As Apple continues to innovate and redefine the tablet experience, the introduction of the 2025 iPad Air equipped with the powerful M3 chip marks a significant leap forward. This new iteration of the iPad Air not only enhances performance but also redefines versatility and productivity for users. If you’re considering an upgrade or looking to invest in a new Apple product, here’s a deep dive into the standout features of the 2025 iPad Air.
Apple’s latest iPad Air, introduced in March 2025, brings significant enhancements in performance, display options, and accessory support, making it a versatile device for both productivity and creativity.
Detailed breakdown of features
Performance
2025 iPad Air is powered by Apple’s M3 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU. This configuration delivers up to 35% faster multithreaded CPU performance and up to 40% faster graphics performance compared to the previous M1 model. The inclusion of advanced graphics architecture with dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing capabilities enhances rendering workflows, providing more accurate lighting, reflections, shadows, and realistic gaming experiences.
- CPU and GPU Enhancements: M3 chip boasts a 10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU, providing a substantial increase in performance compared to the previous generation. This means you can run demanding applications like video editing software or 3D rendering tools without a hitch.
- Unified Memory Architecture: M3’s unified memory architecture allows for smoother operation when switching between apps, ensuring that your workflow remains uninterrupted.
- Energy Efficiency: With improved energy efficiency, the iPad Air can deliver longer battery life, allowing users to work or play for extended periods without needing to recharge.
- Neural Engine: The 16-core Neural Engine is 60% faster, enhancing AI-based tasks and enabling features like advanced photo editing and real-time language translation.
- RAM: The 2025 iPad Air M3 comes equipped with 8GB of RAM.
- Storage: Options to choose from 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Display
The iPad Air M3 offers two display sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch, both featuring high-resolution Liquid Retina displays that deliver a brilliant, responsive, and color-accurate viewing experience.
11-inch Liquid Retina Display:
- Provides a high-resolution, color-accurate viewing experience in a portable form factor.
- Resolution – 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 pixels per inch (ppi)
- Brightness of upto 500 nits
13-inch Liquid Retina Display:
- Offers a larger canvas for users who require more screen real estate for tasks like drawing, video editing, or multitasking.
- Resolution – 2732 x 2048 pixels at 264 ppi
- Brightness of upto 600 nits
Both these displays are LED-backlit Multi-Touch with IPS technology, providing wide color (P3) support and True Tone for natural viewing under various lighting conditions.
True Tone technology adjusts the color temperature of the display based on ambient light, ensuring a more comfortable viewing experience.
Design and Build
The 2025 iPad Air M3 retains its sleek and lightweight design, crafted from a unibody aluminum casing that ensures durability while maintaining portability. The device is impressively thin at 6.1mm, with the 11-inch model weighing approximately 462 grams and the 13-inch model at 617 grams, making it easy to carry and use on the go. The bezels around the display are slim, providing an immersive viewing experience without compromising structural integrity. For security, the iPad Air integrates Touch ID into the top button, offering a seamless and secure way to unlock the device and authenticate purchases.
- Portability: Despite its power, the iPad Air remains lightweight and portable, with a sleek design available in four finishes: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.
- Touch ID: Integrated into the top button for secure authentication.
- Colours: Available blue, purple, starlight, and space gray
- Dimensions: The 11-inch model measures 7.02 inches (178.5 mm) in width and 9.74 inches (247.6 mm) in height, with a lightweight design at 1.01 pounds (460 grams) for the Wi-Fi version. Meanwhile, the larger 13-inch model is 8.46 inches (214.9 mm) wide and 11.04 inches (280.6 mm) tall, weighing 1.36 pounds (616 grams) for the Wi-Fi version.
Apple Intelligence Integration
The iPad Air is built for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant insights. This integration enhances user experience by offering features like the Clean Up tool in Photos, which simplifies photo editing and organization.
Accessories
iPad Air M3 supports a range of accessories designed to enhance its functionality and user experience. It is compatible with the new Magic Keyboard, which features a larger trackpad, function keys, and adjustable viewing angles, transforming the iPad into a versatile productivity tool. The device also supports the Apple Pencil Pro, which introduces advanced features like haptic feedback, hover detection, and gesture controls, making it ideal for creative professionals and students. Additionally, the iPad Air works seamlessly with the Smart Folio, offering protection and style, and supports USB-C accessories for faster data transfer and connectivity with external devices like monitors and storage drives.
Magic Keyboard Features
- Scissor Switch Mechanism: The updated keyboard features a scissor-switch mechanism that provides a comfortable typing experience with responsive feedback.
