iPad Air M3 review: A big leap or just a new chip?

Why you can trust our iPad Air M3 review 

At Back Market, we live and breathe tech, but we understand that not everyone does. That’s why our only goal is to make tech reliable, affordable, and sustainable. To this end, we work with certified third-party refurbishers who know tech inside and out — they disassemble, examine, repair, reassemble, and test dozens of devices every day, including tablets like the iPad Air M3 (2025).  

This review combines expert insights, real-world user data, and knowledge that comes from in-depth experience testing and working with the iPad Air M3. Thanks to our team’s intimate familiarity with the iPad Air lineup, you can trust what we have to say about 2025’s newest model. In this review, we’ll examine the main upgrades and compare them to other tablets in the iPad Air lineup, so you can decide for yourself if the iPad Air M3 is worth the price.  

​​​TL;DR: Who should buy the iPad Air M3?  

The iPad Air M3 may not be worth the upgrade for everyone, but it will be the ideal tablet for some users. If you have an older iPad (think iPad Air 5th generation or older), getting the Air M3 just makes sense. It’s a step up from the M2 in specs and it’s not a huge price difference. The same goes if you’re looking to switch from another tablet brand to an iPad Air — it makes the most sense to start with the Air M3.  

The iPad Air M3 is also the ideal tablet for students or professionals who are constantly on the go. The fast performance of the M3 chip combined with support for the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil make this the perfect tablet/laptop hybrid to take with you to class, to meetings, or on planes. The M3 chip seamlessly handles creative tasks like video editing and graphic design as well as more basic tasks like reading and note-taking.  

iPad Air M3 (2025) specifications 

Released on March 12, 2025, the iPad Air M3, available in both 13-inch and 11-inch options, comes with a few significant upgrades, with the most important being the bump up to the more advanced M3 chip. Along with this chip comes faster performance and visuals as well as enhanced media support for tasks like video editing. Otherwise, its specs are almost identical to the previous iPad Air M2, which was released on May 15, 2024. Take a look at the Apple iPad Air M3 (2025) specs for yourself:  

iPad Air M3 (2025): Pros and cons 

Just like any piece of technology, the newest iPad Air M3 has its pros and cons. While it has a better processor than other iPad Air models, not much else about this model has changed. CNN Underscored’s Mike Andronico puts it perfectly when he says of the Air M3 compared to the Air M2, “I’m feeling an immense amount of deja vu as I sit down to write this iPad Air M3 review. I could have sworn I reviewed this exact tablet just months ago — and that’s because I basically did.”  

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of this model.   

iPad Air M3 features and benefits 

A familiar design 

If you think you’ve seen this design before, you’d be right. The iPad Air M3 (2025) is practically identical to the iPad Air M2 (2024) design-wise, with the same lightweight aluminum frame and slim build. It’s even available in the same size options (11-inch or 13-inch) as well as the same color options (Space Gray, Blue, Purple, or Starlight). 

While the look may not be super exciting compared to older iPad models, it’s hard to fault Apple for not changing the design — it’s sleek, modern, and portable. And let’s be real: with a depth of 0.24 in, it can’t get much thinner. With both models weighing less than 1.5 lbs., the iPad Air M3 is perfectly equipped for on-the-go use. The 11-inch model may be your best bet if you’re mostly using it as a handheld for gaming or streaming, while the 13-inch model is large enough to function as a laptop with the handy Magic Keyboard. If you travel a lot or just want something small and lightweight, this is perfect for you. 

An adequate display 

A major chip upgrade combined with the same reliable battery life 

Where the iPad Air M3 shines over all other iPad Air models is the M3 chip. This isn’t Apple’s newest chip, but it’s still a significant upgrade over the M2 chip on the previous iPad Air model. The M3 chip features an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU with a 16-core Neural Engine for faster processing graphics and visuals. The M3 chip also has hardware-accelerated ray tracing, something the M2 doesn’t, and allows for 8K and ProRes RAW video processing, making it much better for creative tasks like video editing than the M2.  

The battery life remains unchanged from its predecessor. The Air M3 will last up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi or 9 on cellular data and has the same USB-C charging port as the Air M2. This battery life combined with the improved chip, though, makes the iPad Air M3 a creative powerhouse that edges a little bit closer to the capabilities of an iPad Pro. 

Storage and memory remain the same  

A basic camera setup 

Great accessory support for a tablet/laptop hybrid  

Another place where the iPad Air M3 stands out is its accessory support. It may not have all the latest tech like Face ID (it only has a touch ID sensor on the top), but its accessory support allows it to be used as a tablet or laptop, seamlessly switching between the two. In fact, if you plan to use it as a laptop, you shouldn't expect Face ID, anyway — MacBooks don’t have that and no one thinks twice about it.  

The iPad Air M3 (2025) supports both Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Apple Pencil Pro is great for on-the-go use as it allows wireless pairing and charging. It also incorporates haptic feedback and is great for creative tasks such as sketching. The Apple Pencil (USB-C) provides similar benefits but connects and charges via a USB-C cable for less flexibility. No matter which Apple Pencil you’re using, this feature makes the iPad Air M3 perfect for students, seamlessly handling note-taking and simple sketches.  

