Apple’s iPad Air lineup has consistently delivered a blend of performance and portability, making it a favorite mid-range tablet. It has just received a new member, the all-new iPad Air M3, with a few improvements over the previous generation.
Although Apple has discontinued the iPad Air M2, you may still get it at a discounted price at third-party sellers. But should you? I’ve compared the iPad Air M3 to the iPad Air M2 to tell you what’s different and which is a better choice if you plan to buy one.
iPad Air M3 (2025) vs. iPad Air M2 (2024): Specifications
Before, we jump into the details, here’s a quick overview of key specifications and differences between the iPad Air M3 and the iPad Air M2:
| Specification | iPad Air M3 (2025) | iPad Air M2 (2024) |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (11-inch), 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1 mm (13-inch) | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm (11-inch), 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1 mm (13-inch) |
| Weight | 460 grams (11-inch), 617 grams (13-inch) | 462 grams (11-inch), 618 grams (13-inch) |
| Display | 11-inch and 13-inch Liquid Retina display | 11-inch and 13-inch Liquid Retina display |
| Screen resolution | 2360 x 1640 pixels (11-inch), 2732 x 2048 pixels (13-inch) | 2360 x 1640 pixels (11-inch), 2732 x 2048 pixels (13-inch) |
| Processor | M3 chip: 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine | M2 chip: 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine |
| Graphics | Hardware-accelerated ray tracing | NA |
| Media Engine | Hardware-accelerated 8K HEVC, 4K H.264, ProRes, and ProRes RAW Video decode engine Video encode engine ProRes encode and decode engine AV1 decode | Hardware-accelerated H.264 and HEVC Video decode engine Video encode engine |
| Storage options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Rear camera | 12MP Wide Camera | 12MP Wide Camera |
| Front camera | Landscape 12MP Camera with Center Stage | Landscape 12MP Camera with Center Stage |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Apple Pencil support | Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) |
| Biometric security | Touch ID in the top button | Touch ID in the top button |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours of web and video usage | Up to 10 hours of web and video usage |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes |
| Colors | Space Grey, Blue, Purple, Starlight | Space Grey, Blue, Purple, Starlight |
| Box contents | USB-C cable, 20W USB-C Adapter | USB-C cable, 20W USB-C Adapter |
| Starting price | $599 (11-inch), $799 (13-inch) | $599 (11-inch), $799 (13-inch) |
As you can see, both models offer similar display sizes, storage options, camera capabilities, and connectivity features. What’s new in iPad Air M3 compared to M2? Let’s find out.
iPad Air M3 (2025) vs. iPad Air M2 (2024): What’s different?
Apple introduced a slew of upgrades with the M2 iPad Air. However, this time around, it has solely focused on performance and efficiency. So, let’s look at the performance aspect first and then move on to other differences between the two models.
Performance
Performance is one of the most crucial factors when deciding whether to upgrade to a new iPad. The iPad Air M3 promises to bring a significant leap in processing power compared to its predecessor, the iPad Air M2.
Although both chipsets feature an 8-core CPU with four performance cores and four efficiency cores, M3 takes things a step further. Apple has used TSMC’s 3nm (N3B) process for the new chipset, increasing the transistor count to 25 billion. This is said to help enhance processing speeds while consuming less power. Apple says you can enjoy 20% faster performance on the new iPad Air M3.
Another notable upgrade in the 2025 iPad Air is its 9-core GPU, which now includes hardware-accelerated ray tracing—a first for the iPad Air lineup. This is said to allow for more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in supported games and augmented reality (AR) apps, so you can enjoy a more immersive gaming experience.
The all-new GPU architecture also provides dynamic caching and mesh shading for performance-intensive apps and efficient 3D modeling. In media engine, Apple integrated hardware-accelerated 8K HEVC, 4K H.264, ProRes, and ProRes RAW, and AV1 video decode support in iPad Air M3 model.
Design and display
Both the M2 and M3 iPad Air models are available in 11-inch and 13-inch (Liquid Retina) display options, with a screen resolution of 2360×1640 pixels and 2732×2048 pixels, respectively.
The design remains sleek and modern, with slim bezels and a lightweight form factor. While the core design is consistent, the M3 model has a slightly larger chassis to accommodate the new Magic Keyboard. Moreover, the 2025 iPad Air M3 model weighs less than the previous one.
Accessories
Apple introduced the new Magic Keyboard with a larger built-in trackpad and a 14-key function row along with iPad Pro M4. Now, the iPad Air M3 has support for this keyboard to offer a laptop-like typing experience. The 2024 iPad Air M2 is only compatible with the standard Magic Keyboard.
Price
Apple has maintained the pricing structure with the iPad Air M3, offering the 11-inch model at $599 and the 13-inch at $799, mirroring the M2’s pricing. So, you can enjoy enhanced performance and features without an increase in cost. Here’s a detailed pricing overview:
| Model | Storage | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular |
| iPad Air M3 (2025) 11-inch | 128GB | $599 | $749 |
| 256GB | $699 | $849 | |
| 512GB | $899 | $1,049 | |
| 1TB | $1,099 | $1,249 | |
| iPad Air M3 (2025) 13-inch | 128GB | $799 | $949 |
| 256GB | $899 | $1,049 | |
| 512GB | $1,099 | $1,249 | |
| 1TB | $1,299 | $1,449 |
iPad Air M3 (2025) vs. iPad Air M2 (2024): Should you upgrade?
If you already own an iPad Air M2, the M3’s performance boost is notable but not revolutionary for everyday tasks. However, if you use your iPad for gaming, video editing, professional creative work, or multitasking, the M3’s enhanced GPU, better CPU efficiency, and AI capabilities make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Thinking of buying a new iPad Air but confused about which is better? I suggest buying the 2024 iPad Air M2 from an authorized retailer like Walmart or a refurbished model. As Apple has discontinued it, you can grab some good discounts.
The iPad Air M2 has a good display, Apple Intelligence features, strong camera, good battery life, and everything like the new 2025 model. Moreover, the M2’s performance is more than sufficient for everyday activities like browsing, streaming, and note-taking. Along with accessories, iPad Air M2 will be the best value for money choice!
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