Apple’s newest iPad Air (2025) has officially arrived—and while it doesn’t look radically different from past models, the internal upgrades make it a compelling choice. Powered by the new M3 chip, the updated iPad Air with M3 processor delivers faster performance and improved AI capabilities, positioning it as the ideal balance between affordability and power in Apple’s tablet lineup.
Available in both 11-inch and 13-inch screen sizes, the iPad Air now supports Apple Pencil Pro and the revamped Magic Keyboard, making it a strong candidate for users looking for a versatile device for work, creativity, and entertainment.
iPad Air M3: What’s New?
- Apple M3 chip: Delivers improved speed, graphics, and AI performance over the M2.
- Two sizes: Now available in 11-inch and 13-inch models.
- Magic Keyboard compatibility: Supports the latest version with function keys and a lower price.
- Apple Pencil Pro support: Makes the Air a great tool for artists and note-takers.
- Starting at $599: Same price as last year, with better performance.
Despite the performance bump, the 2025 iPad Air looks nearly identical to its predecessor. For casual users, this might feel underwhelming, but under the hood, the M3 chip brings noticeable speed boosts, especially for power users running demanding apps or exploring Apple Intelligence features in iPadOS.
iPad Air vs iPad Pro (2025): Which Should You Buy?
If you’re comparing the iPad Air M3 vs iPad Pro M4, the key differences come down to:
- Display: The iPad Pro features a cutting-edge OLED display with HDR and better contrast.
- Design: The Pro is thinner and lighter with Face ID and LiDAR scanner.
- Performance: M4 chip is about 26% faster than the M3, but the gap is shrinking.
However, the iPad Pro starts at $999, while the iPad Air starts at $599, making the Air a much better value for most users—especially since both now support the same Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard accessories.
iPad Air vs Base iPad: Is the Extra $250 Worth It?
The new base iPad starts at $349 and now comes with 128GB of storage and an A16 Bionic chip. However, it lacks support for Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence, which are exclusive to M-series chips like the M3.
If you’re planning to do AI-assisted tasks, graphic design, or need the latest stylus support, the iPad Air is the better long-term investment. The M3 chip ensures future-proofing for years to come.
Is the iPad Air M3 Good for Artists and Creators?
Yes. With Apple Pencil Pro compatibility, improved M3 graphics performance, and Magic Keyboard support, the iPad Air is ideal for digital artists, students, and professionals who want high-end performance without paying iPad Pro prices.
That said, creators doing intensive video editing, 3D rendering, or needing OLED HDR visuals might still prefer the iPad Pro.
Performance Benchmarks: M3 vs M2 vs M4
According to Geekbench 6 scores:
- iPad Air M3: 11,643 (multicore)
- iPad Air M2 (2024): 9,894
- iPad Pro M4: 14,672
This makes the M3 about 18% faster than the M2, and the M4 about 26% faster than the M3 in multitasking. However, for most users, the difference won’t be noticeable unless you’re pushing the iPad hard.
Magic Keyboard for iPad Air: What’s New?
The updated Magic Keyboard for iPad Air includes:
- A function key row
- Slightly lower price ($269+)
- USB-C passthrough
- No backlighting or aluminum body (unlike the Pro version)
It’s a great choice for turning your iPad into a laptop-like setup, though note that the 13-inch iPad Air with the keyboard attached is heavier than a MacBook Air.
Should You Buy the iPad Air M3 in 2025?
If you’re looking for the best iPad for most people in 2025, the iPad Air M3 is it. It offers:
- Great value
- Strong performance
- Access to Apple’s latest features
- Compatibility with pro accessories
Unless you need an OLED display, Face ID, or are doing intense pro-level work, the iPad Air delivers everything you need at a far more reasonable price.
