Apple has officially announced the release of two new iPad models, including the latest iPad Air, which boasts the company's M3 chip and a range of upgraded features. The new devices are set to arrive on March 12th, but customers can preorder them starting today, March 4th, from Apple and Best Buy.

The new entry-level iPad starts at $349 and features twice as much base storage as its predecessor, with a minimum of 128GB. However, it lacks support for Apple Pencil and does not run on Apple's silicon, instead utilizing the A16 chip, which Apple claims is nearly 30 percent faster than the A14 chip found in the 10th-gen iPad.

In contrast, the new iPad Air models, available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, run on Apple's M3 chip, which promises to deliver twice the performance of the M1-powered Air released in 2022. The M3 chip also introduces GPU upgrades, including dynamic caching support, which improves the performance of demanding apps by optimizing the device's memory usage.

In terms of accessories, both tablets support the Apple Pencil USB-C, but only the Air supports the Apple Pencil Pro, which offers built-in Find My support and a gyroscope sensor. The M3-powered Air is also compatible with the new Magic Keyboard, which boasts a larger trackpad and a new 14-key function row, allowing users to quickly adjust the volume and other settings. The keyboard starts at $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch model.

Customers can preorder the new iPad in four colors: blue, pink, yellow, and silver. The base model with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage starts at $349, with options for 256GB of storage for $449 and 512GB of storage for $649. Cellular-equipped versions are also available, starting at $499 for 128GB of storage, $599 for 256GB of storage, and $799 for 512GB of storage.

The iPad Air, available in dark gray, blue, purple, and a "starlight" cream shade, can be preordered in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. The 11-inch iPad Air with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage starts at $599, with options for 256GB of storage for $699, 512GB of storage for $899, and 1TB of storage for $1,099. The 13-inch iPad Air, meanwhile, starts at $799 with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage, with options for 256GB of storage for $899, 512GB of storage for $1,099, and 1TB of storage for $1,299.

With these new releases, Apple is likely to continue its dominance in the tablet market, offering customers a range of options to suit their needs and budgets. The upgraded features and improved performance of the iPad Air, in particular, are expected to appeal to professionals and creatives who require more powerful devices.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, Apple's latest move is seen as a strategic effort to maintain its market share and stay ahead of competitors. With the new iPad and iPad Air models, Apple is poised to further solidify its position as a leader in the technology sector.