We finally made the most meaningful foldable ever. For every bookworm who’s loathed the idea of reading a book on essentially a slab of plastic, Taiwan-based Readmoo has unveiled the MooInk V – the world’s first foldable e-reader. Designed with a game-changing new flexible E Ink screen, the MooInk V gives you the satisfaction of literally opening a book with the way it unfolds. The only thing really missing now is the turning pages bit… and probably the book smell.

The MooInk V is essentially what would happen if an e-reader and a foldable smartphone had a baby – featuring an 8-inch foldable E Ink Gallery 3 panel that displays in both monochrome and color. As someone who’s constantly toggling between my Kindle and tablet, this particular convergence of technologies hits a sweet spot I didn’t know existed.

Designer: Readmoo

The display offers 300 PPI for black and white text (the gold standard for e-readers) and 150 PPI for color content. While that color resolution won’t compete with your iPad, it’s perfectly serviceable for comics, magazines, and textbooks – the kind of content that’s always felt compromised on traditional e-readers.

And this foldable format seems honestly perfect for e-books because of how it literally resembles a book. The foldable design creates a natural break that mimics the spine of a book, with a hinge that allows for 180° and 90° folding positions. There’s reportedly a barely noticeable crease where the screen folds, and the device uses an aluminum-magnesium alloy body for durability.

Under the hood, the MooInk V likely shares similar specifications to Readmoo’s other devices, though exact details haven’t been fully disclosed. It runs on Android, which means you’re not locked into a proprietary ecosystem. Want to use Kindle, Kobo, or other reading apps? Go right ahead. The device should provide days of reading time, given the power efficiency of E Ink displays. It offers Wi-Fi and USB-C connectivity, and while not explicitly confirmed for this model, other Readmoo devices support features like Bluetooth connectivity and stylus input for annotation.

Currently, the device is available for pre-order in Taiwan for approximately NT$19,800 (around $615), with shipping expected to begin in August. There’s no word yet on international availability, but given the growing interest in E Ink technology beyond simple e-readers, I wouldn’t be surprised to see similar devices making their way to global markets soon.

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Our mobile devices have become more powerful, more expensive, and more difficult to repair. Long gone are the days when you could easily pry open a phone’s back to slap in a fresh new battery and keep on going without scrambling for a power outlet. These days we do have power banks to fill that need, but these are more like band-aid solutions to problems of our own making.

Curiously enough, there are still phones and tablets that do offer removable batteries, but those have been limited to the kind that very few consumers use outside of industrial or field applications. Yes, it’s quite mind-boggling that those tank-like rugged devices sometimes have features we wish still existed in today’s phones. But Samsung’s latest Active tablet takes it even further by allowing you to swap out batteries without even turning the device off.

Designer: Samsung

The Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro is definitely not a looker, though that depends on who you ask. There has been a wave of tough tablets that look more like miniature projectors because they’re exactly that. In comparison, Samsung’s newest tough-as-nails tablet has a more traditional aesthetic that’s also sleeker and thinner. Slap on a more decorative case and you might not even be able to tell that it’s one of those rugged tablets built like tanks.

You might not want to cover up the tablet, though, because its defining feature is its removable 10,100mAh battery. What makes this more interesting, however, is that the Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro supports “Hual Hot-Swap” battery functionality, meaning you don’t have to power down the tablet just to change large battery slabs. It probably won’t stay powered up too long with a battery, but it definitely helps remove the stress from quickly replacing batteries in the field.

The rest of the Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro’s specs don’t look that bad either, at least for a mid-range rugged tablet. It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, though the selection of 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage is way too low for today even for this tier. But yes, it also has “old-school” features like a microSD card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack that some also probably wished still existed on modern smartphones.

It probably sounds a bit ironic that rugged smartphones and tablets still have removable batteries when one of the reasons manufacturers moved away from that is to tightly seal and protect sensitive devices from the elements. The Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro, along with the new Galaxy XCover7 Pro smartphone, has IP68 and MIL-STD-810H ratings, so they have you covered in that regard. Maybe someday in the future, we will be able to go back to hot-swappable batteries or, better yet, longer-lasting batteries that don’t need to be charged as often in the first place.

