The iPad is available in different versions. The iPad Pro is mainly intended for professionals, the standard iPad is a great entry-level model and the iPad Air often steals the show. This tablet is excellent for users who demand just a little more from their tablet.
Since the iPad Air switched to M-chips, the tablet has become powerful and extra versatile, a perfect mid-range device. The iPad Air with M2 chip was released in 2024 and according to recent rumors, the iPad Air 7th generation with M3 chip is expected in 2025. The innovations are limited to a faster processor and some minor adjustments. We have listed the expectations for you.
Unchanged design, new colours
The design of the iPad Air with M3 chip will most likely be the same as the previous model. The design is still popular and the dimensions may remain untouched. No adjustments have been made to the screen and design. It is expected that the 7th generation iPad Air will be available in new colors.
90Hz display
According to recent rumors, Apple is working on a 90Hz screen technology for various devices. The displays could possibly be added to the iPad Air, iMac and Studio Display.
At the moment, only the Pro models have a screen with a higher refresh rate of 120Hz, all other devices use a 60Hz screen.
The rumor suggests that the 90Hz panel will first appear on the M3 iPad Air and will eventually make its way to the 24-inch iMac and Studio Display. According to Bloomberg, the next generation iPad Air is expected to debut in early 2025.
Secured with Touch ID
Just like the previous generation, the iPad Air contains a fingerprint scanner for Touch ID in the top button. This allows you to easily unlock the iPad, make purchases and unlock passwords.
Faster processor
The biggest innovation for the 7th generation iPad Air will undoubtedly be a faster processor. Instead of an M2 chip, the iPad may have an M3 processor that makes it possible to perform less complex tasks energy efficiently. The new processor will probably be needed for the 90Hz screen.
M3 chip specifications
- 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
- 10 Core GPU
- 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB RAM
- Media engine: H.264 and HEVC with hardware acceleration, Video decoding and encoding engine
Other improvements
The following innovations will probably be added to the iPad Air with M3 chip
- will be added later
Availability
It is currently unclear when Apple will unveil the new iPad Air 7th generation with M3 chip. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg thinks that the iPad Air with M3 will be released in the spring of 2025. The current iPad Air has a starting price of €719 for the 11-inch model and €969 for the 13-inch version.