Apple has not made any public statements regarding changes to the speaker system in the new 13-inch iPad Air with M3. However, a source with knowledge of the matter has indicated that the audio setup remains the same as the previous M2 iPad Air, featuring stereo speakers with Spatial Audio. While the focus of Apple’s announcement was on the M3 processor upgrade and the revamped Magic Keyboard, a potential difference in audio performance has sparked curiosity.
Absence of “2x Bass” in M3 iPad Air Raises Questions About Audio Quality
One notable omission in Apple’s official specifications for the new 13-inch iPad Air is the “2x bass” feature. This enhancement was introduced in the M2 version of the 13-inch iPad Air in May 2024, with Apple highlighting improved sound quality and deeper bass for an enhanced multimedia experience.
The absence of this feature in the M3 model’s specifications raises questions about whether the enhanced bass has been removed, if the bass levels are now equal across both iPad Air sizes, or if the omission is merely a clerical error.
Apple’s M3 iPad Air Raises Questions Over Audio Changes and Missing 2x Bass FeatureApple has never disclosed the technical specifics behind the “2x bass” effect in the M2 iPad Air, leaving it unclear whether the improvement was the result of hardware modifications or software optimizations. Without an official statement from Apple, speculation continues regarding whether the M3 model retains the same bass performance. If Apple does not address the matter, a future teardown of the device may provide insight into any possible hardware changes.
M3 Chip Brings Faster Performance and Advanced Graphics to the New iPad Air
Regardless of the audio uncertainty, the new iPad Air models benefit from the powerful M3 chip, offering up to 20% faster performance over the previous generation. Additionally, the M3 chip brings hardware-accelerated ray tracing to the iPad Air for the first time, delivering improved graphics rendering for gaming and other applications. These upgrades position the M3 iPad Air as a strong option for users seeking enhanced speed and visual performance.
The M3 iPad Air is currently available for pre-order and will officially launch on March 12. Pricing remains unchanged, with the 11-inch model starting at $599 and the 13-inch model at $799 in the U.S. While the device promises significant performance boosts, the uncertainty surrounding its speaker capabilities leaves some unanswered questions about whether it delivers the same enhanced audio experience as its predecessor.