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Every parent, teacher, or caregiver knows the heart-stopping moment of discovering colorful artwork extending beyond paper onto walls, furniture, or clothing. Children’s artistic exploration naturally knows no boundaries, with their creative impulses often resulting in permanent decorations where they’re least wanted. These artistic mishaps, while showcasing a child’s developing creativity, can lead to frustrating cleanup sessions and sometimes damaged surfaces that no amount of scrubbing can restore.

While digital tablets have revolutionized how children interact with art, most fail to capture the fundamental joy of color mixing that traditional paints provide. Current devices typically offer pre-selected color palettes or digital brushes that don’t mimic the natural blending experience of physical media. Children miss out on the magical discovery of watching blue and yellow transform into green or experiencing how adding white creates lighter tints of their favorite colors: essential learning experiences in color theory and artistic development.

Designer: Yifeeling Design

The HueHub concept reimagines digital art for young creators by combining tablet technology with the tactile experience of traditional painting. Unlike standard tablets, HueHub features a specialized layout with a main drawing canvas and an innovative side panel containing three primary color blocks of red, yellow, and blue, plus a dedicated mixing area where children can blend these colors to create endless combinations. This thoughtful design bridges the gap between digital convenience and traditional artistic discovery.

What makes this concept truly special is how it simulates a painter’s palette experience in the digital realm. Children can “dip” their stylus into virtual paint, mix colors in the dedicated tray, and apply their custom-created hues to their artwork, all without the mess of traditional paints. The software would recreate realistic paint behaviors like blending and texture, helping children understand color relationships while keeping floors and furniture pristine. Parents get peace of mind while children enjoy the full sensory experience of creating art.

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of the HueHub concept is its color-capturing stylus that could “pick up” colors from real-world objects. Imagine a child fascinated by the exact shade of a flower petal or autumn leaf being able to capture that precise color for their digital masterpiece. This feature would create a meaningful connection between digital art and the physical world, encouraging children to observe their surroundings more closely and bring those observations into their creative work.

The HueHub concept represents a thoughtful approach to children’s digital art tools that respects how children naturally learn about color and creativity. By combining the cleanliness and convenience of digital media with the experiential learning of traditional painting, this device could transform how young artists develop their skills. Although just a concept, the technologies that could make this possible already exist and can paint, pardon the pun, a future where technology enhances rather than replaces the fundamental artistic experiences that help children understand their colorful world.

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It wasn’t until recently that tablets shed off their “media consumption device” identity and stepped into productivity and content creation. The larger screen of the iPad Pro and its accompanying Apple Pencil proved that you can do a lot more on such a device. Over the years, however, this market has somewhat stagnated again, but the rise of E Ink tablets like Bigme, BOOX, Supernote, and reMarkable are once again shaking up the industry.

The only problem with the latter group of devices is that, even if they displayed colors, their displays were more muted and pixelated, better suited for reading text and nothing else. There are now a few tablets that are trying to offer the best of both worlds, delivering true colors and fast screen refresh rates for regular digital content while being friendlier on the eyes. One of those comes from a rather unlikely source, a brand that’s better known for color-accurate pen displays and drawing tablets for artists and designers.

Designer: XPPen

To be clear, the XPPen Magic Note Pad doesn’t use a Color E Ink screen or even a transflective LCD screen. It has a rather standard 1920×1200 display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 95% sRGB gamut, and support for 16.7 million colors. Its special sauce, however, is the three modes you can set for the display, depending on your activity or preference.

Nature Color Mode gives you access to the whole spectrum of hues that the screen can support and is best for content consumption, making digital art, designing, and other creative works. Light Color Mode dials the saturation down to reduce eye fatigue, making it more suited for taking notes, reading comics or books with illustrations, or even browsing the web. Finally, there’s Ink Paper Mode that removes all color for a more relaxing paper-like reading experience.

Beyond this, the XPPen Magic Note Pad is like a general-purpose version of its Magic Drawing Pad, both of which are Android tablets. In terms of specs, the Magic Note Pad leans more towards the mid-range tablet market, so don’t expect impressive gaming capabilities from this slate. That said, probably the only reason you’d even be taking a glance at this device is the integration of XPPen’s stylus technology, one of Wacom’s bigger rivals in this space.