- Trackpad Integration: The new Magic Keyboard features a larger trackpad, function keys, and adjustable viewing angles. It attaches magnetically and includes a USB-C port for charging. The built-in trackpad allows for precise navigation, making it easier to interact with macOS-like gestures.
- Backlit Keys: The backlit keys ensure that you can work comfortably in low-light environments, making it perfect for late-night study sessions or work.
It is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, which includes advanced features like hover detection and haptic feedback for a more immersive creative experience.
Connectivity
The 2025 iPad Air supports both Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G connectivity, ensuring that you can stay connected wherever you go. This is especially beneficial for users who rely on cloud services or need to access large files on the go.
Additional Connectivity Features:
- USB-C Port: The inclusion of a USB-C port that suports 10 Gbps data transfer allows for faster data transfer and charging, as well as compatibility with a wide range of accessories.
- 5G and Wi-Fi 6E: Ensures fast and reliable internet connectivity.
- Apple Pencil (2nd Generation): The iPad Air continues to support the Apple Pencil, making it an excellent tool for artists, note-takers, and anyone who enjoys a more tactile experience.
Camera
The 2025 iPad Air M3 features a robust camera system designed for both casual and professional use. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Front Camera: The front camera of the 2025 iPad Air M3 is a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, strategically positioned along the landscape edge for optimal usability during video calls and content creation. This placement ensures a more natural framing, especially when using the iPad with accessories like the Magic Keyboard. It supports Center Stage, a feature that dynamically adjusts the frame to keep users centered during video calls, even if they move around.
The camera also offers 1080p HD video recording at 30 or 60 fps, with extended dynamic range for enhanced video quality. Additionally, the Retina Flash utilizes the display to provide natural lighting for selfies and video calls in low-light conditions. Powered by the M3 chip’s Neural Engine, the front camera benefits from AI-driven enhancements like real-time adjustments and scene recognition, making it a versatile tool for both casual and professional use.
Rear Camera: The rear camera of the 2025 iPad Air M3 is a 12MP wide sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, designed to deliver sharp and vibrant images even in low-light conditions. It supports advanced features like Smart HDR 4 for enhanced dynamic range and wide color capture for more lifelike photos. The camera also includes auto image stabilization to reduce blur, ensuring crisp shots. For video recording, it offers 4K resolution at 24, 30, or 60 fps, along with slow-motion capabilities at 1080p with frame rates of 120 or 240 fps. Additionally, the camera supports time-lapse video with stabilization, making it a versatile tool for both photography and videography. This setup is ideal for users seeking high-quality imaging performance in a portable device.
Software
The 2025 iPad Air M3 supports iPadOS 18, which introduces enhanced multitasking through Stage Manager, advanced note-taking with tools like Quick Notes, and improved Apple Pencil Pro support. Leveraging the M3’s Neural Engine, the software offers AI-driven features like real-time language translation and custom image generation. Siri has also been upgraded for better contextual understanding and complex task handling. iPadOS 18 ensures seamless integration with the new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro,
Pricing
The 2025 iPad Air M3 is priced differently across regions. In the USA, the 11-inch model starts at $599, while the 13-inch model begins at $799. In the UK, the starting prices are £599 for the 11-inch and £799 for the 13-inch versions. In Australia, the 11-inch model is priced at A$999, and the 13-inch starts at A$1,349. In Canada, the 11-inch model begins at C$799, and the 13-inch starts at C$1,099. Meanwhile, in India, the 11-inch model starts at ₹59,900, and the 13-inch version begins at ₹79,900. These prices are for the base Wi-Fi models, with cellular options and higher storage configurations available at additional costs.
Key differences between the iPad Air 11-inch (M3) and iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
| Feature | iPad Air 11-inch (M3) | iPad Air 13-inch (M3) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 10.86-inch (marketed as 11-inch) | 12.9-inch (marketed as 13-inch) | The 13-inch model has a larger display. |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 pixels | 2732 x 2048 pixels | The 13-inch model has a higher resolution for sharper visuals. |
| Brightness | 500 nits | 600 nits | The 13-inch model is brighter, which improves outdoor visibility. |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 9.74” x 7.02” x 0.24” (247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm) | 11.04” x 8.46” x 0.24” (280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1 mm) | The 13-inch model is larger and wider. |
| Weight (Wi-Fi model) | 1.01 lb (460g) | 1.36 lb (616g) | The 13-inch model is heavier. |
| Weight (Wi-Fi + Cellular model) | 1.01 lb (462g) | 1.36 lb (617g) | The difference is minimal for cellular models. |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi) / 9 hours (cellular) | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi) / 9 hours (cellular) | No difference in battery life. |
| Price | Lower price due to smaller size | Higher price due to bigger screen and better brightness | Larger display comes at a higher cost. |
