New iPads with the M3 chip in 2025 — what’s new?

Spring 2025 marks a real technological leap for fans of the American brand. Following the release of the iPhone 16E, Apple introduced an updated iPad Air with 11- and 13-inch displays, now powered by the formidable M3 chip. The company didn’t chase after the M4, but performance has doubled compared to models with M1 and A14 Bionic processors. 

In addition, Apple refreshed the base iPad, now featuring an 11-inch display. And the wait won’t be long — the new models are about to arrive in iSpace stores. The standard iPad had gone three years without an upgrade, but that’s now history. The Air, on the other hand, was updated just a year ago — but Apple clearly believes there’s no such thing as too much power. 

So, what’s hidden beneath the surface, and how much has really changed? Fans had expected loud announcements, but instead, Apple launched the new tablets quietly. And there’s a reason for that: these new iPads represent more of an evolutionary update than a revolutionary overhaul. 

iPad 2025 Updates — What’s New? 

Three years without an update — and finally, the base iPad shakes off the dust of anticipation. Meet the new version, now powered by the A16 chip — the same one that powered the iPhone 14 Pro. That means faster, smarter, and more powerful performance. The story with the Air is a bit different: it was refreshed just a year ago. But Apple isn’t one to wait around. The decision was made, the upgrade delivered — and now we have a tablet of an entirely new caliber. With the M3 chip and full support for Apple Intelligence, the iPad Air is no longer just “lightweight” — it’s seriously ambitious. 

The refreshed trio now looks like this: 

• iPad Air — 11″ and 13″ options — lightweight, elegant, and packing the computing power of the M3 

• iPad — 11″ with A16 — a base model with character, affordable yet uncompromising 

On the outside, the devices may look the same — but inside, it’s a whole different story. Every detail is engineered for those who value speed, capability, and cutting-edge tech. It’s time to take a closer look. 

11- and 13-Inch Displays — Two Sizes of the iPad Air M3 (2025) 

Apple raises the bar once again. In 2025, the iPad Air receives, for the first time, a MacBook Pro–level chipset — the powerful M3. With an 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, and support for ray tracing technology, the graphics are stunningly lifelike — reflections feel real, and the detail goes beyond anything you’ve seen before. The Air is no longer just a tablet — it’s now a true mobile powerhouse. 

What’s inside: 

• 3nm Chipset: 8-core CPU + 9-core GPU + 16-core Neural Engine — flawless graphics and lightning-fast data processing 

• Two Liquid Retina Displays: 11″ (500 nits, 2360×1640) and 13″ (600 nits, 2732×2048) — bright, sharp, and vibrant 

• Cameras: 12MP rear (f/1.8), 12MP front (f/2.0), with 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 240fps — built for impressive content creation 

• Body: Durable aluminum build 

Color options include Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Space Gray — a style for every taste. 

Pricing: The iPad Air M3 starts at 1,569 AZN for the 11″ (128GB) version and 2,149 AZN for the 13″ (128GB) model. 

Refreshed in March 2025, the new iPad Air is a true all-purpose workhorse, capable of running top-tier games and creative apps with ease. 

Battery: 7606 mAh in the 11″ model, 9705 mAh in the 13″ — enough for up to 10 hours of video over Wi-Fi or 9 hours with full connectivity. 

Performance: 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and storage options from 128GB to 1TB — plenty of room for any task, from “Where Winds Meet” to heavy design work in Morpholio Trace. 

The integrated M3 chip with 62% AI acceleration boost turns workflows into dust. 

Charging: Standard USB-C 20W — plug in and go. 

The Magic Keyboard has been upgraded too — iPad Air now confidently replaces your laptop. 

But the real highlight is full support for AI features: 

• Rewrite, edit, and generate images directly in the Notes app 

• Integration with ChatGPT and visual intelligence — the tablet thinks with you 

• Unfortunately, the long-awaited Smart Siri update is temporarily delayed. 

