Apple
Apple’s new iPad Air packs M3 chip and AI features, starting at $599
Apple has announced its latest iPad Air, featuring the M3 chip, Apple Intelligence, and a new Magic Keyboard, starting at $599 and $799 respectively.
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Apple just announced its latest iPad Air, and it’s exactly what you’d expect – a carefully calculated update that’s impressive enough to turn heads but not quite enough to overshadow its Pro siblings.
The 2025 refresh brings the M3 chip to Apple’s “just right” tablet, along with some interesting additions that might actually make it the sweet spot in Apple’s lineup.
The basics first: The Air now comes in two sizes (11-inch and 13-inch), starting at $599 and $799 respectively.
- Significant performance boost with M3 chip
- Maintains reasonable pricing ($599/$799)
- Excellent for creative work and multitasking
- Supports latest Apple Pencil Pro
- Lacks ProMotion display (120Hz)
- Accessories add significant cost
- Battery life could be better during intensive tasks
Apple claims it’s twice as fast as the M1 Air, though MacRumors reports a more modest 20% improvement over last year’s M2 model. That’s still nothing to sneeze at, especially if you’re upgrading from an older device.
Perhaps the most intriguing addition is Apple Intelligence, the company’s new AI system built right into iPadOS 18.
It includes native ChatGPT integration (no account required) and some genuinely useful features like Image Wand, which can transform rough sketches into polished artwork.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have found these AI features can be somewhat RAM-hungry, using about 3GB of memory on their own.
New Magic Keyboard
The new Magic Keyboard might be this release’s unsung hero.
Apple finally added a function row and a larger trackpad while simultaneously lowering the price to $269 for the 11-inch model and $319 for the 13-inch version. It’s a rare and welcome instance of Apple making a premium accessory more accessible.
There are some caveats worth considering. MacWorld notes that the M3 chip has had its share of early issues in other devices, so potential buyers might want to wait for the first round of reviews.
And while the unchanged pricing from last year is appreciated, this is essentially a spec bump with some AI features thrown in.
The Bottom Line
Is the new iPad Air bad? No. Is it revolutionary? Also no. It’s peak Apple: a solid device deliberately held back just enough to make you wonder if you should’ve sprung for the Pro.
But if you’re coming from an older iPad, or you’re finally ready to see what all this tablet fuss is about, it’s probably the sweet spot in Apple’s lineup. Just don’t expect it to change your life – it’s an iPad Air, not a miracle worker.
Pre-orders start today, and devices will ship on March 12. Just remember: the best iPad is the one that doesn’t require you to eat ramen for a month to afford it.
Is the new iPad Air bad? No. Is it revolutionary? Also no. It's peak Apple: a solid device deliberately held back just enough to make you wonder if you should've sprung for the Pro.
- Significant performance boost with M3 chip
- Maintains reasonable pricing ($599/$799)
- Excellent for creative work and multitasking
- Supports latest Apple Pencil Pro
- Lacks ProMotion display (120Hz)
- Accessories add significant cost
- Battery life could be better during intensive tasks
What do you think of the new iPad Air with its M3 chip and AI-powered features? Are you excited about the potential of Apple Intelligence, or do you think it’s just a fancy spec bump? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your opinions in the comments below!
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