The XPPen Magic Note Pad probably won’t satisfy more discerning e-book readers, as the black-and-white mode doesn’t exactly reduce eye fatigue as much as a true E Ink tablet would. But for someone who constantly switches between sketching, note-taking, and reading, the device is more versatile than any e-book reader, and also a little more affordable than the likes of the Galaxy Tab S with a price tag of $395.99 only.

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What do ultra-thin laptops and large “pro” tablets have in common? They both have impressive capabilities and a scarcity of connectivity options. USB-C was dreamed of being the one connection technology to rule them all and keep devices slim, but the harsh reality is that we have too many standards and connectors now to ignore other plugs and ports. That’s not even considering how different versions of USB-C have different capabilities as well.

Docks and hubs expand those connectivity options, but they bring another problem to the table, quite literally. Now you have cables coming out all over the place. ZAGG just launched a new dock and stand combo that not only offers a more ergonomic way to use laptops and tablets but also hides those unsightly cables using a design that’s genius in its simplicity.

Designer: ZAGG

It’s no longer rare for laptop and tablet stands to offer additional ports. The idea is that you just need a single USB-C or Thunderbolt cable to connect the device to the stand to have an additional five or more ports at your disposal. That sounds neat until you consider that other cables will be snaking out from the base of the stand, making your desk look like a tangled mess.

The ZAGG Pro Dock Stand, as its name suggests, is actually two designs in one. It’s primarily a stand that raises a laptop’s screen to a more ergonomic eye level. Unlike most laptop stands, however, it includes an attached folding stand to support holding a tablet at an angle, allowing you to enjoy the same ergonomic benefits regardless of your device.

Its second function is a dock for additional ports, but instead of having them all on the base, it offloads some of them to a satellite hub that you can hide under a desk or anywhere out of sight. The Stand itself has two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an audio jack, and an SD card reader, while the Hub is home to two HDMI ports, one USB-C port, and an Ethernet port. These two parts are connected with a single cable that can deliver 150W of power to charge attached devices.

This split of ports mirrors how some docks split connections between the front and back of a box. This ensures that the most frequently used ports are always within reach, while those that are only occasionally touched can be hidden away. It’s a simple but effective trick that allows the ZAGG Pro Dock Stand to deliver both comfort and convenience in a neat and minimalist package.

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The golden years often bring unique challenges in maintaining meaningful connections with loved ones, especially when physical distance separates families. As aging progresses, memory concerns can further complicate these relationships, creating communication barriers that leave elderly individuals feeling isolated. Traditional memory-keeping methods like photo albums and handwritten journals have served generations well, but they lack the immediacy and connectivity that today’s world demands. While smartphones and tablets offer connectivity, their interfaces often intimidate older users who didn’t grow up with digital technology.

A new dual-screen journal concept aims to address these challenges by combining the familiar comfort of handwritten journaling with modern digital sharing capabilities, potentially revolutionizing how seniors document and share their life experiences. This dual-screen device bridges this gap by mimicking the physical experience of writing in a notebook while seamlessly enabling digital sharing, creating an intuitive platform for memory preservation that feels both familiar and modern.

Designers: Arushi Srivastava, Soham Chatterjee

The concept draws inspiration from devices like the Microsoft Surface Duo, featuring a hinged design that opens like a traditional book. When unfolded, the two screens create a paper-like writing surface that responds to stylus input, somewhat resembling the tactile experience of writing in a physical journal. Mimicking an already familiar object helps reduce the technological learning curve for elderly users, allowing them to focus on writing down their thoughts and memories rather than struggling with unfamiliar technology.

Unlike conventional notebooks, this digital journal concept offers immediate sharing capabilities. Users can selectively share specific journal pages with family members through simple, intuitive controls. This selective sharing feature preserves privacy while enabling meaningful connection—grandparents might share a childhood story with grandchildren, document family recipes, or simply update loved ones about their daily activities without the frustration of scanning physical pages or navigating complicated apps.

