Apple iPad Air M3 review: the premium tablet to beat
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 6:00 am
Apple's iPad Air M3: A Premium Tablet That Still Reigns Supreme
The latest iteration of Apple's iPad Air, the M3, continues to solidify its position as a top-tier tablet. Available in two sizes, 11-inch and 13-inch, the new iPad Air M3 maintains the same sleek design and familiar features of its predecessor while boasting a significant performance boost thanks to the upgraded M3 chip.
Starting at $599, the iPad Air M3 sits comfortably between the entry-level iPad A16 and the high-end iPad Pro M4, offering a compelling balance of price and features. The M3 chip delivers a noticeable performance increase, making it ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and professional-level applications such as photo editing. This power is coupled with a reliable battery life, offering approximately nine to ten hours of use.
Beyond the performance upgrade, the iPad Air M3 retains its excellent Liquid Retina display, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and user-friendly features like the Centre Stage webcam. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and offers a range of accessories, including the Magic Keyboard, to enhance its functionality. The tablet runs on iPadOS 18.4, which includes multitasking tools and Apple Intelligence features, such as AI-powered image editing and ChatGPT integration.
Apple emphasizes sustainability, incorporating at least 30% recycled materials in the tablet's construction and offering repair and recycling programs. While the iPad Air M3 is a premium device, it faces competition from the base model iPad A16 and the more expensive iPad Pro M4. However, for those seeking a versatile, high-performing tablet, the iPad Air M3 remains a strong contender.
Keywords: iPad Air M3, Apple, tablet, review, M3 chip, 11-inch, 13-inch, Liquid Retina display, iPadOS, performance, battery life, premium tablet, Touch ID, Apple Pencil Pro, accessories, price, specifications, features, pros and cons, sustainability