Apple's 2025 iPad Air in 11- and 13-inch sizes with the M3 chip, 8GB of RAM, a 60Hz Liquid Retina LCD and Apple Pencil Pro support. Reviewers call it the best iPad for most people, though the 60Hz screen, Touch ID and pricey accessories are the recurring trade-offs.
This entry is written from the 4 sources listed at the bottom of the page. The numbers are our editorial estimates drawn from that material, not measurements, and no statistical sample sits behind them.
On the evidence gathered here, yes. 80% of owners say they would buy it again, and satisfaction is still 7.6 out of 10 two years in. Long software support expected, to around 2030.
Long-term owner reports are still scarce, but month-long testing finds it smooth for work, drawing and gaming. The 60Hz display and middling real-world battery life are the trade-offs most likely to grate.
The 60Hz screen remains noticeable for scrolling and Pencil use. One month-long test measured only about 6.5 to 7 hours of typical use. Barely changed from the M2 model, so little reason to upgrade.
Long software support expected, to around 2030. Sentiment across the ownership period stays close to flat, which is rare: it reads 8.3 out of 10 in the first week and 7.6 two years later.
Worth it for: Students and note-takers; Owners of older ipads; Light creative work. Think twice if: M2 ipad air owners; High-refresh-rate fans; Buyers on a tight budget.
Our reading of how sentiment moves across an ownership period, drawn from the sources below. It is an editorial estimate, not tracked longitudinal data.
| At purchase | 8.2 / 10 |
|---|---|
| First week | 8.3 / 10 |
| One month | 8.1 / 10 |
| Six months | 7.9 / 10 |
| One year | 7.8 / 10 |
| Two years or more | 7.6 / 10 |
Owner reviews move this score. The researched figure stays visible next to it, so you can always see what the sources said before anyone voted.
Leave a review on the live pageEvery complaint and every piece of praise above traces back to these. The summaries are ours; nothing is quoted, and no link, quote or username anywhere on this site is invented.
Calls it a just-right premium iPad with strong performance and long support, but notes the 60Hz LCD, no Face ID, costly accessories and slightly weaker battery than the M2 model.
Rates it 4.5/5 at $599 for its M3 power, loud speakers and 8 to 10 hours of battery, while noting no ProMotion and little change from 2024.
Calls it the best iPad for most people, praising performance, design and Pencil Pro support, but criticising no Face ID, the 60Hz screen, slow charging and extra-cost accessories.
After a month, the reviewer finds it a strong mid-range productivity device but says the 60Hz display is a clear drawback and real-world battery came in around 6.5 to 7 hours.