iPad Air is a tablet computer made by Apple, positioned as a midrange option between the “basic” iPad and the higher-end iPad Pro.
Its combination of performance, features and portability makes it a popular choice for various tasks such as productivity, entertainment and creative work. As a midrange model, iPad Air proves popular with both consumers and professionals.
Table of contents: Everything you need to know about iPad Air
Like all Apple tablets, the iPad Air runs iPadOS. It comes with a suite of useful and fun apps, with millions more available from third-party developers in the App Store.
There’s a wide array of iPad Air accessories on the market, including the Apple Pencil for drawing, painting or taking handwritten notes.
Along with the M3 iPad Air model released on March 4, 2025, came a redesigned Apple Magic Keyboard with a trackpad, which turns the tablet into a slim laptop. iPad Air owners can choose from a variety of third-party attachable keyboard cases, too.
Overall, iPad Air is a versatile and capable computer suitable for a wide range of users, including students, professionals and average consumers.
How to choose the best iPad Air
In early 2025, Apple brought out the M3 iPad Air, a version upgraded with a processor introduced in 2023. It’s available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants. Generally speaking, the newest and fastest version on the market is the best.
As for screen size, consider that the larger option is easier to see while the smaller is easier to carry around. Those who regularly expect to use the tablet for hours and hours might want the 13-inch model, while those who are on the move more often should consider the more portable version.
Possibly the only time the older model is a better option is when there are significant discounts available on the M2 iPad Air, which debuted in spring 2024.
The 2024 iPad Air runs on a speedy Apple M2 processor. And for the first time, Apple added an iPad Air with a 13-inch screen. The newest models include faster Wi-Fi and a landscape front camera.
The M2 iPad Air also supports the new Apple Pencil Pro with all its useful gestures.
Pros:
Makes a 13-inch Apple tablet affordable
Ideal for those needing a large screen but not cutting-edge performance
The original iPad Air model launched in fall 2013 with the same 9.7-inch display as the basic iPad available at the time. However, the iPad Air sported a lighter, slimmer design. Hence the name.
Over time, Apple released more iPad Air models with successively better features. The fifth-generation model, for example, came with a 10.9-inch screen. It’s built around an Apple M1 processor, the same chip used in MacBook Air.
The sixth-generation model moved to an M2, and was the first to come in booth 11-inch and 13-inch variants. Apple reached the seventh-generation model, with an M3 processor, in early 2025.
You can't beat a bargain on a tablet that just launched this week! Photo: Apple
Apple upgraded the iPad Air with a faster M4 processor this week, and the speedy new version is already available at a discount. A deal knocks 7% off the cost of a brand-new M4 iPad Air lowering the mid-range model to a very affordable price: $559. Maybe you need one to finish out the school year, or the tablet is great for anyone needing a light-duty productivity and entertainment computer.
★★★★☆
With a 2-inch bump in screen size that looks and feels like more, this is a nice upgrade for me. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
The 11-inch Apple M1 iPad Air (5th generation) I used for the past few years was a great device — fast, light, capable and well-integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Yet after just a couple days with the 13-inch iPad Air powered by Apple’s M4 chip, I can say this trade-in for an upgrade isn’t just incremental. It’s the kind of shift that quietly changes the way I use a device.
The MacBook Neo looks like a sweetheart for switchers. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on the Cult of Mac podcast: The MacBook Neo is the obvious star that emerged from this week’s tsunami of Apple product announcements. Its potent combo of good looks, surprisingly good performance and an extremely appealing price tag makes it a powerful lure for bringing new people into the Apple world.
We discuss the new laptop’s strong points — as well as some definite drawbacks.
Also on the Cult of Mac podcast:
The brawny M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in the latest MacBook Pros sound absolutely mind-blowing.
The iPhone 17e looks like a great upgrade to Apple’s budget handset.
The new Airs (iPad and MacBook) also seem great, if not that surprising.
And we wrap up the show with the results from last week’s predictions game.
Listen to this week’s episode of the Cult of Mac podcast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
iPad Air now comes with a faster M4 chip. Photo: Apple
Apple on Monday introduced a new iPad Air powered by its M4 chip, upgrading the silicon in its midrange tablet to narrow the performance gap with the iPad Pro. In addition, the device comes with more RAM that’s also faster, plus new wireless networking chips that support Wi-Fi 7.
