The new iPad Air (2025) arrived on Tuesday, and while a refreshed Apple tablet was expected, the reality diverged significantly from the rumors. Here are some unexpected observations about Cupertino’s latest offering.
Apple iPad Air M3 chip.
The Unexpected M3 Chip
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the M3 chipset in the iPad Air (2025). Months of speculation pointed towards a jump from the M2 in the 2024 model directly to the M4. This prediction seemed logical considering Apple’s broader shift to the M4, evident in the 2024 MacBook Pro and iMac, and anticipated in the upcoming 2025 MacBook Air.
The only snag in this theory was the 2024 iPad Pro, also equipped with the M4. With rumors suggesting no new Pro model until 2026, it seemed unlikely Apple would release an Air with the same chip as the pricier, more feature-rich Pro. Yet, here we are, with an M3-powered iPad Air (2025).
Questionable Timing
Apple
Tim Cook’s Monday hint about a new “Air” device fueled speculation about the MacBook Air (2025), not a new iPad Air. While the new laptop may launch this week, it creates a potential marketing challenge.
The anticipated M4 chip in the MacBook Air represents a natural progression from the current M3 model. Highlighting the M4’s advantages could inadvertently diminish the new iPad Air’s appeal. The traditional distinction between tablets and laptops is blurring, leaving potential buyers wondering why they should choose a $599 M3 iPad Air over an entry-level M4 MacBook Air for just $400 more. While a new MacBook Air this week is plausible, a later release, closer to WWDC in June, might be strategically sounder.
Minimal Upgrades
Apple M3 iPad Air (2025) colors.
The 2024 iPad Air brought substantial improvements over its 2022 predecessor, including a new chip, enhanced display, Center Stage camera, and expanded storage. These upgrades incentivized many 2022 owners to upgrade. The 2025 model, however, offers minimal changes, making an upgrade from the 2024 version hard to justify.
Even for 2022 owners, an upgrade seems questionable. Why buy the 2025 model at full price when discounted 2024 models might soon be available? The similarities between the last two generations suggest the 2026 iPad Air could bring significant updates like a redesigned chassis, an upgraded camera system, or perhaps even Face ID. The absence of a new color option for the typically vibrant iPad Air further hints at more substantial changes in the next iteration.
Stagnant Battery Life
Angled view of the iPad Air with M3 silicon.
While new iPhones typically boast improved battery life, iPads have lagged. Both the 2024 and 2025 iPad Air offer up to 10 hours of battery life – the same as the 2014 iPad Air 2. After a decade, one might expect at least an hour’s improvement. Is a full day of battery life on a tablet too much to ask?
Overall Disappointment
The iPad Air (2025) will likely be a good product, just like its predecessor. However, it feels like a missed opportunity for more significant advancements. With the “iPhone 17 Air” expected later this year, Apple missed a chance to capitalize on a “breath of fresh air” marketing theme.
The 2012 iPad 3 was replaced by the iPad 4 just six months later, driven by the transition from the 30-pin connector to Lightning. The quick obsolescence of the iPad 3 felt unfair to its buyers. A similar sentiment arises now. Despite minimal visible differences between the 2024 and 2025 iPad Air, some consumers invested $600 in the former less than a year ago, only to see it superseded so quickly. This raises the question of whether Apple simply needed to clear out excess M3 inventory.
The Future of the Standard iPad
Two hands holding an iPad.
The standard iPad, last updated over two years ago, still lacks an M chip. The iPad Air’s M3 upgrade suggests the next standard iPad could feature an M2 chip. If this is Apple’s strategy for 2025, it might eventually make sense.
The iPad Air (2025) is available for pre-order and launches on March 12.
