Early reviews of the upcoming M3 iPad Air note the ho-hum nature of Apple’s update: The midrange tablet gets a speed boost thanks to a new chip and nothing else. Still, the device gets lots of compliments from reviewers.
The consensus remains that the iPad Air continues to be a worthy option for those who want more than the budget iPad but aren’t willing to pay for all the additional features of an iPad Pro.
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M3 iPad Air: ‘One of the best’
Apple unveiled the 2025 iPad Air on March 4. The design of the tablet didn’t change — this is a “chip and ship” refresh. The only significant modification is that an M3 processor replaces the M2 in the version that launched in spring 2024.
“Even if there aren’t major changes, the iPad Air M3 is still one of the best iPads and best tablets you can buy,” noted Tom’s Guide.
The Verge reviewer said, “I still think the base iPad is plenty of iPad for just about everybody, but if you want a nicer screen, a little more processor, and a little more confidence that this thing will last you into the next decade, the Air is a great choice.”
Here at Cult of Mac, we recommend that those still using an iPad Air from 2020 probably should upgrade. And those holding onto an even earlier model should definitely get a newer tablet.
Faster M3 processor
As the shift from an Apple M2 to an M3 processor is the major change in the latest version, of course reviewers gave it plenty of attention.
Using the Geekbench 6 benchmarking application, Cnet said the tablet scored 11,643 on the multi-core test. Compare that to the 9,818 score for the M2-based model; the new model comes in at about 19% faster.
“You can rest assured that performance feels speedy and swift,” said the reviewer for Wired. “Throughout the workday, I always have at least 10 tabs open across multiple Chrome windows and additional apps like iMessage, Slack, YouTube, Spotify, Gmail, and Telegram open. I never felt like the iPad Air struggled to handle any of it.”
And the rest…
With the design of the 2025 iPad Air essentially identical to the 2024 model, many reviewers settled for summing up the basic features.
“I like that it has a long-lasting battery, plenty of power, a reasonable amount of base storage and a front-facing camera on the landscape edge,” wrote Engadget’s reviewer.
“The iPad Air’s sturdy aluminum body is as lovely as ever, and its thin profile makes it easy to hold for long periods,” said Tom’s Guide. “The vibrant Liquid Retina display is as great as ever, as are the sharp 12MP cameras on the front and back.
New Magic Keyboard, too
Photo: Apple
Along with the new tablet comes a redesigned Magic Keyboard. It features a larger trackpad and a 14-key function row for quick access to screen brightness, search, media playback and more.
“The new keyboard case delivers a solid experience, especially for getting work done,” said Wired.
“Adding a row of function keys — for controlling volume and playback, opening the app switcher, and quickly locking the device — immediately makes the Air a more credible laptop replacement,” said The Verge.
Preorder M3 iPad Air today
Persuaded to upgrade by the first M3 iPad Air reviews? Both Apple and Amazon are accepting preorders for the M3 iPad Air, with retail availability scheduled for March 12. Retail prices remain the same as the 2024 version, starting at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch variant. However, Amazon already offers the M3 iPad Air for just $559 — a 7% discount.
Preorder from: Amazon or Apple
The midrange iPad is the perfect all-around tablet for students, work and casual living room use.
Pair with the Magic Keyboard for a laptop-style keyboard and trackpad. Works with Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro.
- Powerful, desktop-class M3 chip
- Lightweight, all-screen design
- Optional keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories
- Does not have Face ID
