Recommended
iPad Air (M2)
from ~$599
- M2 chip — huge jump
- Bigger 11" display
- USB-C
- Apple Pencil Pro
Apple · Tablet · 2019
Upgrading your iPad Air (3rd gen)? The best upgrades right now: iPad Air (M2), iPad Pro (M4). Compare specs, prices, and buy on Amazon in one tap.
Find your upgrade in the interactive 3D finder →| Display | 10.5" LCD |
|---|---|
| Chip | A12 Bionic |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Battery | 10h |
| Camera | 8MP |
from ~$599
from ~$999
Only the specs that actually change are listed — everything else is broadly the same.
| iPad Air (3rd gen) | iPad Air (M2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.5" LCD | 11" LCD |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | M2 |
| Storage | 64GB | 128GB |
| Camera | 8MP | 12MP |
Your iPad Air (3rd gen) is 7+ years old, which is past the point where most tablets stop receiving full software and security updates and where battery wear is significant. This is a genuine upgrade case — and the gains below are large enough that you'll notice them daily, not just on a spec sheet.
For most people the iPad Air (M2) is the best balance of price and improvement, starting around $599. The main gains: M2 chip — huge jump; Bigger 11" display; USB-C; Apple Pencil Pro.
It still works, but at 7+ years you're likely past full software support and well into battery wear. Most owners at this age notice a real difference after upgrading.
Trade-in values move constantly with condition and carrier promotions, so treat any fixed number with suspicion. Check the current offer from Apple, Samsung, or your carrier directly, and compare it against selling privately — private sales usually pay more but take longer.