iPad Air (M3) evaluation: Nonetheless the most effective

At a look

Knowledgeable’s Score

Execs

• Excellent efficiency
• Good show
• Helpful battery life
• Vivid show with anti-reflective coating
• Wonderful construct high quality

Cons

• Excessive value for 5G
• No OLED
• No digicam flash
• Few improvements since 2022

Our Verdict

Whereas we’d have preferred to see the inclusion of an M4 chip as a substitute of the M3, Apple’s new iPad Air is effectively value a advice, providing a superb show and robust efficiency for years to return. Paired with keyboard case, it might even change your MacBook. Our solely caveat is that the earlier mannequin with the M2 chip, which yow will discover at a lower cost, is perhaps an excellent higher purchase.

Value When Reviewed

This worth will present the geolocated pricing textual content for product undefined

Greatest Pricing At present

Value When Reviewed

£599

Greatest Costs At present: Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025)

£559.97

£560

£587.02

£599

£599

£599

The iPad Air has persistently been the only option for many customers, and this stays true of the brand new model, which presents the most effective stability of value and options amongst Apple’s tablets. Due to its new M3 chip, it has turn out to be considerably extra highly effective than the earlier M2 mannequin. Nonetheless, that is in any other case fairly a minor replace.

Absolutely you’ll anticipate a brand new iPad to boast the very newest chip (the M4 is at present out there on the iPad Professional), a brand new design and a few cool new options? No matter expectations, the iPad Air has remained visually unchanged for 3 years; this one appears precisely the identical because the fashions from final yr and 2022. Apple hasn’t even given the Air any new colours for 2025.

The iPad Professional, against this, was given a extra revolutionary, thinner design final yr, greater efficiency and a powerful OLED show. The Professional fashions usher in essentially the most cash, which could recommend deliberate neglect of the Air fashions. Nonetheless, the iPad Air might be again subsequent yr with a brand new design. For now, let’s see if the brand new M3 Air is the correct pill for you.

Design and construct high quality: Excellent

The iPad Air is a sublime gadget with first-class workmanship. The tried-and-tested aluminum body makes the pill stable and enticing, and iPads can usually be relied upon to stay presentable even after a number of years of intensive use.

Externally, you received’t discover any distinction from the earlier mannequin. Even the scale are precisely the identical, all the way down to a tenth of a millimeter; solely the burden of the 11-inch mannequin has fallen by 2g.

The colour choices are once more Area Grey, Starlight, blue, and purple. The colours are considerably much less gaudy than these of the Eleventh-gen iPad and struck us as very delicate: even blue and purple look “grown-up” and the Starlight end is barely distinguishable from silver.

The 11-inch mannequin specifically feels gentle and durable on the identical time. With a weight of 460g, this can be utilized with one hand, whereas the 13-inch mannequin is considerably heavier at 616g. Nonetheless, even the massive mannequin is simply half the burden of a MacBook Air.

Eugen Wegmann

Advantages of the M3 chip

A very powerful new function of the iPad Air is the M3 chip, however you shouldn’t anticipate too a lot. On its web site, Apple guarantees a big improve in efficiency. The brand new Air, it says, is “almost 2x sooner than the iPad Air with M1 chip.” That’s not fallacious, nevertheless it’s additionally a bit of deceptive; the M1 mannequin got here out again in spring 2022. The comparability with the M2 mannequin from final yr, against this, is much less flattering: in our exams the efficiency leap was hardly ever noticeable in on a regular basis use. So we must always consider this as a small refresh for the iPad Air, a type of “pace bump.”

For a correct pace enhance, Apple would have wanted to put in the M4, and it’s fairly apparent why the corporate didn’t. The efficiency hole between the Air and the costly prime mannequin needs to be maintained.

Nonetheless, whereas it doesn’t characterize a startling enchancment on the M2, don’t totally write off the advantages of the brand new chip. Not solely does it have a better clock charge, it additionally presents new options reminiscent of help for {hardware} ray tracing–an necessary consideration for sure high-end video games. The brand new media engine of the M3 helps greater resolutions and might now play HEVC movies as much as 8K and H264 movies as much as 4K, in addition to utilizing the ProRes and ProRES RAW codecs. AV1 decoding can also be supported, which might be very helpful if you wish to edit movies on the iPad.

Efficiency: Reasonable enhancements

The iPad doesn’t function the identical M3 chip that Apple used within the MacBook Air, and which was out there in two variations (8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, and 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU). As a substitute, the iPad Air will get a 3rd model of the M3 with an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU. Graphics efficiency due to this fact sits between the 2 earlier variations.

The M3 brings a stable efficiency leap in single-core efficiency, because the M3 chip is clocked considerably greater than the M2. Within the Geekbench 6 benchmark the M3 iPad scored 3,019 factors to the M2 iPad’s 2,584 factors. That’s nearly 15 per cent extra efficiency, which is obtainable for duties reminiscent of internet browsing or Apple Intelligence.

Within the multi-core take a look at, the M3 scored 11,749 factors to the M2’s 10,074, an enchancment of round 17 %. This greater multiprocessor efficiency is useful for extra complicated apps, reminiscent of picture and video enhancing.

