For the past few years, the tablet market has been a puzzle of device variations, often characterized by nuances that would baffle even the most knowledgeable of technology users. The iPad Air stands out in this crowded space because it lies between the basic iPad and the premium iPad Pro. While this position appears vague, the iPad Air is misunderstood—in-between the “budget” and “high-end beast” devices. And this perception could not be further from reality. Honestly, the iPad Air is the device I think most people would go for. It provides the performance and features necessary for day-to-day needs with value – but without the excess found in the Pro and without the restrictions of the base model. For most people, having an iPad Air is not a compromise; it’s the ideal situation.
The 13-inch model we examined epitomizes this approach. It comes equipped with the M3 processor, the same chip found in many of Apple’s previous-generation Macs, but it lacks some “Pro” features available in other models wishing to higher-end tiers. Still, the decision is far from a trade off. Instead, it aids in positioning the iPad Air as a superb device meant for casual viewing, light productivity, and some creative work, all for a more affordable price than Pro models. This hands the users a flexible and competent tablet without needlessly charging them for additional features that they may never put to use which in turn makes it a highly optimal choice for those seeking performance and value in one single device.
Looking at the design of the 13-inch iPad Air (2025), it seems to share some strong resemblance with the design of the 2024 version. This resemblance can get that confusing and boggle your mind when you stack both versions side by side. The device’s well crafted body of sleek glass and recycled aluminum is nice and rigid, which at the same time makes it sophisticated. With a profile of just 6.1 millimeters, the iPad Air looks exactly how its name sounds. This makes it extremely light and stylish, so much that it is 2 millimeters thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Even with all that, the iPad Pro takes the cake with their even slimmer 5.1 millimeter build. This is an interesting development in design trends. All of that said, the iPad Air with its large screen is surprisingly light at 617 grams (or 616 grams for the wi-fi only version). Compared to the 13 inch iPad Pro which weighs 582 grams, these differences are usually to be expected from Apple’s most premium device, but the iPad Air being Apple’s mid-tier offering is quite impressive.
A closer look shows that there are not many notable visual modifications in relation to the 2024 model. The power button, located on the top edge, still incorporates the Touch ID sensor for user verification. Although that forfeits the iPad Air from having Face ID like the iPad Pro, the positioning of Touch ID is highly convenient no matter how you hold the tablet. Touch ID is on the sensor no matter if the tablet is held vertically or horizontally as two different fingerprints make it easy to reach. This makes the solution convenient and very easy to use.
On the back, a
single camera with a 12MP sensor without flash stands out . The photographic module, while protruding slightly from the body, is less invasive than many of the devices currently on the market. Although its quality cannot compete with that of high-end smartphones, it is
useful for activities such as scanning documents and integrating images into notes . I can tell you that, regardless of quality, I would have preferred a less protruding module, even at the cost of slightly lower performance. In fact, considering how little use is made of the rear camera on a tablet, a design with a lens flush with the body would have appeared even cleaner.
Just like last year, the front facing FaceTime camera sits in the same position. It has moved from one of the shorter sides to being placed alongside the longer edge in the landscape format from the previous generation. Although this is a small tweak, it has made horizontal video calls significantly easier. Centering oneself in the frame, which makes it easier to look at the camera, is now far more efficient. This naturally eye contact is made with the person on the other end of the call. Of course, this came with the new Apple Pencil Pro which had its charging technology redesigned which is why it is not compatible with models older than 2024. Just like how older Apple Pencils are not compatible with the latest iPad Airs, this is also true.
THE IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY OF THE AIR IPAD IS GRAND AND HUGE
In new innovations, the iPad Air screen continues being the amazing feats. The screen with 13 inches dimension is supportive for doing plenty of tasks at the same time, as well as for watching films and doing creative stuff. The display is very bright good looking, with impacting colors and high resolution. The display is useful when editing pictures, watching films, or drawing with an Apple Pencil because one can clearly see what is properly done on the screen and the screen smoothly and promptly responses to touch. Even though it doesn’t support some advanced display technologies integrated within the iPad Pro, for example, Promotion or mini-LED, it does have a few, and in the most of the users opinions, owing to their qualities and cost, it remains extremely friendly.
An added feature that compliments the visually stunning experience of the 13 inch iPad Air is the clear 13 inch Liquid Retina display. Even though the iPad still uses IPS LCD technology, the screen resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels along with a 264 pixels per inch pixel density guarantees that images appear sharp and detailed in every scenario. Apple’s reputation for vibrant color reproduction is on show once again as the display has full coverage of the Wide Color (P3) gamut, meaning colors are more accurate in comparison to other devices. The only disadvantage is the limited 60Hz refresh rate. For those switching from previous iPad Aid devices, or non Pro iPhones, this won’t feel like a regression and owing to the operating system, the fluidity will probably cover up any faults. This difference is bound to be visible to those used to higher refresh rate devices, such as 90, 120, or even 144 Hz. While it doesn’t mark the end of the world, it is something that will be most noticeable during quicker scrolling or animations.
The display’s peak brightness of 600 nits is more than enough for comfortable indoor use, so it doesn’t matter whether you are at home, on a train, or in a plane. However, as is often the case with IPS panels, dark scenes could look a little less dark, especially in bright surroundings. Indoor use is another story; the display has great quality indoors, making it excellent for watching movies and TV series. For example, watching Guardians of the Galaxy on the iPad Air exposes the device’s eye-catching multi-device capabilities, even with the downsides of IPS screens. It may not be able to compete against the contrast and richness of color in OLED or mini-LED displays, but it is still a reasonably good quality screen for daily use.
