Apple iPad (2025), iPad Air 11 (2025), and iPad Air 13 (2025) - Complete Comparison Of Specs, Features, And Performance

Body and Build

The Apple iPad (2025) maintains Apple's signature design with a sleek aluminum frame and glass front. With a weight of 477 g (Wi-Fi-only model) or 481 g (cellular), it strikes a balance between portability and sturdiness. Available in Blue, Pink, Silver, and Yellow, its bright colors make it fun and youthful.

Weighing in at 460 g, the iPad Air 11 feels premium but remains lightweight. Available in Blue, Purple, Space Gray, and Starlight, this model retains the classic aluminum body with a glass front for durability. It's just a bit thinner and lighter than the regular iPad, making it an excellent middle-ground choice for those seeking portability without sacrificing power.

Weighing 616 g, the iPad Air 13 is the heaviest of the trio but offers a 13-inch display, making it a great option for users who prefer a larger canvas for work or entertainment. It's available in Blue, Purple, Space Gray, and Starlight colors and features a similar aluminum and glass build.

Here are the relevant specs:

When it comes to the bodies of the Apple iPad (2025), iPad Air 11 (2025), and iPad Air 13 (2025), Apple continues to uphold its reputation for sleek, functional, and premium designs. All three iPads are lightweight and comfortable to hold, especially for their size. The iPad (2025) and iPad Air 11 (2025) are particularly portable with weights under 500 g, which makes them ideal for on-the-go use. Whether you're carrying them in your hand or backpack, they won't weigh you down. The dimensions of both are also perfect for casual browsing and media consumption, offering enough screen real estate without feeling too bulky.

The iPad Air 13 (2025), with its 616 g weight, is the heaviest of the three, but it's still quite manageable for users who prefer a larger screen for productivity, gaming, or creative work. It may feel slightly heavy for extended handheld use, but it's great for propping up on your lap or working on a desk.

For long sessions, especially for note-taking or casual work, the iPad (2025) and iPad Air 11 (2025) will be more comfortable for lap use because of their lighter weight. The iPad Air 13 (2025), although a bit heavier, has a larger screen that might provide a more immersive experience when working on your lap or at a desk. It's more suited for professional tasks, media editing, and multitasking, where the larger screen real estate makes up for the extra weight.

Apple's scratch-resistant glass is a noteworthy feature, as it ensures your device stays looking pristine even with regular use. Whether you're tossing it in a bag, using it while eating snacks, or just generally carrying it around, the scratch-resistant glass keeps the display free from minor scratches and smudges.

While it's not indestructible, this feature does reduce the likelihood of visible wear and tear, so your iPad retains its aesthetic appeal over time. For those who like to keep their devices looking fresh without constantly worrying about scratches from keys, pens, or other everyday objects, this is a definite plus.

The aluminum back and frame across all three iPads offer several benefits. It's a sturdy material that resists bending and warping, offering a solid feel. It's also less prone to the kind of wear you might see with plastic bodies, which is great if you drop the tablet or apply pressure from your bag. Despite its durability, aluminum is still relatively lightweight, which helps balance the tablets' weight and keeps them portable.

The aluminum gives these tablets that high-end, premium look and feel. The smooth surface, especially in colors like Space Gray, Starlight, and Silver, really makes them stand out. Also, aluminum naturally conducts heat better than plastic, helping to dissipate heat more efficiently when the tablet is under load, such as during gaming or video rendering. This can help prevent the device from overheating, ensuring more consistent performance.

Apple offers a range of colors across these iPads, each catering to different personalities and tastes:

• Blue: This color is bright, playful, and modern, ideal for younger audiences, creative types, or anyone looking to add a pop of color to one's tech. It has a fresh, lively vibe.
• Pink: Fun and soft, the Pink option is perfect for those who like to express their unique style in a vibrant, eye-catching way. It's youthful and trendy, perfect for a personal or creative device.
• Purple: Purple exudes a sense of individuality and creativity. It's a great option for users who want to stand out while maintaining an air of sophistication. Purple lovers tend to be bold and imaginative.
• Silver: Classic and elegant, Silver suits users who prefer a more traditional, refined aesthetic. It's timeless, understated, and a safe choice for professionals or anyone who wants a neutral look.
• Space Gray: Sleek, modern, and professional, Space Gray has a more serious tone and is a popular choice among professionals and tech enthusiasts. It complements any environment, from office desks to study rooms.
• Starlight: A blend of silver and gold, Starlight is elegant yet contemporary, appealing to those who appreciate a little flair but prefer something a bit subtler than flashy colors.
• Yellow: Bright and energetic, Yellow is a color for the bold and optimistic. Perfect for people who want to stand out in a crowd, Yellow speaks to those with a fun-loving, adventurous spirit.

