The new iPad Air (2025) is here, and it bears a striking resemblance to the iPad Air (2024). But if you’re still using an iPad Air (2022), you might be wondering if the latest iteration offers enough to justify an upgrade. This article compares the 2025 and 2022 iPad Air models to help you decide.
iPad Air (2025) vs. iPad Air (2022): Specifications Compared
The table below highlights the key specifications of both the 2025 and 2022 iPad Air models:
| Feature | iPad Air (2025) | iPad Air (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 11-inch: 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches 13-inch: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.24 inches |
10.9-inch: 9.75 x 7.03 x 0.24 inches |
| Weight | 11-inch: 1.01 pounds 13-inch: 1.36 pounds |
1.02 pounds |
| Display | 11-inch: Liquid Retina (2360 x 1640, 264 ppi) 13-inch: Liquid Retina (2732 x 2048, 264 ppi) |
10.9-inch Liquid Retina (2360 x 1640, 264 ppi) |
| Brightness (SDR) | 11-inch: 500 nits 13-inch: 600 nits |
500 nits |
| OS | iPadOS 18 | iPadOS 15.4 |
| Processor | Apple M3 (8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine) | Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine) |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP Landscape Center Stage | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi) Up to 9 hours (Cellular) |
Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi) Up to 9 hours (Cellular) |
| Apple Pencil | Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB-C | Apple Pencil (2nd generation) |
| Colors | Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight | Space Gray, Green, Pink, Purple, Starlight |
| Starting Price | $599 (11-inch, Wi-Fi) $799 (13-inch, Wi-Fi) |
$599 (Wi-Fi) |
Design and Display: Evolution, Not Revolution
M3 iPad Air 2025
Apple introduced a 13-inch iPad Air model alongside the 11-inch version with the 2024 refresh. The 2025 iPad Air continues this trend, offering both size options. Both the 2022 and 2025 models utilize Liquid Retina displays with True Tone, P3 wide color, and an anti-reflective coating. However, the 13-inch 2025 model boasts a higher peak brightness of 600 nits compared to the 500 nits of the 11-inch model and the 2022 iPad Air. Design-wise, the 2025 iPad Air retains the sleek, thin-bezel, flat-edge design. The 2025 model comes in Space Gray, Blue, Purple, and Starlight.
Performance: The M3 Chip Takes Center Stage
M3 iPad Air 2025
The most significant performance upgrade is the shift from the M1 chip in the 2022 iPad Air to the M3 chip in the 2025 model. The M3 promises substantial improvements in CPU and GPU performance, along with enhanced machine learning capabilities thanks to its advanced Neural Engine. This translates to smoother multitasking, improved graphics rendering for demanding apps and games, and faster AI-driven features. While the M3 is more power-efficient, the advertised battery life remains similar.
Cameras and Battery: Incremental Improvements
The Apple iPad Air (2024)
While the rear camera remains a 12MP Wide lens, the front-facing camera on the 2025 iPad Air receives a significant upgrade. It’s now a 12MP Landscape Center Stage camera, optimized for video calls and featuring dynamic framing. Both models offer similar battery life: up to 10 hours of web surfing or video playback on Wi-Fi and up to 9 hours with cellular data. Both also utilize a USB-C connector. The 2025 model adds Smart HDR 4 for improved photo quality.
Software and Support: iPadOS and AI
home Screen of an iPad Pro that boots iPadOS 18.
The 2025 iPad Air ships with iPadOS 18, while the 2022 model, originally running iPadOS 15.4, can be updated to iPadOS 18. Apple typically supports its devices with software updates for five years. Both models support Apple Intelligence.
Availability and Price: More Storage for the Same Price
The back of the iPad Air (2024) laying on grass.
The 2025 iPad Air starts at the same $599 price point as the 2022 model, but with double the base storage at 128GB compared to the 2022 model’s 64GB.
Should You Upgrade?
The 2025 iPad Air offers several compelling upgrades, including the powerful M3 chip, increased base storage, and an improved front-facing camera. However, if you’re satisfied with your 2022 iPad Air’s performance and storage, you might not need to rush to upgrade. Consider waiting for future releases if you desire a more substantial redesign or feature set. If storage is a concern or you’re eager for a performance boost, the 2025 iPad Air might be worth the investment.
