Apple has unveiled the 2025 iPad Air featuring the new M3 chip in 11‑inch and 13‑inch models, delivering a noticeable boost in performance and efficiency. Running on iPadOS 18, the update brings refined Apple Intelligence features and an updated Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad, all wrapped in a sleek design with a vibrant Liquid Retina display. Pre‑orders are now open, with shipping set to begin on March 12.
“iPad Air is so popular because of its unmatched combination of powerful performance, portability, and support for advanced accessories, all at an affordable price,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “For everyone from college students taking notes with Apple Pencil Pro, to travelers and content creators who need powerful productivity on the go, iPad Air with M3, Apple Intelligence, and the new Magic Keyboard take versatility and value to the next level.”
Display and design
The new iPad Air features a stunning Liquid Retina display that brings visuals to life with vibrant colors and exceptional clarity. Both the 11‑inch and 13‑inch models deliver impressive resolutions—2360 x 1640 for the 11‑inch and 2372 x 2048 for the 13‑inch—ensuring that images and videos appear crisp and detailed. Although the refresh rate remains at 60Hz, the display is finely tuned to balance smooth performance with energy efficiency. In terms of design, the iPad Air retains its slim, lightweight chassis and refined aesthetics, making it as visually appealing as it is powerful.
M3 chip
At the heart of the new iPad Air is the M3 chip, delivering up to twice the speed of the M1 from 2022. With its 8‑core CPU, 9‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Processing Unit, the M3 significantly boosts performance across all tasks. The enhanced chip supports dynamic caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and ray tracing, ensuring smoother gaming experiences, efficient creative workflows, and rapid responsiveness in everyday applications.
Apple Intelligence with iPadOS 18
Running on iPadOS 18, the 2025 iPad Air integrates a suite of Apple Intelligence features that elevate user productivity. From ChatGPT-enhanced Writing Tools and type to Siri to innovative photo and graphics editing capabilities like Clean Up in Photos and Image Wand in Notes, the system is designed to leverage AI for a more intuitive and interactive experience. These tools empower users to streamline tasks, create content effortlessly, and engage with their device in entirely new ways.
Upgraded Magic Keyboard
Complementing the performance enhancements is an entirely reimagined Magic Keyboard. The new design boasts a larger trackpad and a dedicated function row for easy control of screen brightness, volume, and other essential settings.
With its USB‑C pass‑through charging and seamless Smart Connector integration, the Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad Air into a formidable productivity device, bridging the gap between traditional tablets and laptops without compromising on portability or ease of use.
Expanded storage and connectivity
With storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB, the device meets the needs of both casual users and professionals. Robust connectivity—thanks to Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3—ensures the iPad Air is equipped to handle everything from creative projects to daily tasks seamlessly.
Pricing and availability
Pre‑orders are live now, with shipping set to begin on March 12. The 11‑inch model starts at $599, while the 13‑inch version is priced at $799.
