2025 iPad Air Hands-On Review: Why Change Perfection When It Works So Well?

"2025 iPad Air Review: Why Fix What Isn't Broken?"

Apple's latest iPad Air refresh features the M3 chip and a redesigned Magic Keyboard, but is largely similar to the previous model.

Sam Gupta3 hours agoLast Update : 3 hours ago

An iPad is attached to a keyboard and sits on a wooden table

arstechnica.com

Apple’s latest iPad Air refresh, announced on March 15, 2025, brings only minor updates. With the new M3 chip and redesigned Magic Keyboard, is it worth your attention? Let’s explore what these changes mean for users.

6 Key Takeaways

iPad Air refresh lacks significant changes.
Upgrade from M2 to M3 chip.
M3 offers better performance for demanding tasks.
New features: ray tracing and AV1 support.
Supports Apple Intelligence generative AI features.
Similarities to previous iPad Air model.

Fast Answer: The 2025 iPad Air features an upgraded M3 chip and a new Magic Keyboard. While performance improvements are subtle, the addition of hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AV1 codec support may appeal to tech enthusiasts.

What’s New in the 2025 iPad Air? Key Features to Know

Is the new iPad Air a game-changer or just a minor upgrade? With the M3 chip, users can expect enhanced performance, but is it enough to sway potential buyers? Let’s dive into the specifics.

Info! The 2025 iPad Air’s upgrades are particularly relevant for U.S. consumers interested in gaming and creative applications.

Performance Boosts: M3 Chip and Beyond

The 2025 iPad Air features the M3 chip, boasting an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU. This upgrade delivers noticeable performance improvements, especially for demanding applications. Users transitioning from older models will appreciate the speed, but those with the M2 may find the differences minimal.

8-core CPU with four performance and four efficiency cores
9-core GPU for enhanced graphics performance
16-core Neural Engine for advanced AI capabilities
Support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AV1 codec

How Does the M3 Chip Improve Gaming and Creative Work?

For gamers and creative professionals, the M3 chip unlocks new possibilities. With features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing, users can expect richer graphics in games. Additionally, the AV1 codec support enhances video playback quality, making it ideal for content creators.

Is the Magic Keyboard Redesign Worth It?

The redesigned Magic Keyboard complements the new iPad Air, offering improved usability and aesthetics. With enhanced key travel and a sleeker design, it aims to enhance the overall user experience. But is it a must-have for every iPad Air owner?

In conclusion, the 2025 iPad Air offers solid upgrades, particularly for users seeking enhanced performance and new features. While it may not be a revolutionary change, it still provides value for those looking to elevate their iPad experience.