iPad Air 11 and 13 inches
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The first iPad Air reviews are already on sale, and although a lot of attention is now being paid With the arrival of a larger screen version, everyone is also wondering how this will affect iPad Pro sales.
It seems impossible to review any iPad without linking to the others, so each review also talks about where the iPad Air fits in the lineup. This is especially important because Apple's new lineup smooths out some of the previous overlaps and attempts to make clear distinctions between the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.
A solid release, but not the best for most
The Verge's David Pierce generally likes the device, calling it more attractive than ever. However, he also calls it “exploring trade-offs” more than ever.
The review notes that it looks functionally identical on the smaller size, and the 13-inch model is just a larger version. But this size opens up some use cases, and some media is easier to perceive on a larger screen — a sentiment we typically share at AppleInsider.
He notes that this is a good way to support the additional features that the Apple Pencil Pro has over the second generation Apple Pencil.
On the other hand, the iPad Air is the iPad model worth buying
Engadget's Nathan Ingram has a slightly different view. While he'd love an iPad Pro, he views the new iPad Air as an ersatz iPad Pro with a near-perfect combination of features and price.
“For the first time, there's a larger-screen iPad at a much more affordable price,” Ingram writes in his review. “My heart may want the iPad Pro, but my head (and wallet) agrees that the iPad Air is a much smarter option.”
He also cites Apple Pencil Pro support as a major selling point for the device, as well as an increase in base memory for the cheapest model. And that $500 difference between the 13-inch iPad Air and the iPad Pro is a compelling savings, not a big sacrifice.
Iterative, not evolutionary
Gerald Lynch from iMore considers this device a worthy development of the family itself The iPad sits between the entry-level 10th generation iPad and the iPad Pro.
“You get the performance of iPad Pro (latest generation) at a fraction of the price—you can run demanding 3D games alongside Apple's professional editing software like Logic Pro 2 and Final Cut Pro 2.” , writes Lynch. “Things like rendering, exporting and file transfer speeds will be improved on the iPad M4, but there's really little that can be done as easily, if a little slower, on the iPad Air.”
Overall, Lynch is impressed with the equipment. He's less impressed with iPadOS, which he feels is the limiting factor for the iPad Air.
iPad Pro in everything but the name
Cnet's Scott Stein is perhaps the most enthusiastic about the new iPad Air. He loves the big screen at the significant cost savings over the iPad Pro, and looks forward to the day when the iPad can completely replace the Mac.
“While the iPad Pro has a nicer OLED display and an even faster processor, the Air is more than enough of a Pro for most,” Stein said Monday afternoon. “In fact, I'd recommend it over the Pro just because of the price difference, but try to be mindful of configuration creep so you don't suddenly end up spending $1,500.”
However, he notes that most users will be fine with the 10th generation iPad. Or perhaps stick with what they already have.
Real reviews in preparation
Unusually, Apple is shipping a new iPad Air However, for most buyers it will be Wednesday, May 15, 2025, rather than the usual Friday. So, the first customers to pre-order or people walking into Apple Stores will receive their devices soon.
While some reviewers have been using the new iPad Air for a long time, it's when customers have it that we'll learn more about issues like durability — or some errors. Given this reality, as well as the overall maturity of the iPad's hardware and software, our own full review will appear in time, and throughout the week we'll discuss the features we think need coverage and discussion.
iPad Air was presented at Apple's Let Loose event. The 11-inch model starts at $599, and the 13-inch model starts at $799.
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