Pre-orders Available for New iPad and iPad Air, Galaxy S25 Ultra Price Reduction

Apple recently held an event called “Air” week, during which it introduced updated iPads and MacBooks equipped with enhanced chips. The new devices are currently available for pre-order and are set to be released on March 12, which falls on a Wednesday. In addition to Apple’s announcements, there are notable discounts on Samsung Galaxy devices, as well as the launch of Amazon’s new AI initiative.

Starting with the basic iPad, the 2025 edition has been upgraded to feature the Apple A16 chip. This makes it the only new iPad without Apple’s Intelligence capabilities since the 2024 iPad Mini uses the more powerful A17 Pro chipset. One of the positive changes is that Apple has increased the entry-level storage to 128GB, which is a significant improvement over the previous 64GB option. Users have often found 64GB insufficient, while the upgrade to 256GB would have come with a high price tag. It has been three years since the vanilla iPad received any updates. While the improved performance and storage are appreciated, many anticipated additional enhancements like artificial intelligence integration or a smoother 120Hz display.

The iPad Air is also making headlines this week. Following last year’s upgrade with the M2 chip, it will now feature the new M3 chip for its 2025 models. Apple claims that this chip is twice as fast as the M1 chip used in previous Air models, prompting owners of the 2022 model to consider an upgrade.

Apple has also announced new variants of the MacBook Air, including 13-inch and 15.3-inch models powered by the M4 chip. These models now come with a discount of $100. The M4 chip allows for connectivity with up to two 6K 60Hz displays, a noticeable enhancement from the single display capability of the prior generation. Additionally, the new MacBook Airs boast improved 12MP Center Stage cameras and are offered in a fresh Sky Blue color.

For smartwatch enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Series 10 is currently available at a reduced price of $100 off. This applies to both the 42mm and 46mm versions, including those with cellular connectivity. While the deals we provided were mainly for aluminum versions, a variety of titanium models are also available.

Shifting focus to Android devices, Amazon has introduced discounts on the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, moving away from previous free storage upgrades. For instance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25+ are now $200 cheaper, while the basic Galaxy S25 has a more modest discount of $100.

The Galaxy S24 FE offers an enticing deal for storage upgrades. For just an additional $20, customers can step up from the 128GB version to a 256GB model, which was previously a $60 upgrade. Similarly, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE can now be upgraded from 128GB to 256GB for an extra $45, accompanied by a RAM increase from 6GB to 8GB. However, the larger Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ does not reflect these savings; the upgrade to 256GB remains priced at $100.

In the realm of AI, Amazon unveiled its enhanced AI assistant, Alexa+. This new version leverages generative AI technology for more fluid interactions and can manage more intricate tasks. Although it typically costs $20 monthly, Amazon Prime members can access it for free. Alexa+ is compatible with a range of Echo devices, including budget-friendly speakers and smart displays, with an emphasis on prioritizing the Echo Show models for early access.

Lastly, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro laptop is designed with AI functionality in mind, utilizing Intel Core Ultra and Microsoft Copilot technologies. Offered in both 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, this sleek laptop features 3K 120Hz OLED touchscreens and is powered by the first-generation Core Ultra 7 (155H) with Intel Arc Graphics.

This week has proven busy for technology enthusiasts, with a range of exciting new products and discounts from leading brands.