One thing to point out is that the iPad Air lacks the most recent iPad Pro’s Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display. While the Pro’s display is the best option available for visual quality as its deeper blacks and peak brightness far exceed average, the iPad Air’s display is still impressive and provides more than enough satisfaction for its users for day to day tasks as well as multimedia consumption.
One distinctive detail that shouldn’t get ignored is that the iPad Air has a 4:3 aspect ratio which is nearly square in shape. This ratio is ideal for web surfing, reading, and general productivity as it more comfortable than wider ratios. While not ideal for any medial or cinematic shift, it does bring satisfaction to anyone who, like myself, enjoy using the iPad for reading, browsing, email management, and productivity work. Of course, when I am consuming multimedia content, the typical black bars which are used to crop live action material appear on the top and bottom. Focus on the iPad screen size options, on the bigger 13 inch screen compared to 10 or 11 inch models, the black bars are less noticeable making the overall experience pleasant.
APPLE PENCIL PRO AND NEW MAGIC KEYBOARD
Like its predecessor, the new iPad Air M3 works perfectly with the Apple Pencil Pro which makes it a fantastic option when it comes to drawing and taking notes. The iPad Display is seamlessly responsive and adaptive, which means that it does not lag while handwriting, even without Apple’s ProMotion technology which offers an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Besides, the iPad Air allows users to convert handwriting into text. In all honesty, though, the success of this task heavily depends on how readable one’s handwriting is.
It is crucial to mention that the Apple Pencil Pro is not completely new, as it comes with some new features relative to previous versions. These features are “Rotate” which is twisting the pen to change the angle of the digital tip, altering the tool and line thickness, and “Squeeze” where the pen’s body is pressed to display a contextual menu for customization within the application. To make the experience more appealing, they added another layer of engagement which is Haptic Feedback. However, the new functionalities come with limitations since the new Apple Pencil Pro is incompatible with older generation iPads so they are meant to be used exclusively with the newer models like the iPad Air M3.
After shifting to the Magic Keyboard, Apple has also revealed another version with the newest iPad Air. In the keyboard’s design, not a whole lot has changed—the keyboard still attaches magnetically to the tablet and connects through pins located on the back cover. With ample space between the keys, which are the correct dimensions, making the right amount of travel and feedback, typing is exceptional. You will most probably start getting in the groove of things within a few hours. While you can still guarantee the same ergonomics, the Magic Keyboard offers premium design details that match with the premium iPad Air, hence, taking full advantage of its incredible functionality and multitasking ability.
Those in pursuit of a high-quality tablet but don’t want to splurge on the iPad Pro will certainly be interested in the 13-inch iPad Air (2025). It boasts a competitive price, whilst offering top-tier performance – even higher than my expectations for it. Day-to-day activities, casual gaming, as well as light work all run smoothly on the device. This excellence comes from the integrated Apple Silicon M3 chip, who’s everyday performance paced due to the lack of M4 power from the new iPad Pro. Having 8GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, it’s not uncommon for the iPad Air M3 to outperform most devices on the market. As predicted, it does fall behind the iPad Air M2 by a small margin, however, it sits proudly next to MacBook Air M3. Geekbench 6.3 shows the iPad Air M3 outperforming the “older brother” by almost 20%.
The iPad Air is a device suitable for a variety of tasks including productivity, web browsing, and reading as they utilize the iPad’s large 13-inch Liquid Retina display. It is easier to view because of its 4:3 aspect ratio when doing these activities; however, it does show black bars while watching widescreen content. In comparison to the iPad Pro’s display with its Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR, the iPad Air comes with a vibrant and color rich display which is more than sufficient for most users. For people who are familiarized with using devices with higher refresh rates, the 60Hz refresh rate will appear to be limiting, but remains smooth and responsive for day to day tasks.
With a recent update of iPadOS 18.3, Sidecar, Universal Control, and enhanced multitasking was made available, although these could be further improved with stronger window management. In iPadOS 18.4, the incorporation of the Apple Intelligence features brings greater tools to assist with productivity and creativity, making the iPad a more flexible operated device for people all around the globe.
The device can easily offer around 10 active battery life hours, but performance may differ due to how the device is used. The iPad Air connectivity features range from 5G (eSIM only) to Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and video output through USB C 3.1 Gen 2 port, which ensures that device versatility is maintained. Regardless, the absence of Wi-Fi 7 support is curious, especially with its inclusion for the iPhone 16.
The iPad Air is also compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic keyboard, which changes the tablet’s useability in a positive manner. The iPad Air becomes ideal for note taking, illustrations, art, and general productivity on the move. Accessories are pricey on their own, but their value is justified through increased usability of the device.
To summarize, the 13 inch iPad Air (2025) provides good performance, features, and most importantly, price value. Even if it may not be the thinnest or most powerful iPad, it sure does provide flexibility and utility for most users. The iPad Air is perfect for those who want a higher end tablet without the cost associated with the iPad Pro.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros:
- Exceptional performance using the M3 chip
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro
- Great value for money
- Great design and build quality
- Can be used for both work and leisure
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi 7 support (only Wi-Fi 6E available)
- No backlit keys on the Magic Keyboard
- High prices for accessories
Pricing:
- Apple iPad Air 11 scratch and dent (M3, 128GB, Wi-Fi): Starting from €719
- Apple iPad Air 13 scratch and dent (M3, 128GB, Wi-Fi): Starting from €969
For the majority of consumers, the Apple iPad Air 13 remains an unparalleled option within Apple’s range of tablets because it perfectly balances performance, features, and price.
