Discover the Missing Audio Feature in the New 13-Inch iPad Air: What You Need to Know!

On Tuesday, Apple revealed the new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models featuring the M3 chip. Besides the performance boost and an upgraded Magic Keyboard, there’s a subtle change in the larger model that might have slipped past some enthusiasts.

In the specs for the new 13-inch iPad Air, Apple did not mention the “2x bass” feature found in the previous model’s speakers.

This double bass capability was a highlight in the older 13-inch iPad Air with the M2 chip, introduced in May 2024. At that time, Apple claimed it provided “even better sound quality,” making it great for music and video lovers. Now, though, the new M3 version has no reference to this feature. The 13-inch iPad Air with M2 was the only model to mention “2x bass,” leaving questions about whether this functionality has been removed or if it’s simply an oversight. We’re waiting to hear back from Apple.

Apple has not shared detailed technical information about the enhanced bass from the M2 device, so it’s unclear if it was due to hardware changes or other factors. If we don’t receive any updates from Apple, we might learn more from a future device teardown.

Check out Apple’s iPad Air device comparison tool.

The new iPad Air, powered by the M3 chip, promises up to 20% faster performance than its M2 predecessor. This chip also introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing, enhancing graphics in games. The iPad Air is set for a March 12 launch. In the U.S., pricing remains the same—with the 11-inch model starting at $599 and the 13-inch at $799.