Bloomberg has indicated that a 2025 iPad Air could be introduced early this year, which is earlier than many expected. We had initially speculated that it would likely feature an M3 chip instead of an M4, and recent leaks seem to support this theory.
Although the current report does not specify any launch dates, a redacted document mentions both “iPad Air 13 (M3)” and “iPad Air 11 (M3)…
2025 iPad Air
Typically, the iPad Air receives updates every 1.5 to 2 years, but Bloomberg reported in October last year that an update would occur “early next year” (meaning this year).
According to knowledgeable sources, Apple is approaching the production phase of a refreshed iPhone SE — codenamed V59 — which will serve as its new entry-level model. Additionally, Apple aims to manufacture new models of the iPad Air and corresponding keyboards for launch around the same time.
At that time, we observed that Gurman did not mention the chipset, but we believed it would most likely receive an upgrade to the M3 chip, not the M4.
The forthcoming iPad Air will likely incorporate the M3 chip. Initially, we thought Apple aimed to quickly transition away from the first-generation 3nm process due to high costs and low yields, yet they introduced the A17 Pro chip in the iPad mini. Therefore, the M3 in the iPad Air is a probable enhancement, as the iPad Air has consistently trailed behind in chip upgrades by about a year.
M3 Chip Leak
The X account of Evan Blass (known as @evleaks) is currently private, but he teased a document containing some pertinent references.
- iPad Air 13 (M3)
apple-ipad-air-13-(m3) - iPad Air 11 (M3)
apple-ipad-air-11-(m3)
While this aligns with our previous expectations, it significantly strengthens the notion of an impending launch.
The screenshot also notes a new version of the base model 11-inch iPad.
Other Potential Upgrades
Mark Gurman’s report suggests we can anticipate a new Magic Keyboard designed specifically for the iPad Air, replacing the one that debuted with the 2020 iPad Pro model. It is believed to feature a new function key row, aligning it with the latest versions of iPad keyboards.
There have also been suggestions about a 90Hz display, although there is no substantial confirmation of this.
Additional speculative enhancements might include a brighter display and support for Wi-Fi 7.
Image: Michael Bower/DMN
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