The New iPad A16 — The Essential Tablet of 2025 

Apple surprises once again — no flashy teasers, just a powerful argument in favor of performance. While there’s no official name for this generation yet, fans have already dubbed it iPad 11 Gen. Inside is the A16 Bionic chip — the same powerhouse that fueled the iPhone 14 Pro. Now that it’s in a tablet, the performance boost is impressive. It’s 30% faster than the iPad 10, and up to six times more powerful than many popular Android tablets. However, Apple Intelligence isn’t supported — A-series chips aren’t compatible with AI features yet. 

Key features: 

• Processor: A16 Bionic (4nm, 5-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine) — incredible computing power for work, creativity, and gaming 

• OS: iPadOS 18.3.1 — even more features and user convenience 

• Display: 11-inch Liquid Retina with IPS LED and Multi-Touch — bright, rich, and color-accurate 

• Cameras: 12MP main (f/1.8) and 12MP front-facing (f/2.4) — sharp photos, smooth video, excellent for video calls 

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB — plenty of space for all your content 

• Battery: Up to 10 hours of video playback — enough to last all day 

• Body: Aluminum — lightweight and durable 

iPad A16 and the Magic Keyboard Folio make a powerful duo for productivity. Apple’s genius lies in the details. The updated iPad A16 supports the Magic Keyboard Folio — an accessory that transforms the tablet into a serious tool for work and creativity. Its thoughtful two-part design works in perfect sync: 

• The back panel with an adjustable kickstand — attaches magnetically and stays on the device at all times. 

• The keyboard — snaps into place instantly when the iPad is placed on top. Smooth key travel, intuitive trackpad, and a comfortable layout. 

Apple takes a bold step forward — the SIM card slot is gone for good, replaced by a modern and convenient eSIM. It’s not just a move forward — it’s a new standard. The design remains flawless: sleek, stylish, with refreshed details. On the top — speakers and the power button with Touch ID. On the bottom — more speakers and a USB-C port. Volume buttons on the right, and on the left — a dedicated Smart Connector for accessories. 

Colors, as always, match every mood: classic Silver, bold Yellow, soft Pink, and refreshing Blue. Starting at just 899 AZN for the 128GB version, the iPad A16 is a practical masterpiece of technology. 

Let’s sum it up 

The updated versions of the iconic iPads — iPad A16 and iPad Air — strike a perfect balance between refined design and everyday performance. They may not have caused a media frenzy, but they introduced meaningful improvements: new processors, expanded storage, updated accessories, and thoughtful upgrades like a larger display and Ray Tracing support for the M3 chip. 

• iPad A16 is the go-to tablet for those seeking a balance between price and quality. It delivers stable performance and runs on a smooth operating system that includes all the essential features found in more expensive models. The sound is pleasant, the display is solid, and with the Magic Keyboard Folio, typing has never been more comfortable. 

• iPad Air surpasses the base model in all of these areas. The quality here is top-tier: a color-calibrated P3 display, support for Apple Pencil Pro for precise drawing and control, enhanced speakers, more power with the M3 chip, and full multitasking and desktop functionality with iPadOS. Plus, Apple Intelligence — if that matters to you, the base iPad A16 won’t be enough. 

Two devices, two worlds, two very different paths to perfection. Which one is right for you? It all depends on your needs — but one thing is certain: both tablets will change the way you think about what tech can do. You can officially purchase the new models at iSpace — Apple’s Premium Partner in Azerbaijan. For customer convenience, pre-orders, installment plans, credit options, and pay-later services are all available. 

READ ALSO

How to Choose the Perfect iPhone: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Who is the new MacBook Air M4 for?

Top 10 Hidden AirPods Features You Didn’t Know About

Best Gadgets for Sports: What to Choose for Your Workouts 

Global Apple Standard in Azerbaijan: Welcome the New iSpace with Apple Premium Partner Status