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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : In 2025, Apple offers four main models of iPads: the entry-level 11th-Gen iPad, the compact iPad Mini, the upgraded iPad Air with an M3 Chip, and the high-end iPad Pro equipped with an M4 Processor and OLED display. While every model currently offered by Apple is designed beautifully, it feels more complicated than ever to figure out which one to purchase.

The newly designed iPad Air M3 sits perfectly between the value and Pro tiers. On the other hand, does it do enough to be impressive by itself?

Design and Display: Functionally Familiar

Other than the power button and a couple of ports, iPad Air M3 looks exactly like the previous generation models. Apple continues to adhere to its style of minimalism with narrow bezels and a thin profile. This means there are no new “breakthroughs”.

Brightness needs improvement, but the Liquid Retina Display still works well for watching videos.

The 60Hz refresh rate is archaic, especially when compared to the Pro’s 120Hz.

Bezels remain strong, and the display lacks OLED-grade contrast and richness.

Apple still considers this a “budget Pro,” but the removal of the “Air” branding signifies the change.

Performance and AI Features: M3 Chip Makes a Difference

The transition to an M3 chip represents a leap. It is more efficient than the M2 with smoother multitasking, although not significantly faster, and supports creative workflows better.

Unlike the base model, runs Apple Intelligence features.

Supports generative tools such as message summarization, Genmoji, and image creation.

There is a Sisyphean improvement in Siri integration, but core limitations persist.

Everyday and light professional users will find the performance more than adequate. However, discerning users may prefer the iPad Pro owing to its M4 chip, multitasking capabilities, and power.

Accessories and Productivity: Useful, Not Essential

The addition of Apple Pencil Pro supports increased precision and ease for creatives thanks to:

Haptics, squeeze gestures and support for barrel rolls.

Apple still restricts this premium accessory to the higher tiered models unlike lower base iPads.

The Magic Keyboard allows the Air to be transformed into a pseudo-laptop. Unfortunately, it increases weight.

Keyboard is not backlit, has a smaller trackpad, and provides tactile rather than haptic feedback.

These limitations reminds the user they’re not using a full Mac.

iPad vs. MacBook: Still Not A True Laptop Replacement

The iPad Air M3 has the capability of supporting multiple apps, external displays, and a keyboard setup. However, it still does not replace the Mac fully.

The iPadOS limitations block complex workflows and publishing tasks.

Lack of macOS feature, regardless of the potency the M3 chip possesses.

Suitable for light work, content creation and media consumption, but falls short of robust desktop use.

Apple’s seamless-switching approach has kept the iPad a hybrid until Apple introduces the switchable iPadOS and macOS.

Should You Purchase the iPad Air M3?

Absolutely — if your requirements include a single device that works for productivity, media consumption, and light creative work. It sits beautifully between the basic iPad and the iPad Pro.

Recommended Configuration:

An eleven inch iPad with 256 GB or 512 GB storage.

Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, if the user requires a desktop workstation, should be added.

Do not splurge to pretend as a Pro unless the user’s workflows truly justify it.

iPad Air M3 Pricing in India (2025)

11-inch iPad Air M3

Prices for Wi-Fi models are:

₹59,900 for 128GB,
₹69,900 for 256GB,
₹89,900 for 512GB,
And, ₹1,09,900 for 1TB

Cellular models start at:
₹74,900

13-inch iPad Air M3

Starts at:
₹79,900 for 128GB,  Wi-Fi only
And goes up to:
₹1,29,900 for 1TB, Wi-Fi only

Cellular models start at:
₹94,900

Accessories

Magic Keyboard for 11-inch:
₹26,900

Magic Keyboard for 13-inch:
₹29,900

Pencil Pro:
₹11,900

Apple Pencil with USB-C:
₹7,900

Read More: Apple iPad Air M3 (2025) Review: Powerful, Capable, Still Not a Laptop