim Cook himself took to X to tease the launch. But I believe in a simple rule: ‘Try it before you buy it.’ That’s why Sloop lets you rent the latest tech with flexible rental periods, from as short as 3 months to as long as 18 months.

What’s New

iPad Air M3 + Magic Keyboard = Macbook Replacement? The new Magic Keyboard brings a 14-key function row and a larger touchpad, making the iPad Air feel more like a laptop than ever. Powered by the M3 chip, it delivers MacBook-level performance—but iPadOS 18 still isn’t quite macOS Sequoia. Need a laptop alternative on the go? This setup gets the job done.

iMac level graphics on a smaller screen. The iPad Air M3 brings Apple’s advanced graphics architecture to the lineup for the first time. Smooth gameplay, high-res video edits, and seamless rendering. No lag, no slowdowns. Play Death Stranding, Resident Evil 4, and Genshin Impact the way they’re meant to be played, with zero compromises.

Apple Intelligence - Less time tweaking, more time doing. Image Playground makes generating visuals easier than ever. It’s perfect for bringing simple ideas to life instantly. Writing Tools help students and professionals write faster, reply to emails effortlessly, and edit documents without breaking stride. It also proofreads and allows you to rewrite stuff in a different tone of voice. Less time tweaking, more time doing.

More space, more room for performance. The new iPad now starts with double the storage, giving you extra space for apps, photos, and projects. Powered by the A16 chip, it delivers a faster, smoother experience in iPadOS, whether you’re multitasking, streaming, or getting work done. All that performance, with all-day battery life.

Lab-assistant level help, even for students. With Math Notes, you can write or type equations and see them solved instantly. In handwriting that looks just like yours. Define variables, plot graphs, and keep all your calculations organized right in the Notes app. No extra tools needed, just seamless math at your fingertips.

Handwriting, but smarter. Smart Script makes editing handwritten text effortless. Insert typed text in your own handwriting, and keep everything looking clean. If you’re an Apple Pencil user, your handwriting is automatically refined in real time making it smoother, straighter, and more legible!

What’s Similar

Same stunning display. The iPad Air M3 sticks with the same 11-inch, 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display as its M2 predecessor. It’s still sharp, vibrant, and one of the best in the game—so no complaints here.

Same design, same look. Even with upgraded internals, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the M2 and M3 iPad Air if you held them side by side. Apple keeps it familiar.

Same all-day battery. The M3 chip boosts performance, but battery life stays the same—up to 10 hours on a full charge. Given what this iPad can do, that’s still solid in our books.

In a Nutshell

Laptop feel, tablet flexibility. Magic Keyboard + M3 chip = MacBook-like performance.
Desktop-class graphics. Smooth gaming, high-res edits, zero lag.
Smarter tools, faster workflow. AI-powered writing and image tools boost productivity.
More storage, more power. Double the storage + A16 chip for a smoother experience.
Math made easy. Solve equations, define variables, and plot graphs in Notes.
Handwriting, refined. Smart Script makes Apple Pencil writing neater and more legible.
Same display, design, and battery. Still a stunning screen, familiar look, and 10-hour battery.

If you’re already using an M2 iPad Air, you might not feel the urge to upgrade just yet. But if you’re coming from an older model, the rental iPad M3 is a game-changer, bringing desktop-class graphics, smarter AI tools, and more power for work and play.

With Sloop, you can rent the iPad Air M3 for a short-term trial to see if it fits your workflow. Love it? Extend your rental or take advantage of Rent-To-Buy and own it for just $1 after 24 months.

Need more than just an iPad? Sloop also offers rentals for the latest MacBooks, AirPods, and accessories, making it easier than ever to upgrade your entire Apple setup.