Each color choice brings its own personality, allowing you to select a device that reflects your personal style or your mood.

In short, the Apple iPad (2025), iPad Air 11 (2025), and iPad Air 13 (2025) all offer sleek, lightweight bodies that are comfortable to hold and easy to carry around. Whether you prefer the compact size of the iPad (2025) or the larger display of the iPad Air 13 (2025), all three devices are built to endure extended use, both in hand and on the lap. The scratch-resistant glass and aluminum frame ensure durability, while the wide array of color options lets you choose a personality that fits your style. No matter your choice, these iPads offer a premium feel, whether for work or play.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

Ah, the missing IP rating on the 2025 iPad lineup - the James Bond gadgets of the tech world. No worries, though; not every hero wears a cape, or in this case, a waterproof suit. Let's address the concern and prep our users for the tech battlefield.

An absent IP rating doesn't necessarily mean your iPad can't handle a splash or two. It's like having a friend who's not officially a lifeguard but can still swim like a fish. This tablet might not flaunt a waterproof badge, but it's not about to panic if it encounters a raindrop or a sneaky coffee spill.

For potential buyers, it's all about understanding your tablet's limits. Don't take it for a swim, but a light rain or accidental spill isn't going to turn it into a high-tech paperweight. Just be mindful, like you would with any other cherished possession.

Now, let's talk defense strategy. Invest in a good-quality case - think of it as the iPad's armor. A rugged case can be the superhero cape that protects against accidental drops, bumps, and, yes, even a surprise encounter with water. It's the knight in shining armor for your digital companion.

Screen protectors are the unsung heroes too. They shield your tablet's display from scratches and potential splashes. It's like giving your tablet a shield - a transparent one that doesn't hide its beauty.

So, should you be concerned? Nah, just be savvy. Treat your tablet like the VIP it is, and it'll reciprocate with smooth, uninterrupted performance. Get that case, slap on a screen protector, and let your iPad be the stylish, resilient sidekick in your tech adventures.

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

Equipped with an 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, the iPad (2025) and iPad Air 11 (2025) offer 500 nits of brightness, which is ideal for indoor use and moderate outdoor visibility. The resolution of 1640×2360 pixels translates to around 264 PPI, giving you sharp visuals for media consumption, reading, and casual browsing. Although there's no ProMotion or true-color accuracy features, it supports Apple Pencil, making it an excellent choice for note-taking or sketching.

Apple iPad Air (2025). Image credit: Apple

The iPad Air 13 (2025)'s 13-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD offers 600 nits of brightness, making it slightly brighter than the other models. With a resolution of 2048×2732 pixels (around 264 PPI), the larger display is perfect for multitasking, video editing, and gaming. The support for Apple Pencil Pro adds value for creative professionals who need precision.

Here are the relevant specs:

Apple's 2025 iPad lineup features Liquid Retina IPS LCD displays across the board, providing vibrant, sharp visuals for a range of users. While each iPad offers a similar display type, there are some subtle differences in size, resolution, brightness, and stylus support that are worth discussing.

First off, the term "Liquid Retina" is Apple's branding for its high-quality IPS LCD displays. It's called "Liquid" because of the smooth, seamless appearance, as well as the vibrant, true-to-life colors and exceptional clarity that make it look like a liquid flowing. The "Retina" part refers to Apple's marketing term for displays with a high pixel density that makes individual pixels nearly invisible to the naked eye at a normal viewing distance. So, Liquid Retina basically promises a premium experience with sharp, rich, and accurate colors.

Although it's still an IPS LCD (in-plane switching liquid crystal display), it comes with some key features that make it a standout in the iPad lineup:

• True-to-life color accuracy and consistency.
• Wide viewing angles, meaning you won't notice color distortion or brightness shifts when looking from different angles.
• Smoothness and fluidity in touch response and visual performance.

The Apple iPad (2025) and iPad Air 11 (2025) feature an 11.0-inch display with a resolution of 1640×2360 pixels, which results in a 264 PPI (pixels per inch) pixel density. This is considered a sweet spot for a tablet display, offering sharp images and text without noticeable pixelation at typical viewing distances. While not as sharp as higher-end devices like the iPad Pro (2024) with Ultra Retina Tandem OLED, it still provides an enjoyable viewing experience for browsing, watching movies, and gaming.

