Apple’s latest iteration of the iPad Air, now equipped with the M3 chip, continues its tradition of blending performance with portability. While the design remains largely unchanged, the internal upgrades and accessory enhancements make it a compelling choice for professionals on the move. Luckily, I got to get behind one just before the launch last week and here is my thoughts…
The new Apple iPad Air M3
Design and display
The iPad Air M3 retains the sleek aesthetics of its predecessors, available in four colors: Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray. It comes in two sizes—11-inch and 13-inch—catering to those who prioritize portability and those who desire a larger workspace. The Liquid Retina display is vibrant and sharp, though it maintains the 60Hz refresh rate, which might disappoint users accustomed to smoother scrolling on other devices.
Performance
The introduction of the M3 chip brings a notable performance boost. Apple claims it’s nearly twice as fast as the M1 version, with up to 40% faster graphics performance. In real-world usage, this translates to seamless multitasking, swift app launches, and efficient handling of graphics-intensive tasks. For digital creators, small business owners, and students, this means smoother workflows and enhanced productivity.
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Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro
The redesigned Magic Keyboard introduces a larger trackpad and a row of function keys, enhancing the typing experience and bringing it closer to that of a traditional laptop. The floating cantilever design remains, providing adjustable viewing angles. The Apple Pencil Pro offers a tactile experience akin to writing on paper, with improved responsiveness and new features like a squeeze function to access menus quickly. For designers and note-takers, this accessory proves invaluable.
Portability and battery life
Weighing just over a pound, the iPad Air M3 is designed for mobility. Its slim profile makes it easy to carry, and the battery life comfortably supports a full day of moderate use. However, under heavy workloads, such as video editing or extensive gaming, users might notice a quicker drain, necessitating access to a charger sooner than anticipated.
Software and features
Running on iPadOS 18, the device benefits from Apple’s latest software enhancements. Features like the Clean Up Tool and Writing Tools leverage Apple Intelligence, simplifying tasks like photo editing and note-taking. However, some users may find iPadOS less intuitive for certain workflows compared to macOS, particularly when managing multiple applications simultaneously.
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Which iPad should YOU buy in 2025?
Great question. The iPad has a cult like following around the globe. But it can sometimes be daunting as to which one is the right one for you. My first and foremost answer is typically, just walk into an Apple store. It’s the best way to truly get a hands on look at the various models side by side and see what feels best. But if you want to take our word for it (which we appreciate), then here ya go.
With multiple options available, choosing the right iPad depends on your needs. The iPad Mini remains a compact and powerful choice for note-taking and travel, while the base iPad is the most affordable and practical option for casual use. The iPad Air M3 offers a solid middle ground with Apple Intelligence and M3 performance, making it ideal for professionals and students who want a balance of power and portability. If you need the best display and performance, the iPad Pro, with its M4 chip and ProMotion technology, is the ultimate powerhouse.
For a more in-depth analysis of which iPad is best for you, check out this video by one of my favourite Canadian tech creators, Karl Conrad:
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All photos and some videos: Courtesy of Apple. All other videos sourced and linked from Canadian tech reviewer, Karl Conrad via Youtube.
Editor's note: Apple Canada provided a device on loan for the purposes of testing out this device ahead of the release in order to authentically provide this product review. That said, this review is not endorsed nor sponsored by Apple. All opinions expressed are my own.
