# **Apple’s 2025 iPad Air: A Subtle Update with Notable Enhancements**
Apple has introduced its latest iteration of the **iPad Air**, and although the modifications are slight, they still feature some significant upgrades. The **2025 iPad Air** upholds many qualities of its predecessor while integrating a **new M3 chip** and a **revised Magic Keyboard**. Let’s examine the updates and determine if this refresh is worth considering.
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## **From M2 to M3: A Gradual Performance Enhancement**
A key modification in the 2025 iPad Air is the **transition from the M2 chip to the M3 chip**. While not a revolutionary change, it does present some performance upgrades.
### **M3 Chip Specs:**
– **8-core CPU** (4 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores)
– **9-core GPU**
– **16-core Neural Engine** (Apple’s NPU for AI applications)
– **Hardware-accelerated ray tracing**
– **AV1 video codec support**
In **benchmark assessments**, the M3 shows performance similar to the M2, which means users upgrading from the previous year’s iPad Air may not see a dramatic change. However, users upgrading from an **M1 or older A-series chip** will experience a significant increase in speed and efficiency.
### **Who Reaps the Benefits of the M3 Upgrade?**
– **Gamers** engaging in high-performance titles such as *Assassin’s Creed Mirage* or *Resident Evil Village* will notice enhanced fluidity.
– **Creative professionals** utilizing **video editing or CAD programs** may take advantage of the extra power.
– **Users interested in Apple Intelligence** (Apple’s AI-enhanced features) will gain access to the latest generative AI tools.
For routine tasks like web browsing, streaming, and note-taking, the M3 won’t present a marked improvement over the M2.
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## **Apple Intelligence: An Evolving Feature**
The **M3 chip** enables **Apple Intelligence**, Apple’s collection of **AI-heartened features**. Although still developing, Apple Intelligence is anticipated to get better over time, improving functionalities like **smart text suggestions, AI-powered image editing, and voice assistance**.
Currently, Apple Intelligence isn’t a **critical** feature; however, as AI technology advances, it could become a significant selling point for upcoming iPads.
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## **A Slightly Enhanced Magic Keyboard**
Apple has also rolled out a **new Magic Keyboard** for the iPad Air, featuring a few notable updates:
### **What’s New?**
– **Lighter build**
– **New row of function keys** (for volume, brightness, and media controls)
– **Slightly bigger trackpad**
– **Reduced price ($269 instead of $299)**
While the **iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard** comes with **backlighting and haptic feedback**, these aspects are absent from the Air’s version. Nevertheless, the **inclusion of function keys** is a beneficial adjustment.
### **Should You Upgrade Your Keyboard?**
– If you own the **previous Magic Keyboard**, there’s **no pressing need to upgrade**.
– If you’re purchasing a new iPad Air and require a keyboard, the **upgraded version offers better value**.
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## **Display and Design: No Significant Changes**
The **2025 iPad Air** keeps the **same LCD display** as its predecessor. Although it lacks the **mini-LED or OLED technology** present in the iPad Pro, it continues to produce **brilliant colors and clear visuals**.
### **Key Display Features:**
– **11-inch and 13-inch variants**
– **Liquid Retina LCD**
– **P3 wide color gamut**
– **True Tone technology**
The **design stays consistent**, featuring the **Apple logo and a singular rear camera** on the back.
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## **Pricing and Value: Still a Top Choice for Most Users**
Apple has maintained the **pricing framework akin** to previous models:
– **11-inch iPad Air** – **$599**
– **13-inch iPad Air** – **$799**
– **Magic Keyboard** – **$269**
– **Base iPad (2025 model)** – **$349** (for budget-focused users)
– **iPad Pro (2025 model)** – **Starts at $999** (for high-performance users)
### **Who Should Consider the 2025 iPad Air?**
– **General users** seeking a powerful, well-rounded tablet.
– **Students and professionals** in need of a dependable device for work and studies.
– **Gamers and creatives** desiring a robust performance boost without opting for the iPad Pro.
### **Who Should Pass?**
– **Owners of the 2024 iPad Air (M2)** – The upgrades aren’t substantial enough.
