Got your hands on the new M3 iPad Air? Now, if you’re looking for accessories, you’ve come to the right place. From must-have protection to productivity-boosting add-ons, I’ve rounded up the best accessories to help you get the most out of your M3 iPad Air. Let’s dive in!
Key factors to consider when buying accessories for M3 iPad Air
Choosing the right accessories for your new iPad Air depends on how you use your device. Whether you need better protection, improved productivity, or a more comfortable setup, here are the key factors to consider before making a purchase.
1. Protection and durability: Keep your iPad safe
Your iPad is a premium device, so protecting it should be a priority. A screen protector like the ESR Tempered Glass prevents scratches and smudges, while a privacy screen protector ensures no one peeks at your display.
If you’re concerned about bumps and drops, you should get a protective case like the ProCase Smart folio. It safeguards both the back glass and screen and also works as a kickstand.
2. Portability: Carry it with ease
For users who frequently take their iPad on the go, a good sleeve keeps it secure while traveling. Some sleeves also have compartments for carrying additional accessories. You’ll also want a compact charger like the Anker USB-C charger to ensure your device stays powered up wherever you are.
3. Productivity and work efficiency: Turn your iPad into a workhorse
If you use your iPad for work or studies, a keyboard case is a game-changer. The Apple Magic Keyboard provides a laptop-like experience. I also use a USB hub to expand my connectivity with extra ports for seamless multitasking.
Moreover, every iPad user, whether you are a student, professional, creator, or casual user, should take advantage of the Apple Pencil features. You can pair it with an iPad stand for a more ergonomic drawing or working experience.
4. Entertainment: Enjoy every moment
Regardless of your workflow, you will never regret purchasing wireless earbuds or headphones for your iPad. Apart from listening to music or taking FaceTime calls, good headphones also allow you to eliminate distracting sounds with ANC. Moreover, they enable better music creation or video editing experience.
As I often watch movies, listen to music, or make video calls on my iPad, I use high-quality Beats Studio Pro headphones. Need extra storage for your media? You can get a portable SSD to ensure you never run out of space.
With the above factors in mind, I scoured the internet to find the best sleeves, cases, styluses, keyboards, chargers, and more for your M3 iPad Air. Go through the descriptions of each and pick products that perfectly meet your requirements!
Best must-have accessories for M3 iPad Air
Here are my recommendations for iPad Air accessories. Make sure to check the size before buying, as the M3 iPad Air comes in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. Moreover, most accessories are compatible with the M2 iPad Air as well.
M3 iPad Air screen protectors for ultimate protection
iPad Air display has a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating and antireflective coating to provide the best visuals. To keep it in pristine condition, get the ESR screen protector. It offers robust protection against scratches and smudges. The 9H tempered glass ensures clarity and responsiveness to touches and Apple Pencil.
For those who prioritize privacy, the ESR privacy screen protector is a must-have. It safeguards your screen from prying eyes at a 30-degree angle, making it ideal for use in public spaces. Moreover, thanks to its magnetic attachment, you can detach the film and re-use it.
iPad Air cases for optimal protection
A durable case is vital to protect your device from daily wear and tear. The Apple Smart folio is specifically designed for the M3 iPad Air, offering seamless integration and reliable protection. You can also fold the front cover to use it as a stand for better viewing.
For budget-conscious users, the ProCase Smart folio provides similar protection without compromising on quality. The back cover is smudging-free and fingerprint-proof. Moreover, thanks to its ultralightweight and sleek design, it is easy to carry.
If you prefer to showcase your iPad’s sleek design, the Fintie Hybrid slim clear cover offers transparent protection with soft TPU bumper corners. It also has auto sleep and wake technology, so your iPad screen turns off when you put the cover on, saving the battery.
Best sleeves for safe & stylish portability
If you frequently travel or use your iPad Air during your daily commute, protecting it with just a case won’t cut it. You should invest in a good sleeve to ensure maximum protection against drops and dust particles that might have accumulated in your bag.
To help you choose something that fits your lifestyle, I have come up with options from two brands—MoKo and tomtoc. The MoKo sleeve case offers a simple envelope made of PU leather, which you can slide your iPad into. Meanwhile, the tomtoc 360° protective sleeve uses synthetic fabric, offers a more modern look with a zipper, and features a pocket for storing other accessories.
