In case you haven’t seen it, Apple unveiled two new iPads: the M3 iPad Air and the 11th generation iPad. As someone who primarily uses an iPad, I’m thrilled about these releases as they offer enhanced capabilities at a more affordable price! A significant perk is that these models feature internal upgrades, meaning that existing accessories designed for earlier versions will be compatible with these updated iPads. Below, I’ve compiled a list of essential accessories you should consider for your new iPad Air!
Before diving in, here’s a snapshot of the best prices currently available for the M3 iPad Air and the iPad 11. If saving money is a priority, I recommend checking out Amazon for the best deals on both new and older iPad models!
My top favorite iPad accessory is this one. Launched last year, it has become indispensable in all of my desk setups. At first glance, it might seem like a well-crafted magnetic stand for your iPad, but it has a unique feature that makes it stand out: pin connectors on the magnetic plate that enable passthrough charging! This effectively transforms your stand into a wireless charging station for your iPad!
- Supports 18W fast charging
- 360-degree vertical rotation
- 90-degree horizontal adjustments
- Constructed from CNC-machined aluminum alloy, this stand can endure over 100,000 folds
- Easy to fold up for travel
The X33 stand is compatible with any iPad featuring pin connectors. Additionally, the version designed for the M3 iPad Air is also compatible with the M2 version! You can find it on their website and Amazon for $89.
While I genuinely enjoy the Apple Pencil, I recognize its cost can be prohibitive. The Pencil Pro is priced at $129 from Apple, but discounts are often available on Amazon. For those who only need a stylus that excels in note-taking, delivering the occasional sketch, and functioning similarly to a mouse pointer, the Jamjake Pencil is a fantastic alternative. It provides roughly 95% of the Apple Pencil experience for just $19!
- Palm rejection
- 1.5mm pen tip
- Magnetic attachment to the iPad (non-charging)
- Charges via USB-C
This is an accessory that I think every iPad owner should consider. This straightforward dongle enables you to use your iPad as a secondary display for various devices. I’ve created videos and articles about this previously, so be sure to explore those. This $20 dongle, paired with the free Orion app, allows you to connect devices like Xbox, Playstation, Switch, or Mac via HDMI and utilize your iPad as a screen. I’ve utilized it as a portable display for my Xbox and even for my Mac mini! Don’t forget to check out our video below!
Much like the Apple Pencil, I also appreciate the Magic Keyboard; however, the new version designed for the M2/M3 iPad Air starts at $269 for the 11-inch and $319 for the 13-inch model. For that amount, you could get a 10th or 11th generation iPad! Although no companies have managed to replicate the pin connector feature of the Magic Keyboard, many have emulated its Bluetooth design and functionality. My current favorite option is offered by Typecase, with the 13-inch model on sale at $102 and the 11-inch at $99. Thus, for about one-third of the price, you can enjoy nearly all the same features!
- RGB backlit keys
- Dedicated function row
- Multi-touch trackpad interaction
- Charges via USB-C
- Holder for the Apple Pencil
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Magic Keyboard, this could be your ideal choice!
A few years ago, Apple enabled the connection of regular, non-MFI-certified controllers to iPads, which was a groundbreaking move as it significantly expanded the gaming controller choices for the iPad. I’m an avid fan of gaming on my iPad, especially during longer sessions using a controller. One of my preferred brands is 8Bitdo, which produces unique retro-style controllers that are both innovative and budget-friendly. The 8Bitdo Zero 2 is my go-to portable controller. It’s compact, has all essential buttons, and comes in three attractive pastel colors, all for just $16.
Finally, it’s essential to keep that stunning display clean. Paperlike’s all-in-one cleaning kit is ideal for this purpose. The integrated spray bottle and cleaning cloth mean you’ll never misplace the cloth again! Just detach the bottle from its protective case, spray the screen a few times, and use the microfiber lining to wipe it clean! It’s as simple as that and makes a fantastic gift for any iPad user!
Conclusion
As I’ve noted, all of the accessories listed here are compatible with the previous M2 iPad Air, and many will even work with the 10th and 11th generation iPads! Be sure to verify compatibility on each product page. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this list! Are you planning to purchase a new iPad? If so, which model are you considering? Let’s have a discussion in the comments below!