 The Air M3 also supports Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, allowing you to attach the keyboard via USB-C. This super thin keyboard also contains a trackpad, so traveling professionals can basically transform the iPad Air into a thinner MacBook on the go.  

The USB-C port can also function as display support. You can connect it to an external display of up to 6K resolution for easier viewing or working.  

iPad Air M3 vs. iPad Air M2 at a glance 

We’ve covered the similarities and differences between the iPad Air M3 and its predecessor in detail above, but we get it — it can be a lot to take in. Still not sure whether the iPad Air M3 or the iPad Air M2 is better for you? Take a look at this quick comparison:  

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication — these are subject to change. 

Still sleek, still fast, and now 30% cheaper refurbished: Shopping tips for iPad Air M3  

The iPad Air M3 (2025) is arguably a superb tablet, and superb tech often comes with a high price tag. It doesn’t have to be, though. There are several ways you can get your hands on an affordable iPad Air M3. Your first option is to wait for sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, when many retailers significantly reduce their prices. You can also consider bundling your tablet with other accessories like chargers, headphones, and more to get a better deal. You could also wait for a newer iPad Air to be announced, so this one will undoubtedly be discounted. It’s not always convenient to wait for these once-a-year deals, though. That’s where we come in.  

You can buy a Verified Refurbished iPad Air M3 from Back Market at any time of the year. Our prices are often 30% to 50% lower than the price of buying new, and each purchase comes with a one-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee for your peace of mind. Since each product found on our site, including our available iPad Air M3 models, goes through an extensive check and repair process, you’re sure to find a refurbished model with premium performance at a lower price. But don’t just take it from us; take it from this satisfied customer who gave us a 5/5 review:   

“The iPad is very good, I only ordered fair, and it came in perfect condition! For a refurbished iPad this is pretty sick, it does get a bit hot when I'm playing Roblox (don't judge me), but overall, very good. I'm never second-guessing back market again guys.” 

Cassy M. - Purchased on November 9, 2024 

Why buy refurbished? 

Buying refurbished is a smart choice for both your wallet and the planet. When you buy Verified Refurbished with us, you save up to 50% off the regular price of new tech. The devices found on our site have gone through extensive checks, ensuring they meet strict quality standards and are restored to premium functionality. The one-year warranty and 30-day return period that come with each purchase should also give you peace of mind when buying refurbished from us. Don’t just take it from us, though — take it from this satisfied Reddit user:  

“Got an iPhone 14 and iPad pro 11 from them both arrived next day fair condition but looks flawless to me, no issues at all”

- Middle-Knowledge-811 on Reddit 

Buying refurbished goods is also good for the planet. This sustainable choice keeps e-waste out of landfills, giving electronics a second or even third life and reducing the need for new manufacturing. Did you know that 80% of a smartphone’s CO2 emissions come from manufacturing alone? So, when you buy refurbished, you significantly reduce your carbon footprint and support a circular economy. It’s a win-win. Plus, buying new every year is out — refurbished is the new flex. 

Trade in your old tech for cash 

Got old tech lying around? Don’t let it sit there gathering dust — you can trade it in at Back Market for cash or credit towards your next purchase. Our Trade-in program is super simple. All you have to do is fill out a short form giving us some info about your device, and you’ll receive an offer from one of our certified refurbishers within minutes. If you decide to accept, ship your device to us for free. Once your device is received and verified, you get paid. Not only is it good for you, but it’s good for whoever gives your old device its next home as well as for the planet. 

Price of new vs. price of refurbished 

Apple’s pricing is notoriously high, especially for its newer models like the iPad Air M3 (2025). But getting your hands on one doesn’t have to break the bank. Let’s explore the pricing and availability of new tablets vs. refurbished ones from Back Market:  

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication — these are subject to change 

Final thoughts: Is the iPad Air M3 worth it? 

The iPad Air M3 (2025) is certainly an outstanding tablet. With its sleek, portable build and its M3 chip, it provides peak performance that you can take just about anywhere with you. In addition, its dependable battery life and its support for the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard make it a suitable substitute for a laptop in a pinch, especially if you opt for the 13-inch model. These features make it perfect for students and professionals who are constantly on the go. 

It does, however, have its drawbacks. Its high price point can be off-putting for casual users, and the only real difference between the Air M3 and its predecessor (the iPad Air M2, released in 2024) is its chip. That means you’re basically getting the same, but faster, iPad, but at a higher price.  

All that said, the iPad Air M3 is worth the price if you have a much older iPad or if you’re switching to Apple from a different tablet brand. If you already have the iPad Air M2, though, the upgrade may not be worth the money. Those with newer iPad Air models may want to wait another year for the next iPad Air to be released. Whenever you decide to make the upgrade, consider Back Market for a sustainable, affordable choice.