Foundry

However in relation to GPU efficiency the brand new chip presents far much less enchancment. Within the 3D Mark Wildlife Excessive take a look at, the M2 scored 6,443 factors and the M3 managed simply three factors extra at 6,446. Within the Geekbench GPU take a look at, issues have been a bit of higher, at 46,007 factors vs 41,902, however nonetheless under a ten % improve.

Nonetheless, the efficiency stays wonderful compared with different iPads. The iPad (A16), which was launched on the identical time, is lower than half as fast by way of graphics efficiency and scored simply 20,123 factors in Geekbench’s graphics benchmark.

We additionally take a look at how lengthy a CPU can maintain prime efficiency. (Efficiency ranges usually drop quickly when the gadget heats up, as iPads must cope with no fan.) In response to our APSI take a look at working 20 minutes of full load, the Air’s throttling stays inside acceptable limits at 86.57 %. Observe that the brand new iPad Professional is healthier at 90.62 %, and the Eleventh-gen iPad, with its far much less highly effective A16 CPU, heats up even much less and performs even higher with 93.94 %.

The Air helps the quick new Wi-Fi 6E customary, whereas the iPad A16 nonetheless has to make do with Wi-Fi 6. If you happen to pay additional for mobile connectivity, which provides $150 to the worth, then you’ll be able to take pleasure in 5G help through eSIM.

Storage efficiency: Nowhere close to the iPad Professional

The M3 will get the headlines, however don’t underestimate the significance of the iPad’s inside SSD in relation to efficiency. Our 1TB mannequin within the take a look at delivered what we’d regard as sufficient efficiency, attaining 1,646 MB/s when studying and 1,380 MB/s when writing. However this doesn’t come near the efficiency of an iPad Professional M4, the place we measured 3,362 MB/s and a couple of,017 MB/s for studying and writing respectively.

It’s additionally doable to attach an exterior SSD through USB-C. As an experiment, we transferred some giant video information between the iPad Air and a Lacie Thunderbolt SSD. We noticed speeds of as much as 700 MB/s through the Recordsdata app, which places the Air someplace within the iPad midfield: the Eleventh-gen iPad managed solely 37 MB/s in the identical take a look at, however the iPad Professional M4 achieved 2,200 MB/s.

Show: Missing some Professional options

As traditional, the largest distinction between the iPad, iPad Air and iPad Professional product traces is the display screen. With the iPad Air, you get 11- or 13-inch panel with IPS expertise, which continues to be frequent amongst tablets and laptops. The decision is 2360 x 1640 pixels (11 inches) or 2732 x 2048 (13 inches).

At 600 nits, the 13-inch mannequin is brighter than the 11-inch mannequin, which solely reaches a most of 500 nits. Nonetheless, each shows are vibrant sufficient to work with outside. In comparison with the cheaper Eleventh-gen iPad, the show scores factors with a helpful anti-glare coating, which suggests it displays considerably lower than the fundamental iPad.

Extra superior applied sciences reminiscent of OLED (and beforehand mini-LED) are sadly reserved for the Professional fashions, which help HDR content material higher consequently. An OLED show can be significantly extra frugal by way of battery consumption. Along with the sRGB shade customary, the iPad Air helps the bigger P3 shade house, which is primarily used within the video sector.

A matte show is simply out there as an possibility for the iPad Professional, and ProMotion is a Professional unique too. Players will surely recognize a sooner show, however must make do with 60Hz on the Air. For many customers, nonetheless, the shortage of ProMotion will not be an enormous deal.

Measurement: Must you get the 11-inch or 13-inch mannequin?

For a very long time, when you needed an enormous 13-inch display screen, you needed to go for the iPad Professional. However since final yr, the Air has additionally been out there with a 13-inch display screen too, and patrons are spoilt for alternative.

In the end, each purchaser has to resolve for themselves which type issue is healthier for them. Larger doesn’t at all times imply higher: the 11-inch mannequin is simpler to deal with, particularly when you’re utilizing it on the transfer. It’s additionally considerably lighter.

For my part, there are two foremost arguments in favour of the 13-inch Air. If you happen to usually use the gadget with an exterior keyboard, you’ll in all probability be extra productive with the bigger mannequin. Managing a number of apps with Cut up View or Stage Supervisor can also be extra sensible at this dimension.

For my part, Stage Supervisor solely actually is sensible with these bigger shows. On a 13-inch mannequin, a single Safari window in full-screen mode is just too giant. With Stage Supervisor, you’ll be able to have a number of apps open and work with Phrase, Mail, and Safari on the identical time, similar to on a Mac.

As well as, an iPad with a 13-inch show is good as an exterior Mac show. If you happen to use a small iMac as your foremost gadget, you’ll be able to combine the iPad as a further show if required. Whereas an 11-inch iPad is a bit of too small for this position, a 13-incher is basically helpful. My take is that the 11-inch mannequin is healthier for consumption, and the 13-inch mannequin is healthier for work.

