Apple recently unveiled two new iPads, a refreshed entry-level iPad and a modestly upgraded M3 iPad Air. While a new base iPad was expected, the arrival of a new Air only ten months after its predecessor surprised some. Neither tablet represents a revolutionary leap, but both offer valuable improvements for owners of older models or those entering the iPad ecosystem. The key question is: which 2025 iPad is the right fit for you?
Design and Display: Subtle Differences, Noticeable Impact
iPad (2025) colors.
The 2025 iPad and iPad Air share a similar design language, both sporting an 11-inch display. The Air boasts slightly slimmer bezels and a lighter weight, contributing to a more premium feel. A key differentiator is the 13-inch option available for the Air, catering to those who prefer a larger canvas. Color palettes also distinguish the two; the iPad comes in vibrant hues of blue, pink, yellow, and silver, while the Air offers more subdued tones of blue, purple, space gray, and starlight.
Apple M3 iPad Air (2025) colors.
Both iPads feature a 2360 x 1640 resolution display (2732 x 2048 for the 13-inch Air), delivering crisp visuals at 264 ppi. However, the Air’s fully laminated, antireflective display significantly reduces glare and enhances touch responsiveness, particularly beneficial for Apple Pencil users. Furthermore, the Air’s P3 wide color gamut offers a richer, more vibrant color experience for HDR content, particularly appealing to creative professionals. Finally, the Air supports Apple Pencil hover, a feature absent on the base iPad, providing a preview of your mark before it’s made.
Performance and AI: A16 vs. M3
Apple iPad Air M3 chip.
The iPad features a 5-core CPU, 4-core GPU A16 chip, a modified version of the A16 Bionic found in iPhones. Notably, it lacks Apple’s latest AI features. While this may disappoint some, the A16 still provides ample power for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and even some light video editing. The iPad Air, on the other hand, boasts the powerful M3 chip, delivering performance comparable to some MacBooks. This allows for seamless multitasking, demanding gaming, and professional-grade video editing with hardware acceleration for various codecs.
Apple M3 iPad Air (2025) showing Apple Intelligence Image Wand in Notes app.
The M3 also unlocks Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Genmoji, significantly enhancing productivity and creativity. While the base iPad can run third-party AI apps, the integrated Apple Intelligence experience remains exclusive to the Air.
Software, Features, and Cameras: iPadOS 18 and Beyond
Apple M3 iPad Air (2025) showing Apple Intelligence Image Playground.
Both iPads run iPadOS 18.3 and are expected to receive several years of software updates. However, the Air’s compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro adds another layer of functionality for artists and designers, offering features like pressure sensitivity, haptic feedback, and gesture controls. The base iPad supports the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Apple Pencil (USB-C), but lacks the advanced features of the Pro.
Apple Pencil Pro and M4 iPad Pro.
The iPad (2022) with an Apple Pencil plugged into it using a USB-C cable and adapter.
In terms of cameras, both iPads offer a 12MP wide rear camera and a 12MP front camera. The Air’s front camera features a slightly wider aperture and True Tone flash, providing minor improvements in low-light performance.
Battery Life, Price, and Verdict
11-inch iPad A16
Both the 11-inch iPad and iPad Air offer around 10 hours of battery life, dropping to 9 hours with cellular use. The 13-inch Air has a larger battery to accommodate its bigger display.
The iPad starts at $349 for 128GB of storage, a welcome increase from the previous 64GB base model. The iPad Air begins at $599 for the 11-inch version with 128GB.
M3 iPad Air 2025
For everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and video calls, the base iPad provides excellent value. The increased base storage is a significant improvement. However, the iPad Air is the clear winner for those seeking a more powerful, feature-rich tablet experience. Its M3 chip, Apple Intelligence features, Apple Pencil Pro compatibility, and optional larger display make it a versatile device capable of handling demanding tasks. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