To sum up, if you are on a tighter budget or like the aesthetic appeal of leather, you may choose the sleeve by MoKo. On the other hand, if you’d like the extra functionality of a pocket, you may shell out a bit more and get the tomtoc sleeve. Neither will disappoint you.
Chargers and USB bubs for enhanced connectivity
Since Apple doesn’t provide a charger for new iPad models in the European Union, chargers have become a hot commodity. Even if you live elsewhere, you won’t regret having a good charger in your arsenal of iPad accessories.
I would personally suggest using UGreen’s 65W Nexode USB-C charger with your brand-new iPad Air. This dual-port USB-C charger can power up to three devices at once while smartly managing the charging speeds. Meanwhile, the GaN (Gallium Nitride) tech keeps the charger portable and power-efficient.
Investing in quality USB hubs is vital to keeping your iPad powered and connected. For expanded connectivity, the Anker 5-in-1 USB-C hub adds extra ports, including HDMI and USB-A, enhancing the iPad’s versatility. So, you can connect a 4K display and transfer files at 5Gbps speed.
Keyboard cases for a laptop-like experience
Apple’s Magic keyboard case has its own appeal. It offers a seamless typing experience with its responsive keys and integrated trackpad. But when one looks at the price tag, its appeal quickly fades away. As a worthy and more affordable alternative, I’d suggest the ESR Rebound Magnetic keyboard case for iPad Air.
This magnetic keyboard case can help boost your productivity by elevating your typing and scrolling experience and providing comfortable viewing angles. Plus, thanks to its detachable back cover, when you are done typing, you can use it as a standalone protective case for your iPad Air.
For those seeking additional protection while on the move, the ZAGG rugged book keyboard case offers a durable build without sacrificing functionality. The company claims it can endure up to 6.6ft drops. Moreover, the wireless keyboard can be paired to your iPad and iPhone simultaneously via Bluetooth.
If you are a power user and require more flexibility, pairing the iPad with a wireless keyboard like the Apple Magic keyboard enhances typing comfort. Additionally, incorporating the Logitech Pebble combo facilitates multitasking, providing a desktop-like experience.
Apple Pencil for note-takers and artists
The Apple Pencil is an invaluable tool for students, professionals, and artists alike. For most iPad Air users, the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) offers precision and responsiveness. So, you can jot down notes or sketch effortlessly.
Apple also offers an advanced Apple Pencil Pro with enhanced pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, catering to intricate artistic needs. Therefore, if you use your iPad Air to bring your ideas to life, you must get it to enjoy its unique gestures.
iPad Air stands for desk use
Do you wish to use your iPad hands-free for various tasks? An iPad Air stand is a must for maintaining ergonomic comfort during extended use. The Twelve South HoverBar Duo is a versatile stand, perfect for video calling, following recipes, watching content, or using Sidecar with your Mac.
You can also get a floor stand like the Lamicall tablet floor stand to set your iPad Air at adjustable angles, ensuring optimal viewing positions for presentations or watching videos.
Headphones for crisp music and calls
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is ideal for casual users. It offers a blend of great audio sound quality with long battery life, support for ANC, and Spatial Audio. Additionally, the IP54 protection against dust, water, and sweat helps ensure that you can use the earbuds comfortably regardless of the use case.
However, if you are more of a creative user, Beats Studio Pro is just perfect. Its over-the-ear design creates a fuller sound and supports ANC and almost all other features offered by the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Further, Beats Studio Pro has a USB-C port, which can be used to connect via a cable.
External SSD for Extra Storage On-the-Go
If you like editing videos and photos on the go, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD offers the perfect combination of utility and protection. This portable SSD delivers 1050MB/s of read and 1000MB/s of write speeds for quick file transfers.
It also has a rugged enclosure that offers up to 3 meters of drop protection and IP65 water—and dust resistance. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSDs are available in storage capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB. This ensures that you can easily store your photos and videos without worrying about accidentally losing your data.
Signing off
The right accessories can transform your M3 iPad Air into a powerful tool that fits your lifestyle. Whether you need protection, productivity boosters, or entertainment upgrades, these carefully chosen accessories ensure you get the most out of your device. Invest in the ones that match your needs and enjoy an even better iPad experience!
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