Should You Buy the New iPad Air? Key Upgrades That Make It Worth Considering
Apple’s latest iPad Air with M3 chip delivers meaningful improvements that may justify upgrading from older models. With 40% faster performance, enhanced display technology, and new productivity features, here’s why the 2025 iPad Air stands out in Apple’s tablet lineup.
1. Blazing Fast M3 Chip Performance
Why it matters:
- 40% faster CPU than M1 iPad Air
- 50% faster GPU for graphics-intensive tasks
- 16-core Neural Engine for advanced AI processing
- 8GB RAM standard (configurable to 16GB)
“The M3 transforms the iPad Air into a legitimate laptop replacement for most users,” says tech analyst Mark Johnson.
Real-world benefits:
- 4K video editing without lag
- Console-quality gaming (Resident Evil Village runs at 60fps)
- Multitasking with 3-4 apps simultaneously
- Future-proofing for upcoming iPadOS features
2. Stunning 11″ and 13″ Liquid Retina Displays
Display upgrades:
- 600 nit peak brightness (100 nits brighter)
- P3 wide color gamut for professional creatives
- Anti-reflective coating for outdoor use
- ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate)
Comparison to previous models:
| Feature | iPad Air M1 | iPad Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | 500 nits | 600 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Color Accuracy | Good | Excellent |
| Outdoor Visibility | Decent | Outstanding |
3. Enhanced Productivity With iPadOS 18
New software capabilities:
- Stage Manager improvements (better external display support)
- AI-powered Notes app (auto-summarization)
- Advanced PDF markup (smart form filling)
- Calculator app finally arrives with unit conversions
Accessory enhancements:
- Magic Keyboard with function row
- Apple Pencil Pro support (new squeeze gestures)
- USB-C port now supports Thunderbolt 3
4. All-Day Battery Life & 5G Connectivity
Power efficiency gains:
- 18-hour battery life (video playback)
- 40% faster charging with 30W adapter
- Smart power management with M3
Mobile connectivity:
- Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G
- Wi-Fi 6E support (faster wireless)
- eSIM capabilities for travelers
Who Should Upgrade?
Worth it for:
- M1 iPad owners doing pro-level work
- iPad Pro 2020 users wanting modern features
- Students needing laptop replacement
- Digital artists leveraging Pencil Pro
Maybe wait if:
- You have an M2 iPad Pro
- Only use for basic browsing/media
- Can find discounted M2 model
Price vs. Value Breakdown
2025 iPad Air pricing:
- 11″ model: $699 (128GB)
- 13″ model: $899 (128GB)
- Storage upgrades: +$150 per tier
Best deals to look for:
- Education pricing ($50 off)
- Trade-in offers (up to $400 value)
- Bundle discounts with Pencil/Keyboard