“iPad Air gives users more ways than ever to be creative and productive, offering powerful performance and incredible versatility to help them turn their ideas into reality,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of worldwide product marketing, in a press release. “With its blazing performance thanks to M4, incredible AI capabilities, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, there’s never been a better time to choose or upgrade to iPad Air.”
The colorful budget MacBook could be the star of Apple's March product announcements. AI image: Gemini/Cult of Mac
Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed Thursday what had previously been rumored: The company will launch new products starting Monday, March 2.
The graphic he posted on X hints at the new MacBooks that are expected to be among the announcements. Beyond notebooks, the iPhone 17e, revamped iPads and possibly more could all be unveiled in just a few days.
An Apple March event is officially on! Image: Apple
Apple on Monday announced a product-launch event scheduled for March 4, inviting select media to attend in person what it describes as a “special Apple Experience.” The invitation offers no details on what to expect, but the company is surely preparing to unveil new hardware as it pushes into the heart of its spring product cycle.
Numerous leaks and rumors point to a busy event. A new MacBook Pro, a new MacBook Air, an entirely new low-cost MacBook, the iPhone 17e, revamped iPads and possibly more could all be on the agenda.
Almost all the iPad lines get a refresh in 2026. Image: ChatGPT
Using an aging iPad? Or maybe you’re thinking about getting your first tablet. Great news! Updated models with significantly more horsepower will hit store shelves soon.
Apple has a busy 2026 in store. Which of these new and upgraded products can we expect? AI image Google Gemini/Cult of Mac
With more than a dozen new Apple products in the pipeline, 2026 is shaping up to be a busy and important year for the company. Among a plethora of high-profile device launches, we should see the first folding iPhone next year
If all the rumors prove true, Apple’s 2026 product road map looks bold, exciting and ambitious. Check out all the new products Apple likely will launch in 2026.
Apple's next base iPad will get a massive silicon upgrade. AI Image: Google Gemini
Apple’s next budget iPad refresh could introduce a big performance boost. It will reportedly use the A19 chip, the same SoC that’s found inside the iPhone 17.
Additionally, the tablet will switch to Apple’s in-house N1 chip to handle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Save an amazing 25% on a new Apple tablet. Do not miss these Cyber Monday iPad sales. Image: Cult of Mac
Cyber Monday is officially here, and for iPad fans, the deals are looking good. Lots of iPads are on sale for their lowest-ever prices. Whether you’re hunting for a dependable workhorse, a powerful all-rounder, or a pro-level device, the iPad deals hitting the market shouldn’t be ignored.
The budget-friendly iPad is now 21% off, making it a steal for students, casual users, or families. Meanwhile, the sleek M3 iPad Air is discounted by an amazing 25%, bringing high-performance efficiency at an even more tempting price. And for creative pros, the brand-new M5 iPad Pro is also seeing an early discount — a rare opportunity to grab cutting-edge power and graphics capabilities without paying full retail.
Add iPad mini to the list of Apple devices getting an OLED screen. Image: Cult of Mac/Apple/Paul Inkles
The next-generation iPad mini will be upgraded with a gorgeous OLED display, according to a generally reliable source of Apple insider info. It’s apparently part of a drive that will eventually see an OLED screen coming to the iPad Air, too. But there’s bad news about the budget iPad.
The move comes as the oft-predicted OLED MacBook Pro moves closer to release.
If the iPad Air as an external display for the Mac mini seems odd, get a load of that split keyboard with a Magic Trackpad in the middle. Photo: [email protected]
Some computer setups on social media are like highly functional art, beautifully curated and seemingly permanent, like museum pieces. Others are just weird, wonderful and fleeting. Today’s example is more the latter case, featuring a “spec’d out” M4 Mac mini used with an iPad Air and a tiny touch screen as external displays, plus a Magic Trackpad and a crazy split keyboard.
People questioned the lack of a MacBook, but other commenters rose up in defense of the oddball setup.
For most users, Apple Pencil (USB-C) gets the job done. Photo: Apple
Apple Pencil Pro may have all the bells and whistles, but a lot of average users don’t really need those. For a solid premium iPad stylus that does all the basic tasks like signing documents, note-taking and sketching, Apple Pencil (USB-C) gets the job done just fine. And right now you can get the stylus on sale with a Apple Pencil (USB-C) deal at Amazon, making it even more affordable. It’s just $69.
Here’s everything rumors told us to expect from Apple in the next year. Photo: Google Gemini/Cult of Mac
Apple is gearing up for a blockbuster year, with a packed product roadmap that spans nearly every category in its lineup. From an iPhone redesign to upgrades for the Mac, iPad and Apple Watch families, the next twelve months promise a steady stream of hardware refreshes, software milestones and perhaps a few surprises.