The dual-screen approach offers significant advantages over single-screen tablets. The book-like format creates a natural division between private and shareable content, helping users mentally organize their thoughts. The physical act of turning from one screen to another mimics page-turning, reinforcing the familiar journaling experience that many seniors find comforting and therapeutic. This familiarity encourages regular use, potentially supporting cognitive health through consistent writing practice.

Memory researchers have long recognized journaling’s benefits for cognitive maintenance and emotional well-being. By combining this therapeutic activity with social connection, the dual-screen journal concept addresses multiple needs simultaneously. Regular documentation helps preserve memories that might otherwise fade, while the sharing capability maintains family bonds across distances. For families concerned about cognitive decline, these shared journal entries can also provide subtle insights into their loved one’s well-being without intrusive monitoring.

Despite its promising concept, designers must address several challenges before such a device can succeed in the senior market. Interface simplicity remains paramount. Too many features or complicated navigation would undermine the concept’s accessibility. Privacy protections must be robust yet straightforward, ensuring users maintain complete control over what they share. Battery life, durability, and large, legible text options would also be essential considerations for elderly users with varying physical capabilities.

The dual-screen journal represents a thoughtful response to the universal human need for connection and memory preservation. By honoring seniors’ preferences for familiar writing experiences while gently introducing digital sharing benefits, this concept demonstrates how technology can serve human needs rather than forcing adaptation to technological constraints. As our population ages, such empathetic design approaches will become increasingly valuable in maintaining intergenerational bonds and preserving our collective stories.

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The design of handheld gaming devices is finally starting to diversify a bit. Although originally inspired by the success of the Nintendo Switch, most followed the unibody design of the Steam Deck. Given the complexity of having removable controllers paired with the complexity of computers themselves, it’s understandable that not many manufacturers dared to take the risk in such a niche and still unproven market.

That’s not to say there haven’t been attempts, like the first Lenovo Legion GO, for example, but they’re few and far between. Recently, we’ve been seeing some rather curious interpretations of that design, including one with a gigantic 10-inch screen. That’s what this peculiar handheld gaming PC design obviously tries to pull off but it seems to make a mistake in the one part that matters the most.

Designer: CRELANDER

When it comes to gaming computers, there are many elements that determine their success or failure, but handheld devices boil that down to two important things: the form factor and raw power. After all, it has to be comfortable to hold to even be considered a “handheld” device, and it has to have enough processing power to handle gaming. The CRELANDER “laptop” teeters on the former but seems to completely flop the latter.

Technically speaking, you could consider the CRELANDER as more of a tablet than either a laptop or a handheld PC. Its 10.5-inch touch screen pretty much makes sure of that, but its rather thick 20mm body takes it out of the competition in the slim and sleek department. What earmarks it for gaming, however, are the detachable controllers that seem to physically connect to the sides of the tablet, exactly like the Nintendo Switch Joy-cons. With a weight of at least 2.2 lbs (1kg), however, it’s probably not going to be a comfortable gaming session while you’re standing up.

Its biggest flaw, however, is the Intel N95 that drives the whole thing, a low-power processor that won’t be able to handle any AAA or graphics-intensive games. The rest of the specs, which includes 16GB or 32GB of RAM and up to 2TB SSD definitely fit the bill of a gaming PC, but the processor will be the bottleneck that ruins the experience. Not unless all you want to do is play retro or emulated games, as well as a few casual PC games, then this multi-purpose portable PC might look attractive.

It’s highly likely that the $350 price tag is the driving factor behind the choice of an Intel N95, though it’s a sacrifice that asks too much even for that price. There are some, like the OneXPlayer X1, that make the same proposition with better design and specs though at three times the cost. Given these factors, you might start to ask whether such a novel design on a large 10-inch tablet is worth it at all.

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E-book readers, or simply E-readers, have become quite popular these days, especially with the introduction of Color E Ink displays. While the big names like Amazon’s Kindle and Kobo have mostly stuck to their old designs until recently, other brands have started expanding their reach, launching no less than 5 or so new models each year. While that number might be a sign of a healthy market, it also translates to more waste in the long run, especially with devices that are often seen as difficult if not impossible to repair.