The Apple iPad Air 13 (2025) boasts a larger 13.0-inch display with a resolution of 2048×2732 pixels (still with a 264 PPI density), making it more suitable for multitasking, content creation, and media consumption. The larger screen size also makes it ideal for professional use like graphic design, video editing, and general productivity, where the higher resolution and larger display can show more detailed content or provide better working space.

The difference in resolution is minimal between the iPad (2025) and iPad Air 11 (2025), but the jump in screen size and resolution in the iPad Air 13 (2025) makes it a more immersive option for users who need that extra screen real estate.

The 500 nits brightness in both the iPad (2025) and iPad Air 11 (2025) is great for typical indoor use, providing adequate brightness for viewing in most environments. However, in extremely bright environments, such as outdoor settings under direct sunlight, the 500 nits may feel somewhat limiting. It may not offer the best outdoor visibility, especially when compared to devices with 1000 nits or higher, which are optimized for better outdoor readability.

The 600 nits in the iPad Air 13 (2025) gives it a slight edge over the other two. While it's not as high as the 1000 - 1600 nits available on high-end iPads like the Pro models, 600 nits is still relatively bright for outdoor use and will perform better in direct sunlight or brightly lit rooms. It's definitely more usable for those who need to work or consume media outside frequently, but still, it's not at the level of flagship OLED or higher-end LCDs.

While the 500 nits on the iPad (2025) and iPad Air 11 (2025) and the 600 nits on the iPad Air 13 (2025) are decent for typical indoor and moderate outdoor environments, they do have their limits under direct sunlight or extremely bright conditions. If you're planning to use your iPad outside in full sunlight for extended periods, 500 nits might fall short, making the screen harder to read without squinting or adjusting the angle. The 600 nits on the iPad Air 13 (2025) provides a bit more brightness, making it more comfortable for outdoor use, but it's still not quite up to the level of outdoor-oriented displays.

However, most casual users should be able to manage with some minor adjustments, such as finding shaded areas or angling the device to avoid glare. For those frequently in extremely bright environments, it might be worth considering a model with higher brightness or an OLED display for more consistent visibility in outdoor conditions.

The Apple iPad (2025) supports the 1st-gen Apple Pencil, which connects via Lightning. It's suitable for basic tasks like note-taking, light sketching, and navigation. While it's not as advanced as the newer models, it still works fine for users who don't need advanced features like tilt sensitivity or pressure adjustment.

Apple iPad (2025) display with Apple Pencil. Image credit: Apple

The Apple iPad Air 11 (2025) and iPad Air 13 (2025) support the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C. The Apple Pencil Pro has features like tilt sensitivity and pressure control, offering a highly responsive and intuitive drawing experience, which is ideal for artists and creative professionals. The USB-C version connects seamlessly with the iPad Air 11 (2025) and iPad Air 13 (2025) models, offering faster pairing, charging, and data transfer speeds compared to the Lightning version. This makes the newer Apple Pencil a better option for professional users and digital artists who require precision.

The oleophobic coating on the displays of all three iPads provides a fingerprint-resistant surface. This means that the screen is less prone to smudging from oil or grease left behind by your fingers. This is a huge benefit in terms of both aesthetics (the screen stays cleaner for longer) and usability (it's easier to swipe and interact with the screen without smears affecting your view).

Not only does this coating help keep your display cleaner, but it also makes the screen feel smoother to the touch, improving the overall tactile experience.

Overall, the Liquid Retina IPS LCD displays on the Apple iPad (2025), iPad Air 11 (2025), and iPad Air 13 (2025) are excellent in terms of color accuracy, clarity, and smooth performance. They offer a great viewing experience for casual use, content consumption, and creative tasks, with the iPad Air 13 (2025) having the advantage of a larger display and higher brightness.

While the 500 - 600 nits may feel slightly low for prolonged outdoor use in direct sunlight, these displays are more than capable of handling most everyday tasks indoors and in moderate lighting. For the creative professionals and artists, the compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro (and USB-C version) further elevates the tablet's potential.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

The Apple iPad (2025), iPad Air 11 (2025), and iPad Air 13 (2025) come in two variants: a Wi-Fi-only model (with no cellular network support), and a 5G-ready model, which supports the GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G technologies.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.

SIM

The cellular variants of all three tablets support an eSIM.

