There was a time when the iPad’s place in the tech world seemed uncertain. With smartphones growing larger and laptops getting thinner, the question of why anyone needed a tablet loomed large. But Apple has steadily refined the iPad lineup, ensuring it carves out a clear niche—whether as a creative tool, a mobile workstation, or a casual entertainment device. And in that ecosystem, the iPad Air has emerged as the go-to option for those who want a balance of power and portability without stepping up to the more expensive iPad Pro.

Now in its seventh generation, the iPad Air gets an M3 chip, and the 13-inch variant makes it an even more attractive choice for creative professionals, students, and those looking for a capable laptop alternative. But the real question is whether the new iPad Air can hold its own.

Apple’s hardware remains top-notch, and the iPad Air is no exception. The design is sleek, and the build quality is premium. It is thin and light, taking up virtually no space in most work bags and backpacks, making it easy to carry around. The 13-inch display makes a significant difference for users like me who need extra screen real estate. Whether filing stories, checking emails, accessing notes, conducting research, or multitasking between apps, the additional screen area is a major advantage over the standard 11-inch model. This is even more relevant for those who use the tablet for sketching with the Apple Pencil, editing photos and videos, or playing games.

That said, in 2025, having a display with a 60Hz refresh rate remains a drawback. However, Apple has managed to ensure smooth performance, making this less of a dealbreaker for most users. Still, the iPad Pro, its more expensive sibling, supports ProMotion (120Hz). Hopefully, Apple will consider upgrading the display tech in the next-generation iPad Air.

Under the hood, the M3 chip ensures smooth performance and seamless multitasking. It is an absolute powerhouse, handling daily tasks well. Just like other recent Apple hardware launches, Apple Intelligence takes center stage on this iPad, bringing new AI-powered tools that enhance everyday tasks. Features like the Clean Up tool in Photos help remove distractions, while Image Wand in Notes transforms rough sketches into polished visuals. The ability to search for images using natural language and generate custom emojis with Genmoji adds a layer of convenience that makes the iPad Air feel more intuitive than ever.

While Apple Intelligence is still in its early stages, the speed at which these features work on the M3 is impressive. I tested Apple’s natural language search in Photos, and it quickly surfaced the right images based on my description from the gallery of over 11,000 images. Similarly, when I sketched out a math problem in Notes, Apple Intelligence instantly solved it. Apple Intelligence also introduces a powerful suite of Writing Tools designed to refine text across various applications. The Proofread feature meticulously scans content, identifying and correcting spelling and grammatical errors to ensure polished and professional communication. You can quickly ask it to change the tone to friendly or professional. Moreover, for long documents, it can generate a summary or key points. While it worked smoothly most of the time, the Notes app did crash multiple times while experimenting with the Writing Tools.

Apple Intelligence handles creative and productivity-based tasks well, but its usefulness will ultimately depend on how deeply you integrate it into your workflow. At the very least, it’s fast, responsive, and a sign of where Apple is headed with AI.

For me, however, the best part about this iPad Air, other than its sleek design, was the power under the hood. I transferred close to 47GB of data from my two-week trip to Japan and have been editing videos and images on the go. I haven't experienced any issues with apps slowing down or freezing, and it is capable of handling everything I need. The built-in front and rear cameras, while not the most impressive, still serve their purpose—whether for quick snapshots, video recordings, or FaceTime and Zoom calls for work or fun. The speakers are surprisingly loud and provide solid audio quality, though certain details in movies and music can feel a bit thin.

I also tested my amateur artistic skills, and the Apple Pencil Pro glides across the screen smoothly—better than ink on paper—with no lag or odd distortions when drawing. Strokes appeared exactly as I intended.

The only real drawback is storage, as the base model features 128GB. While sufficient for casual users, those handling large media files may find themselves running out of space faster than expected. Considering iPads last for many years (my first-gen iPad is still functional), you might want to opt for 256GB or even a higher-capacity model.

I primarily used this new iPad Air for browsing the web, researching articles, taking notes, and even filing stories. With about 4–6 hours of usage every day and my habit of putting it to sleep instead of shutting it down, I ended up charging the iPad Air every fourth day. Even though I didn’t have to carry a charger around, the compact charging adapter and cable bundled in the box are convenient to carry.

The latest iPad Air with M3 continues Apple’s push to narrow the gap between its mid-range and Pro-level tablets. For those upgrading from an older model, it delivers a noticeable boost in performance, while first-time buyers will find it a compelling entry point—especially with the addition of Apple Intelligence. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or simply looking for a powerful and versatile tablet, the M3 iPad Air hits the sweet spot between capability and value. Starting at Rs 59,900 for the 11-inch model and Rs 79,900 for the 13-inch version, it stands out as one of the most well-rounded options in Apple’s lineup today.