One player in this market, however, is trying to change that perception. Just a few months back, Supernote launched its latest model, the A5 2X, better known as the Manta. While it boasts its ultra-thin design, what was really unique about it was how it promoted its repairable and sustainable design. Of course, being able to open up the tablet’s back is pointless if you can’t replace broken parts inside, so Supernote’s new DIY zone makes good on that promise and also opens the door to something its competitors won’t even dare to do.

Designer: Supernote

For a product to be truly repairable, you need more than just easy access to damaged parts. You also need access to replacement parts for those, otherwise you’d still be stuck with a dead device. That’s why iFixit, the champion of the self-repair movement, has partnered with big brands to sell those spares. Supernote might not be on iFixit’s list yet, but it’s doing exactly the same thing.

The DIY Zone lists the parts of the Supernote Manta that can be replaced, which includes not just the battery but even the motherboard. The latter is a single unit, so you can’t really replace individual components like the microSD card reader or some chips. That’s still a huge step up from other brands that don’t even make their devices easily repairable on any level. Just like iFixit, Supernote also includes guides on how to pull those repairs off, and they’re pretty darn easy compared to any teardown we’ve seen.

What makes Supernote’s new DIY focus is in the name itself. More than just repairs, it is actually encouraging owners to create custom designs, at least for some of the parts and accessories. To be specific, it has guides on how to create custom pens and folio covers for the Supernote Manta, though you’ll still need to buy the core components for those. Considering the Supernote Refill for the stylus costs only $45, that’s not exactly a bad deal, especially as it saves you time and effort messing with electronics.

Supernote is definitely a breath of fresh air in this rapidly growing market that churns out and throws away devices like they’re cheap, disposable products. Indeed, the earliest Kindles and its ilk had that image, but the rising prices of these devices should probably give consumers pause for thought. Hopefully, this DIY Zone won’t be a short-lived endeavor and will spur competitors like reMarkable, Bigme, and Onyx BOOX to follow suit. Big shots like Amazon and Kobo, however, are unlikely to go down that route for a long, long time.

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Since bringing home the Huawei Mate XT from MWC 2025, I’ve been on a fascinating adventure with this tri-fold device. This isn’t another ordinary smartphone—it’s a glimpse into what mobile technology becomes when designers think beyond conventional boundaries.

Designer: Huawei

The Physical Experience

The Mate XT draws the eye with its intricate design details when you pick it up. At 298 grams, it has a substantial presence in hand—a reminder that you’re holding something different. For context, that’s about 77% heavier than the iPhone 16 Pro (168g) and significantly weightier than the Google Pixel 9 Pro (187g). The folded thickness of 12.8mm also distinguishes it from the ultra-thin devices we’ve grown accustomed to, with most premium smartphones measuring between 7-9mm.

What’s impressive is how quickly this initial impression gives way to appreciation. The red vegan leather back provides an excellent grip that makes handling the device feel secure despite its weight. The textured surface creates just the right amount of friction against my palm, preventing any sense of precariousness during use.

The hinges deserve special mention. They move with a deliberate, smooth resistance that inspires confidence. Each transformation between configurations feels engineered rather than merely assembled. The hinges hold their position at any angle, allowing for customized viewing positions that adapt to different situations and environments.

Within days, what initially registered as “heavy” has transformed into what I now perceive as “substantial”—a subtle but important shift in perspective that reflects how quickly we adapt to new physical experiences.

Three Screens, Three Possibilities

The magic of the Mate XT lies in how it transforms between three distinct experiences.

In its folded state, the phone has a tall, narrow 6.4-inch screen that works wonderfully for quick interactions. This display size matches many popular smartphones, like the Samsung Galaxy S23, creating a familiar experience for texting, calling, and checking notifications. This configuration remains perfect for on-the-go use when walking or standing.

The middle configuration—partially unfolded to 7.9 inches—has become my go-to for many daily activities. This size sits between standard smartphones and small tablets like the iPad Mini (8.3 inches), striking a perfect balance for reading articles, browsing social media, and responding to emails. The text becomes more comfortable to read without the device becoming unwieldy. This “book mode” feels natural when relaxing on the couch or during my commute.