Chipset - Performance

Powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4-nm) chip, the iPad (2025) uses a binned version of the chipset, which means fewer CPU and GPU cores than the regular A16, making it less powerful than the regular version but still suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, light gaming, and video streaming.

Running the powerful Apple M3 chip with octa-core CPU and a nona-core GPU, the iPad Air 11 (2025) is a big step up from the base iPad in terms of speed and graphics. The Apple M3 provides exceptional performance for professionals on the go.

Powered by the Apple M3 chip, the iPad Air 13 (2025) delivers the same octa-core CPU and nona-core GPU as the iPad Air 11 (2025) but shines with the larger screen, making it ideal for users who need a powerhouse.

Here are the relevant specs:

The chipset, CPU, and GPU are the heart of any tablet, and Apple has equipped its 2025 iPads with impressive hardware that powers everything from everyday tasks to more demanding creative work. The Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) chipset in the iPad (2025) is a highly efficient and powerful SoC (system-on-chip). The "binned version" means that it's a slightly less powerful version of the regular A16 Bionic used in flagship devices like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. In this case, the binned version has one fewer CPU and GPU core compared to the standard A16, which means slightly reduced overall performance.

The Apple M3 chip, used in the iPad Air models, represents a significant jump in terms of performance and efficiency. Built on a more advanced architecture than the A16 Bionic, it's designed for demanding tasks like professional-level photo and video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking with complex apps. The M3 is Apple's latest-generation silicon, optimized for both high performance and low power consumption, thanks to the advanced manufacturing process. Both the iPad Air 11 (2025) and iPad Air 13 (2025) share this powerful chip.

The penta-core (5-core) CPU in the iPad (2025) is designed for a mix of performance and efficiency cores. The performance cores handle heavy tasks like gaming and video editing, while the efficiency cores manage lighter tasks, helping conserve battery life. While the A16 Bionic chipset in the binned form is still powerful, it's not quite as fast as the full A16 in the iPhone 15.

The octa-core CPU (8 cores) in the M3 consists of 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. This configuration allows the device to handle intensive tasks (like editing 4K videos and running multiple heavy apps) with ease, while still optimizing power usage for less demanding tasks (like browsing the web and watching videos). The overall performance will be significantly higher compared to the A16 Bionic, especially in multitasking and heavy-duty applications.

The quad-core GPU in the iPad (2025) is designed for tasks like gaming, video rendering, and general graphics performance. The reduction to four cores from the usual 5 or 6 cores in higher-end models means graphics-intensive tasks will perform well but may not handle demanding workloads like 3D rendering or high-end gaming at the same level as the M3-powered iPads.

The nona-core GPU is another standout feature of the M3 chip. With 9 GPU cores, this makes the M3 ideal for graphically demanding tasks like gaming, 3D modeling, AR/VR, and video editing. Compared to the iPad (2025) with its quad-core GPU, the M3's nona-core GPU delivers much better performance in rendering complex graphics and 3D environments. It's more capable of handling high-frame-rate gaming and smooth, high-quality rendering for professional-level applications.

While we don't have exact clock speeds, we can infer from the number of cores that the binned version of the A16 Bionic in the iPad (2025) will perform admirably for general tasks like web browsing, media consumption, and even some light gaming and photo editing. However, for more demanding tasks like professional video editing, heavy gaming, and multitasking with many apps, it may start to show limitations compared to the M3 chip.

The number of cores in the M3 chip (especially in the GPU) strongly indicates that both the iPad Air 11 (2025) and iPad Air 13 (2025) will offer significantly better performance than the iPad (2025) in graphic-intensive and multitasking scenarios. Overall, the M3 chip is the clear winner in terms of raw power and performance, especially when it comes to heavy-duty workloads and gaming.

The Apple Neural Engine (NPU) is a specialized hardware component designed to accelerate machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) tasks. Found in all the recent Apple chips, including the A16 Bionic and M3, the 16-core NPU in both chips plays an important role in tasks such as:

• Image and Video Processing: Improving facial recognition, photo enhancement, and video stabilization in real-time.
• Natural Language Processing: Helping with voice assistants like Siri, improving speech recognition, and enabling better context understanding.
• Augmented Reality (AR): Enabling smooth and responsive AR experiences by processing the large amounts of data needed to map the real world.
• Personalization: AI-driven features like adaptive brightness, screen time tracking, and predictive text.

