iPad Air M3 (2025) Review: The Most Practical iPad Gets Smarter, But Plays It Safe

The iPad Air M3, launched in March 2025, builds on the success of its M2 predecessor with subtle yet significant improvements. While Apple didn’t reinvent the wheel, the upgrades make the new Air an ideal choice for first-time buyers or those upgrading from much older iPads. It keeps everything that worked in the previous model and improves performance and AI-readiness—without increasing the price.

Apple iPad Air M3: Key Highlights

• Chipset: Apple M3 chip (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)

• Display: 11-inch or 13-inch Liquid Retina, 60Hz refresh rate

• Storage: Up to 1TB

• Battery Life: Approx. 10–11 hours

• Apple Pencil Pro support

• iPadOS with Apple Intelligence tools

What’s Great About the iPad Air M3 M3 Performance That Delivers

The M3 chip brings flagship-level performance to the Air lineup. From 4K video editing in LumaFusion to intense multitasking and high-end gaming, the M3 doesn’t break a sweat. Paired with up to 16GB RAM (depending on configuration), the new Air handles professional-grade apps like Final Cut Pro and Procreate effortlessly.

For users upgrading from A-series chip iPads or even the M1 Air, this is a massive jump in performance. The M3 is also future-proofed to handle Apple’s upcoming AI-centric features in iPadOS.

Battery Life That Keeps Up

The iPad Air M3 retains the excellent battery life of its predecessor. It averages around 10 to 11 hours of use, covering productivity, streaming, and casual gaming. Apple’s power efficiency improvements under the hood keep the device running cool and lasting longer without any dramatic gains or losses.

Apple Intelligence Built-In

Unlike the M2 Air, the M3 version launches with support for Apple Intelligence features like Image Playground and advanced writing tools. These are baked into the iPadOS experience and are expected to evolve rapidly throughout the year.

Pencil Pro Compatibility

Support for the new Apple Pencil Pro brings advanced input features like haptic feedback, a squeeze-based shortcut function, and improved precision with tilt and barrel roll capabilities—ideal for artists and note-takers alike.

What Could Be Better The 60Hz Display Feels Outdated

In 2025, a 60Hz LCD panel on a premium tablet feels like a compromise. The screen is bright (600 nits), color-accurate (P3), and sharp, but it lacks the fluidity and responsiveness of the 120Hz ProMotion displays found on the iPad Pro models. For casual users, this won’t be a dealbreaker, but creative professionals might miss the extra smoothness.

Not Much New Beyond the Chip

For existing M2 Air owners, the M3 update offers little reason to switch. Apart from the processor and Apple Intelligence readiness, the rest of the tablet—including the design, speakers, camera, and Touch ID—remains largely unchanged.

iPad Air M3: Final Verdict

The iPad Air M3 (2025) remains the most well-rounded and practical iPad for most people. It offers blazing-fast performance, excellent battery life, Apple Pencil Pro support, and a reliable tablet experience starting at ₹59,900. If you’re new to the iPad or coming from an older device, this is one of the best value offerings in Apple’s lineup today.

Buy it if:

• You’re upgrading from an A-series iPad, M1 Air, or older Pro.

• You want a Pro-like experience without the premium price.

• You need a future-ready tablet with AI features and great performance.

Skip it if:

• You already own an M2 iPad Air.

• You need a higher-refresh-rate display for pro-level animation or design work.

Choose the 11-inch for maximum portability, or go for the 13-inch if you want a more immersive screen for work and entertainment.