Less than a year after updating it with the M2 chip and introducing a larger-screen option, Apple gave the iPad Air another hardware refresh with a power bump. To boost its already formidable productivity chops, Apple also treated the iPad Air to a new, more affordably priced Magic Keyboard with a dedicated function row.
Except for the new Apple chip, there’s absolutely no difference between the M3-equipped iPad Air and the previous iteration. Its Retina display, camera hardware, connectivity features, and physical measures are the same, as are the $599 starting price, memory capacity options, and available colors, so I couldn’t tell the two apart. Plus, older iPad Air releases, going back to the fourth generation from 2020, are compatible with the new Magic Keyboard that arrived alongside the 2025 model.
Key Specs
| Chip | Apple M3 with 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine |
|---|---|
| Display | 11-inch Liquid Retina |
| Camera | 12MP rear camera, 12MP Landscape front-facing camera with Center Stage |
| Memory | Up to 1TB storage, 8GB of RAM |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, optional 5G |
| Other | Landscape stereo speakers |
Key Specs
| Chip | Apple M3 with 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine |
|---|---|
| Display | 13-inch Liquid Retina |
| Camera | 12MP rear camera, 12MP Landscape front-facing camera with Center Stage |
| Memory | Up to 1TB storage, 8GB of RAM |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, optional 5G |
| Audio | Landscape stereo speakers |
I’ve been testing the latest iPad with an 11-inch screen for a week and can confirm that if you have last year’s version with M2 silicon, there’s no reason to upgrade. However, owners of older-generation iPad Air and lower-end models, and everyone else on the market for a new tablet with a three-digit upgrade budget, should have the newcomer at the top of their list of options. Here’s why:
The M3 Chip
As the only difference between the previous iPad Air generation and the sequel, the Apple M3 chip is the main reason to consider upgrading. The silicon brings welcome bumps in graphics and processing power, especially over the M1 chip powering the 2022 iPad Air that’s two generations behind. The M3 chip is also an integral component for AI-powered experiences—and it’s vastly more proficient, too.
Excellent Everyday Performance
Switching to the new iPad Air from the outgoing version, I didn’t notice a palpable change in everyday speed and multitasking capabilities. Opening, interacting with, and switching between a double-digit amount of open apps was predictably quick and seamless. Apple Intelligence interactions like summarizing large swaths of text, streamlining my meeting notes, and creating Genmoji and fun visuals via Image Playground, to name a few, were just as smooth when I experienced them.
Next-Level Gameplay
Gaming is where the new iPad Air has an edge over its predecessors, thanks to support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Previously available only on the range-topping iPad Pro with the M4 chip, the functionality brought more immersive visuals when I ran Resident Evil 4 during my testing.
Having the opportunity to run AAA gaming titles with immersive visuals on the iPad Air is one of my favorite things about the product and why I’d choose it over any similarly priced non-Apple competitor. Avid gamers who own an iPad Air with M2 silicon should take note of this feature in the M3 version.
The battery life of the new iPad Air has remained unchanged from its predecessor’s. I could get through a moderately busy workday using the slate as my primary computing device, so long as I didn’t max out its screen brightness in the process. Charging the device was fast and easy via its USB-C connector and bundled charging adapter.
The New Magic Keyboard
Impressively, the new Magic Keyboard of the iPad Air is both cheaper and more convenient than before. Its row of shortcut keys made a major difference during my testing, saving me time in effort swiping to access the control center or adjusting volume via the the dedicated buttons aboard the slate. The larger trackpad, on the other hand, made multitasking gestures and all other interactions more seamless.
Strangely, this updated Magic Keyboard lacks backlighting, unlike its predecessor. I wish the functionality carried over from the latter, but the new accessory’s function buttons row and lower price sufficiently compensate for its omission.
Like the product it replaces, the new iPad Air supports the Apple Pencil Pro and its advanced gesture controls. The 2022 M1 version lacks such functionality, so anyone who uses the device to work on graphic design and digital art projects should consider making the switch.
Wrap Up
The M3 chip made the iPad Air even more futureproof, and I’d recommend it over any rival in its price range. Unless you are willing to spend $1,000 (and up) on a Pro model. Similarly priced Android rivals might offer fancier screens with a higher refresh rate, but their performance is no match for the Apple offering.
Receiving the Apple M3 chip makes the iPad Air, especially with a 13-inch display and in tandem with a Magic Keyboard and an Apple Pencil Pro, a formidable touchscreen alternative to the just-replaced MacBook Air with the same silicon. Its higher-level versatility is worth it, even if its battery life isn’t quite a match for its laptop relative.
The 11-inch iteration I put through its paces makes a solid laptop replacement if you prioritize portability. However, those who switch from a bigger-screen laptop might find the smaller Magic Keyboard to be a little cramped.
Spending $599 will get you an 11-inch iPad Air with 128 GB of storage in blue, purple, starlight, or space gray. The 13-inch iteration costs $200 extra, and you can spec both with up to 1 TB of memory. Adding 5G connectivity is $150 more for every memory option. The must-have new Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil Pro cost $269 and $129, respectively.
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Stefan is the senior technology editor for Best Products, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He is an award-winning editor with more than a decade of experience reporting on and reviewing consumer tech products, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear like headphones, earbuds, speakers, and soundbars. Stefan was previously the U.S. editor for GSMArena.com. His writing can also be found in Popular Mechanics.