Fully unfolded to 10.2 inches, the Mate XT transforms into something magical. This size rivals the standard iPad (10.9 inches) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (11 inches), but with a key difference—the 16:9 aspect ratio creates a genuinely immersive tablet experience. Unlike the more square-ish aspect ratios of most tablets, this configuration is perfectly suited for media consumption. Netflix shows fill the screen beautifully without the letterboxing common on iPads. Web pages display their desktop layouts rather than their cramped mobile versions. Spreadsheets become actually usable rather than exercises in patience.

Yes, there are creases where the screen folds—visible particularly under direct light. But their visual presence fades remarkably quickly from conscious awareness. My focus naturally shifts to the content rather than the medium, with the creases becoming just another characteristic of the display rather than a distraction.

The Best Device Is the One You Have With You

There’s a well-worn adage in photography: “The best camera is the one you have with you.” This simple truth acknowledges that technical superiority means nothing if a device is left at home when an opportunity arises. I’ve come to believe this principle extends perfectly to computing devices—the best tablet is the one you actually have when you need it.

During a recent trip back from Barcelona, I noticed a passenger across from me struggling to watch a movie on his phone. As we talked, he shared his amazement at the Mate XT’s transformative nature. He explained that he had left his tablet at home, realizing he didn’t need to carry it for a long-haul trip. Meanwhile, I unfolded my Mate XT to its full 10.2-inch glory and enjoyed an immersive viewing experience on a device that had been in my pocket moments before.

The value of the Mate XT isn’t that it’s the best smartphone or tablet in isolation—dedicated devices still hold advantages in their specialized categories. Its true value lies in being good enough at both roles while always being available. The tablet you left at home because it was too cumbersome to carry offers zero utility, while the folding device in your pocket transforms to meet the need at hand.

This “always available” factor changes how I approach productivity and entertainment. I no longer plan device usage around anticipated needs (“Should I bring my tablet today?”) but instead respond to opportunities as they arise. A surprise 30-minute wait becomes a chance to review a document comfortably. A delayed flight becomes an opportunity to watch an episode of a show with proper screen real estate. This is 100% clear to me, especially when spending the day with my daughter at her tennis match, where having a flexible device makes all the difference.

The Mate XT eliminates the opportunity cost of choosing which devices to carry. It’s one of the best everyday carry devices, extending beyond the physical universe by adapting seamlessly to different needs. Like a multi-tool, it may not be as specialized as individual implements, but its remarkable versatility ensures it’s always present when needed.

The Beginning of an Ongoing Experience

Using the Huawei Mate XT has changed how I think about mobile devices. Instead of switching between a phone and a tablet, I’ve found myself relying on one device that adapts to whatever I need in the moment. The tri-fold design makes everything seamless, whether I’m responding to messages, getting work done, or unwinding with a show.

Once noticeable, its weight becomes part of the experience, reinforcing the sense that this is something different—something substantial. The creases fade into the background as the content takes center stage. The true value isn’t found in any one configuration but in the seamless transition between them. It’s about having the right tool in your pocket without compromise.

The Mate XT doesn’t demand that you choose between a phone and a tablet—it simply adapts, ready for whatever the day brings.

The post Huawei Mate XT: Embracing the Tri-Fold Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple’s mid-tier tablet has received a significant update with the introduction of the M3-powered iPad Air. Available in both 11-inch and 13-inch variants, this latest iteration brings desktop-class performance to a more affordable price point while introducing several key improvements across the board. The new models hit store shelves on March 12, with pre-orders already open.

Designer: Apple

Two Sizes, More Choices

For the first time in its history, the iPad Air now comes in two distinct screen sizes. The standard 11-inch model continues the Air’s tradition of lightweight portability at $599, while the new 13-inch version offers a more spacious canvas for $799. Both models come in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray finishes.

The larger display on the 13-inch model provides obvious benefits for creative work, multitasking, and media consumption. Educational institutions receive special pricing: $549 for the 11-inch and $749 for the 13-inch models.