Whether you’re a casual user or a die-hard fan, here’s a look at every major Apple product expected between now and next summer.
Save big on M4 iPad Pro and M3 iPad Air and more… if you don’t delay. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Good news for anyone in the market for an iPad: Amazon Prime Day brings low prices on every tablet Apple makes. But that’s underselling it — there are amazing deals here!
The budget iPad 11 is down to a rock-bottom price, and so is the iPad mini. And Amazon significantly cut the Price of iPad Pro and iPad Air, too. We’re talking deals as good as 24% off. You can save hundreds of dollars.
iPad repair is doable, but it’s far, far from easy. Image: Gemini/Cult of Mac
Apple now offers tools and parts to repair your own iPad, but the instructions provided by Apple show that working on one of its tablets is not for the faint of heart.
Just removing the screen from an iPad Pro is a 32-step process that requires special tools to detach the glue, tape and screws holding everything together.
The keyboard stows easily for productivity anywhere. Photo: Logitech
Logitech’s latest iPad accessory, Flip Folio, is a protective keyboard case specifically engineered for Apple’s iPad Pro and iPad Air models, the Swiss peripherals giant said Wednesday. Logitech Flip Folio promises to enhance the iPad experience at home or on the go with a unique magnetic storage system and multi-device connectivity. Those should appeal to users seeking versatility in their mobile computing setup.
“We’ve designed Flip Folio to make the iPad experience both fun and functional, helping you stay focused on what matters,” said Joseph Mingori, Logitech GM of mobile and audio solutions. “Flip Folio enhances everyday experiences — from binge watching to checking your social media or emails — by delivering portability and connectivity, setting people free so they can do what they love from anywhere.”
If you don't want to shell out for a new M3 iPad Air, consider a refurbished M2 iPad Air. Photo: Apple
Apple quietly expanded its refurbished product lineup in the United States this week, adding 11-inch and 13-inch M2 iPad Air models to its Certified Refurbished store for the first time. Now you can take your pick of Apple refurbished iPad Air 2 models at discounts of around 15% off.
Apple previously made these refurbished iPad Air models available in the United Kingdom. But this marks the first opportunity for U.S. customers to purchase these previous-generation iPad Air models at a significant discount directly from Apple.
Get a capable Apple tablet at a very affordable price. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
This refurbished iPad Air is a good fit for work, school or just relaxing with your favorite show. It’s also on sale for only $169.99.
If you want a lightweight device for streaming, reading, video calls and work, an iPad is hard to beat. And while the newest models tend to come with a steep price tag, older generations offer an affordable alternative.
The launch of the iPad 11 helped buoy tablet shipments in Q1. Photo: Apple
iPad shipments shot up 14% year over year during the first three months of 2025, according to a market analysis firm. That marks the fourth quarter in a row with an increase in iPad demand.
Replacing tablets bought years ago during the pandemic is only one of the reasons for the continuing strong growth.
With a variety of models to choose from, what the best iPad for you? Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
You want the best iPad, but shopping for one can be overwhelming. Apple sells six iPad models in a wide range of sizes, prices and capabilities. Our iPad comparison explains the strengths and weaknesses of each model. You don’t want to get one that doesn’t have all the features you want, but you also don’t want to pay too much for features you won’t use.
Here’s some straightforward advice on picking the best iPad for you.
This user loves the color reproduction on their Thunderbolt displays. Photo: [email protected]
Have you ever run multiple displays with different resolutions? Today’s featured Mac mini setup sports older Apple Thunderbolt Displays (2.5K resolution, aka 2560 x 1440p) flanking a newer Studio Display (5K, or 5120 x 2880p). Seems like that might cause a touch of seasickness looking back and forth between them all the time — or maybe a sticky mouse cursor — but it doesn’t bother the user at all. For them, it’s all about the excellent color reproduction across the board.
Apple deals abound in Amazon's Big Spring Sale through March 31. Photo: Amazon
Amazon is famous for its Prime Day and Black Friday deals, but it also runs the Amazon Big Spring Sale, on now. It ends Monday, March 31, unless extended. That wouldn’t be too surprising, given that the mega retailer often extends its sales. So it’s another chance for you to score savings on all sorts of Apple gear, including MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iPad Pro, iPad Air, Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 2 and more. Click on our posts to all the best deals, below.
