Apple’s newest iPad Air (7th generation) arrived on March 12, 2025, bringing the power of the M3 chip to the mid-tier tablet line while keeping the 11-inch and 13-inch size options introduced last year. Performance, accessory compatibility, and up-to-date software features make it a meaningful upgrade—especially for anyone coming from older A-series or M1 models.
Key Takeaways
- M3 chip (8-core CPU, 9-core GPU) delivers roughly a 20 percent performance bump over the M2 iPad Air 6.
- Same 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina displays with P3 color, True Tone, and an anti-reflective coating (60 Hz).
- Four finishes: Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight.
- Storage tiers: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB.
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and optional sub-6 GHz 5G.
- Works with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and the refreshed Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (now with a 14-key function row).
- Ships with iPadOS 26, featuring a full windowing interface and new Apple Intelligence capabilities.
What’s New vs. the 6th-Gen iPad Air
| 6th Gen (2024) | 7th Gen (2025) | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M2 | M3 (3 nm) |
| CPU/GPU Gain | — | ~20 % faster |
| Magic Keyboard | Original design | New version with function row, lighter hinge |
| OS at Launch | iPadOS 17.5 | iPadOS 26 |
| Ideal For | Users satisfied with M2 performance | Buyers who want maximum longevity and the latest software features |
If you already own the M2 model, daily performance remains strong; however, the M3’s GPU enhancements and forthcoming Apple Intelligence features make the 7th gen a smarter pick for heavy creative work or anyone planning to hold onto their tablet for four-plus years.
Hardware Specs at a Glance
| 11-inch | 13-inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 2360 × 1640, 264 ppi | 2732 × 2048, 264 ppi |
| Chip | M3 (8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine) | |
| RAM | 8 GB (128/256 GB models) or 16 GB (512 GB/1 TB models) | |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP Wide, ƒ/1.8, Smart HDR 5, 4K60 video | |
| Front Camera | 12 MP Landscape Center Stage (ƒ/2.4) | |
| Battery | Up to 10 hrs web (Wi-Fi) / 9 hrs (cellular) | |
| Ports | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2; DisplayPort), Smart Connector | |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, optional 5G | |
| Weight | 11-in Wi-Fi 1.02 lb • 13-in Wi-Fi 1.36 lb |
Accessory Ecosystem
- Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (2025)
- Aluminum palm rest, larger glass trackpad with haptic feedback
- 14-key top row (Esc, media, brightness, volume, etc.)
- Smart Connector passthrough keeps the single USB-C port free
- Apple Pencil Pro
- Squeeze gesture, barrel roll, gyroscope, and Find My support
- Magnetic charge and pairing on the iPad’s side edge
- Apple Pencil (USB-C) remains the budget stylus option; it pairs via a sliding USB-C plug and supports hover detection on the new Air.
iPadOS 26 Highlights
- Windowing Interface — drag any app into a free-form resizable window, split it with others, or tuck it into a shelf for quick access.
- Liquid Glass Design — refreshed translucent UI with depth cues and color-adaptive controls.
- Apple Intelligence — on-device generative features like Image Playground, Genmoji creation, and live-editing suggestions in Pages.
- Live Translation — systemwide audio and text translation, pinning phrases for offline use.
- Files Overhaul — tabbed browsing and smart suggestions for recent documents, plus native ZIP/RAR support.
Pricing & Availability
| Model | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| 11-inch (128 GB) | $599 | $749 |
| 13-inch (128 GB) | $799 | $949 |
| Magic Keyboard | $269 (11-in) • $319 (13-in) |
All configurations are available from Apple and authorized resellers, with trade-in options for older iPads and financing through Apple Card Monthly Installments.
Bottom Line
The 7th-generation iPad Air narrows the performance gap with the iPad Pro while preserving the mid-range price that has made the Air line so popular. Faster graphics, a roomier 13-inch option, and iPadOS 26’s windowing update combine to create a tablet that can genuinely replace a lightweight laptop for many users. If you own an M2 iPad Air and are satisfied, you can comfortably wait. Everyone else—including first-time buyers, students, and creatives—will find the M3 model to be the sweet spot in Apple’s 2025 tablet lineup.
