Skip to content
Home…›Apple
Apple iOS iPadOS 18.3.1 Released Mar 2025 Discontinued

Apple iPad Air 11 (2025)

8.4 / 10
Compass Score
Based on 25 critic reviews
How we score →
iOS iPadOS 18.3.1 Operating system
11" Screen size
12MP f/1.8 Main camera
M3 Octa-core Processor
128/256/ 512/1000 GB Storage
29 WHr Battery

Verdict

A highly portable tablet, praised for its strong performance and sturdy design, yet considered expensive.

+
What's good
+ Sturdy aluminum design
+ Solid battery life
+ M3-powered performance
+ Vivid display
+ Quality stereo sound
−
What's not
− No Face ID
− Expensive peripherals
− 60Hz display only
− No IP rating
− Slow charging
By category

Key specs

What critics say

Critic consensus

Compass Score
25 reviews
weighted by credibility
PC Magazine
PC Magazine
8

“The 2025 iPad Air is largely the same as its predecessor, but a faster processor provides more power for students and creators to work and play.”

Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck
8.7

“Apple's seventh-generation iPad Air 11 is once again a premium tablet which likely represents the mid-range for the company. Even so, it has a lot of processor power that no Android tablet can currently compete with. The high-quality apps included and its focus on data protection and sustainability additionally make the tablet attractive.”

Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor
9

“The Apple iPad Air (M3) is a superb tablet and one you’re very unlikely to regret buying. There’s fantastic build quality, a lovely display, excellent performance and a solid battery life, while Apple’s iPadOS software continues to be the smoothest and slickest experience in the tablet market. There’s no denying it’s a big investment, but if it’s power and portability you want, the iPad Air (M3) won’t let you down.”

TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews
9

“A very good iPad with strong battery life, a fast chipset that’ll perform well for years to come, two screen size choices and good software.”

Videos

Watch before you decide

Comparison
iPad Air 11 2025 vs Poco Pad X1 Which ONE is BEST ?
ideal views and reviews

In Depth

Design

The iPad Air features a sleek aluminum unibody that feels luxurious and durable. Its slim frame is easy to hold, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods.

Weighing just 460g for the 11-inch model, it maintains portability while still delivering a spacious screen size. The design remains unchanged from previous versions, a testament to its successful aesthetic and functionality.

“There was very little wrong with the iPad Air’s design, with a slim and slender build, a premium aluminum unibody,” experts observed, illustrating its continued design allure.

Display(s)

The IPS LCD screen on the iPad Air offers a 2360 x 1640 resolution, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. While it doesn’t match the OLED displays of higher-end models, it still impresses with good color accuracy and detail.

According to reviewers, “The display is decent, too. It’s as sharp as you need and performs very well,” highlighting how it competently supports varied uses, from streaming videos to reading ebooks.

Its fully laminated design minimizes reflections, making outdoor viewing less challenging, though its maximum brightness falls short compared to other tablets, limiting visibility in very bright conditions.

Performance

The M3 chip inside powers through demanding tasks easily. “You can throw anything at this iPad and it won’t skip a beat,” say experts.

You’re likely to experience smooth multitasking, whether streaming or gaming, thanks to its eight-core processor and nine-core graphics chip.

If you appreciate speedy performance and effortless app transitions, this tablet offers a seamless experience ideal for work and play.

Software & Storage

The iPad Air (M3) runs iPadOS 18, praised for its smooth and intuitive UI, enhancing everyday use with features like Stage Manager for improved multitasking.

“Apple Intelligence provides tools for polishing your writing and creating images,” according to reviewers, adding to its versatility.

“There’s little change from the previous software version,” other reviewers mention, yet the system remains reliable, optimizing tablet efficiency.

Cameras

The iPad Air (2025) features a 12MP rear camera that works fine for document scanning and casual photos, but a smartphone might yield better results for quality photos. The front camera, now in a landscape position, excels for video calls, keeping you in the frame effectively.

The front-facing camera supports Apple’s Center Stage, adjusting automatically to keep you centered during calls, which is highlighted as a key feature. “The front camera now positioned at the top is perfect for video conferencing,” one expert exclaims.

While the rear camera offers decent performance, reviewers often recommend using it only when necessary. The cameras make the iPad Air sufficiently versatile for common tablet uses, ensuring your video chats and meetings are well-handled.

Battery

The iPad Air 11 offers a solid 10-hour battery life for casual browsing, video streaming, and note-taking, which “is pretty much on the money” according to reviewers. This ensures that your tablet is ready for a full day’s work or entertainment with ease.

The tablet doesn’t support fast charging, which may require planning ahead for a complete recharge overnight, keeping it reliable for the next day. Be aware, you’ll need to provide your own 20W charging brick since it doesn’t come included.

Audio

The iPad Air’s stereo speakers are designed to provide good sound quality, especially when catching up on the latest shows or enjoying your favorite games. Experts noted, “There’s good performance from the inbuilt stereo offering.” This ensures a pleasant experience without external speakers for moderate listening levels.

When making calls, the positioning of the microphone and speakers ensures clear communication. Reviewers have praised how the speakers are able to deliver a warm and neutral sound, making your conversations and entertainment clear and understandable.

For most everyday users, this means better sound clarity for calls and enjoyable audio for videos or games. While volume may not reach very high levels without distortion, at low to mid-volume you experience balanced audio quality.

The Bottom Line

This device offers excellent performance with a powerful processor, perfect for multitasking and demanding apps. Its high-quality build is durable and the design remains sleek, making it a good choice for daily use. You can expect a vibrant display that handles everyday content with ease. You’ll also benefit from software that’s optimized for smooth operation. It’s ideal for those who need power on the go.

If cost is a concern, remember that accessories and in-box inclusions are limited, so factor in the extra expense for upgrades. The absence of features like Face ID and fast charging might be notable missing elements for some power users.

Common questions

What people actually want to know

When was the Apple iPad Air 11 (2025) released?
How long does the battery last on the Apple iPad Air 11 (2025)?
Does the Apple iPad Air 11 (2025) support wireless charging?
Does the Apple iPad Air 11 (2025) have a headphone jack?
Does the Apple iPad Air 11 (2025) have NFC?
Where can I get support for the Apple iPad Air 11 (2025)?
Community

Questions & answers

💬
Be the first to ask

Have a question about the Apple iPad Air 11 (2025)? Ask it here and we'll email you as soon as someone answers. Readers have answered 5,000 questions across PhoneCompass.

Apple
Made by
Apple
52
Tablets reviewed
Ready to buy the Apple iPad Air 11 (2025)?

Compare new, refurbished, and carrier deals with the true 24-month cost calculated.

Compare is full