M3 Silicon: A Substantial Performance Boost

The heart of this update is Apple’s M3 chip, which represents the first time the iPad Air has received Apple’s latest-generation silicon architecture. The 8-core CPU delivers 35% faster performance in multithreaded tasks compared to the previous M1 iPad Air, while the 9-core GPU offers 40% faster graphics.

The M3 brings several technical improvements, including dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing. These technologies enable more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in games and professional applications. Graphics-intensive rendering tasks see up to 4x performance gains over the M1 model.

The Neural Engine also received attention, with AI workloads running up to 60% faster than on the M1 chip. This acceleration benefits the numerous machine learning features built into iPadOS.

AI Features Take Center Stage

The new iPad Air fully supports Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI system designed to enhance productivity and creativity. The Photos app now includes a Clean Up tool for removing unwanted elements from images, while natural language search lets users find photos by describing their content.

In the Notes app, Image Wand transforms rough sketches into polished images when users circle them with the Apple Pencil. The feature can even generate contextually relevant images when circling empty space within a note.

Other AI capabilities include Image Playground for visual expression, Genmoji for custom emoji creation, and enhanced writing tools. ChatGPT integration with Siri and writing features allows users to access AI assistance without switching applications.

Apple emphasizes privacy with these features—IP addresses are obscured, OpenAI doesn’t store requests, and users control when to use ChatGPT and what information to share.

Redesigned Magic Keyboard Adds Function Row

The iPad Air’s accessory ecosystem expands with a redesigned Magic Keyboard featuring a larger trackpad and a new 14-key function row. These keys provide quick access to screen brightness, volume controls, and other frequently used functions.

The keyboard maintains the floating design of previous models while adding a USB-C port in the hinge for charging. It attaches magnetically and connects via the Smart Connector, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing or separate charging.

Available in white, the new Magic Keyboard costs $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch version, with education pricing at $249 and $299, respectively.

Environmental Considerations

Apple continues its environmental efforts with the new iPad Air, which contains at least 30% recycled materials overall. The aluminum enclosure uses 100% recycled material, as do the rare earth elements in all magnets.

The battery incorporates 100% recycled cobalt and—marking a first for iPad—over 95% recycled lithium. The packaging is entirely fiber-based, supporting Apple’s goal to eliminate plastic from all packaging this year.

All Apple facilities, including the data centers powering Apple Intelligence, run on 100% renewable electricity. The company is also investing in renewable energy projects worldwide to offset the electricity used to charge its devices.

iPadOS 18 Brings New Capabilities

The software experience on the new iPad Air benefits from iPadOS 18’s new features. Math Notes lets users write mathematical expressions and see them instantly solved in handwriting that matches their own. The feature supports variables and graphing equations.

Smart Script makes handwritten notes more flexible by allowing users to add space within text or paste typed text that converts to their handwriting. The system also automatically refines handwriting in real time for improved legibility.

Audio Recording and Transcription captures lectures or conversations with synchronized transcripts, making it easy to search for specific moments by keyword. The Home Screen now supports dark or tinted effects for app icons and widgets, and the Control Center has been redesigned for easier access to common functions.

Pencils, Storage, and Getting Your Hands on One

Artists and note-takers have their choice of stylus options with the new iPad Air. It works with both the feature-packed Apple Pencil Pro ($129) and the more basic Apple Pencil USB-C ($79). Students and educators get a small discount on either option.

Storage won’t be an issue for most users, with options ranging from a decent 128GB to a massive 1TB for digital pack rats. If you need connectivity everywhere, the cellular models will set you back an extra $150.

Got an older iPad gathering dust? Apple’s trade-in program might knock a chunk off the price of a new one. And if dropping $599+ at once feels painful, Apple Card holders can spread payments over time without interest while getting a little cash back.

While this update doesn’t completely reimagine what an iPad Air can be, it does meaningfully improve the experience with better performance, a size option for everyone, and smarter software. The M3 chip and AI features keep it feeling modern, while the price remains in that sweet spot between basic tablets and pro-level devices—making it a solid choice whether you’re taking notes in class, sketching on the couch, or editing photos on a plane.

The post The iPad Air Gets a Major Refresh: M3 Chip and Two Size Options first appeared on Yanko Design.