The NPU's role is particularly noticeable in apps that rely on AI, machine learning, and neural networks, such as photo and video editing apps, voice assistants, and AR applications. It boosts performance in these areas while optimizing power consumption, so tasks that require real-time processing are handled quickly and efficiently.

For general users, the NPU will make the device feel faster and more responsive, even for seemingly simple tasks like typing, photos, and Siri commands. For professionals, it powers AI-enhanced features in apps like Final Cut Pro and Procreate, where machine learning can be used to enhance content or automate repetitive tasks.

In summary, Apple's 2025 tablet lineup is equipped with some serious processing power:

• The iPad (2025) with the A16 Bionic (binned version) provides solid performance for everyday tasks but lags behind in terms of graphic-intensive applications and heavy multitasking.
• The iPad Air 11 (2025) and iPad Air 13 (2025), powered by the Apple M3, deliver significant performance boosts, especially in multitasking, gaming, creative work, and more demanding tasks, thanks to the octa-core CPU and nona-core GPU.
• The Apple Neural Engine plays a key role in accelerating AI and machine learning tasks, making these iPads feel snappy and responsive, particularly in AI-driven apps like photo and video editing, voice recognition, and AR.

For users who require top-tier performance, the M3-powered iPads are the clear choice, while the iPad (2025) is an excellent option for lighter use and general tasks.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

The iPad (2025) offers 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of storage, giving you plenty of space for apps, media, and files. The other two iPads, with 8 GB RAM and storage options from 128 GB to 1 TB, are perfect for more demanding tasks, such as video editing, multitasking, and gaming.

Cameras

Apple iPad (2025). Image credit: Apple

The 12 MP rear camera shoots in 4K and captures good-quality images, suitable for video calls, content creation, and casual photography. The 12 MP ultrawide front camera supports HDR and 1080p video, making it a good choice for high-quality video calls.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

With a 28.93 Wh battery, the iPad (2025) promises a full day of typical usage, but it doesn't support the lightning-fast charging speeds of the higher-end models.

With 28.93 Wh, the iPad Air 11 (2025)'s battery life remains solid, easily lasting through a day of productivity or media consumption.

The iPad Air 13 (2025)'s 9705 mAh battery is the largest of the three, providing extended usage for intensive tasks.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Connectivity

The Apple iPad series leaves no stone unturned in connectivity options. The iPad (2025) supports dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, whereas the two Air models support dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, ensuring you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The WLAN hotspot feature in all three tablets allows the device to act as a wireless access point, enabling other devices to connect to the internet through its Wi-Fi connection. This functionality is particularly useful when you need to share your tablet's internet connection with other devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, without requiring a separate Wi-Fi router. Whether it's in a coffee shop, airport, or on the go, the WLAN hotspot feature provides a convenient way to stay connected and share internet access with friends, family, and colleagues.

All three tablets boast Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming, LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, and EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) (this last one in the iPad (2025) only) for higher data transfer rate and efficiency of Bluetooth connections for more reliable communication between devices, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

The Wi-Fi-only model of the iPad (2025) and the cellular (5G) models of the iPad Air 11 (2025) and iPad Air 13 (2025) feature GPS and GLONASS positioning systems for accurate navigation and location services.

The absence of NFC might disappoint users looking for seamless contactless interactions.

Last but not least, the iPad (2025) supports the trusty USB-C 2.0, whereas the two Air models support USB-C 3.1 gen 2 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.

The USB-C connector in all three tablets can be used for DisplayPort, a digital video and audio interface that's used for connecting displays to devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. It's like the bridge that carries the sights and sounds from your tablet to your monitor or TV.

The tablets also feature a magnetic connector (a charging connector) that attaches to the USB-C port on the device, acting as an intermediary between the charging cable and the port. This magnetic connector provides a convenient way to charge the device without needing to fumble with cables or aligning the USB-C port. You can simply bring the magnetic connector close to the port, and the magnets will guide it into place, ensuring a secure connection for charging.

Sensors

The Apple iPad (2025), iPad Air 11 (2025), and iPad Air 13 (2025) come equipped with the following sensors:

• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing (when the tablet is placed with its longer side horizontal) in all three models.
• Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure. It tells you about your altitude and improves GPS elevation results. You can also use it to make weather predictions.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Apple iPad (2025), Apple iPad Air 11 (2025), and Apple iPad Air 13 (2025) release date?

  The Apple iPad (2025), iPad Air 11 (2025), and iPad Air 13 (2025) have been announced on the 4th March, 2025. They are expected to release on the 12th March, 2025.