Battery life: Stable

Battery life has hardly modified in comparison with the earlier mannequin. In response to Coconut Battery, the battery of our (13-inch) take a look at unit had a capability of 9782 mAh, and this presents sufficient energy for a day of workplace work and internet browsing. Apple guarantees as much as 10 hours of internet shopping over Wi-Fi or video playback, however keep in mind that the corporate bases that determine on testing with a display screen brightness of simply 50 %. In our exams we use most brightness, which is much more demanding.

In our video take a look at, the place we let a present film run in a steady loop, the 13-inch Air lasted six and a half hours, which is an effective end result. In our second take a look at, the place an internet site is known as up at fast intervals, the Air lasted nearly eight hours. That is all tremendous, however the unflattering comparability with the iPad Professional illustrates the drawbacks of an IPS display screen: because of its environment friendly OLED show, the iPad Professional M4 lasted three hours longer within the browsing take a look at and twice as lengthy within the video take a look at.

The M3 chip can devour numerous battery energy when it’s at most load, for instance when gaming or utilizing 3D apps. It is a clear distinction from iPads with a sluggish CPU such because the Tenth-gen iPad. Having a sluggish CPU has loads of drawbacks, nevertheless it reduces battery consumption.

Keyboards, circumstances, and different equipment

Apple has launched a brand new keyboard alongside the brand new iPad Air, and this has led to a considerably complicated vary of equipment to select from.

Apple nonetheless sells a model of the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air M2 (from $299 for the 11-inch model), in both black or white. However now there’s a brand new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air M3, which is simply out there in white. The worth for the 11-inch model is $269/£269, whereas the 13-inch model prices $319/£299.

Apple has improved the keyboard in comparison with the earlier model in quite a lot of methods. For instance, there’s a set of operate keys, whereas the trackpad is bigger. And it’s necessary to notice that, somewhat confusingly and opposite to what its branding may recommend, this new accent is appropriate with the iPad Air M2 (and certainly the 4th- and Fifth-gen Airs) in addition to the iPad Air M3.

Nonetheless, there are just a few compromises in contrast with the iPad Professional’s Magic Keyboard; solely the Professional model presents a glass trackpad and backlit buttons. It’s somewhat annoying that when you ever swap from the iPad Air to the iPad Professional, you’ll additionally must issue within the (not inconsiderable) value of a brand new keyboard if you wish to get the total good thing about the improve.

IDG

There are not any new Good Folios, however Apple has dropped their costs. Most third-party circumstances for the earlier iPad Air fashions may also be appropriate for the brand new mannequin, such because the Logitech Combo Contact.

Lastly, like its predecessor, the iPad helps each the USB-C Apple Pencil and the extra superior Pencil Professional. Older Pencils can not be used.

Exterior show: A useful possibility

The M3 Air presents help for an exterior show with a decision of as much as 6K at 60Hz, in comparison with a most of 4K on the Eleventh-gen iPad.

Don’t underestimate the worth of this feature. If you happen to join your iPad to an exterior show through USB-C with a mouse and keyboard related, the Stage Supervisor show possibility is robotically activated. You may then additionally use the mouse and keyboard and extra effectively edit lengthy texts or movies.

Picture and video: Higher at video chats than stills images

The iPad isn’t an apparent alternative as a photographic companion, however the brand new Air, as traditional, is provided with cameras on the back and front. These don’t examine with present iPhone cameras, particularly when taking images indoors: pictures shortly turn out to be noisy. And sadly you need to do with no flash, which might have been helpful when taking images of paperwork.

The front-facing digicam is positioned on the lengthy edge as has turn out to be customary apply for Apple, which is the best place for video conferencing. Plus the Middle Stage function means that you can select between auto-zoom or a wide-angle picture. The Air is effectively outfitted for video chats.

Video recordings with the principle digicam are nonetheless doable at as much as 4K and 60fps, and the Air will get video picture stabilisation.

Lastly, right here’s one space the place the Air outperforms the iPad Professional: its rear digicam module barely protrudes, which is extra sensible in on a regular basis use.

Audio setup: Spectacular high quality

I used to be impressed by the sound high quality of the 2 audio system positioned on the perimeters, which stays sturdy even at greater volumes. This isn’t solely helpful for music and movies, but additionally for displays and video calls. In most conditions there’s no want so as to add exterior Bluetooth audio system.

Two built-in microphones guarantee good recording high quality throughout video conferences. The iPad Professional presents even higher sound high quality because of its 4 audio system and 5 microphones, however the Air is already at a excessive degree on this space.

Abstract: The candy spot

General, the iPad Air is convincing. The iPad Professional is even higher, however far too costly. The iPad A16, however, is considerably slower and has a poorer show. This looks like a candy spot.

For many customers, the truth is, the iPad Air is the best alternative: quick, ergonomic, and outfitted with show. Our solely caveat is that there’s hardly any cause to purchase this mannequin somewhat than the cheaper earlier mannequin with an M2 chip, which is barely much less highly effective; what’s extra, there are some wonderful offers on the market. The M2 Air is, due to this fact my private advice. Whether or not you select the 11- or 13-inch mannequin is as much as you.

Tech specs