Contrary to rumours, Apple has decided to launch two new iPads first—the iPad Air with the M3 chipset and the iPad with the A16 chipset—over a new MacBook Air.
M3 iPad Air
The iPad Air is offered in two screen sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. Both models are powered by the M3 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, and 16-core NPU, paired with 8GB of RAM and a starting storage capacity of 128GB.
The rest of the specifications remain consistent with last year’s iPad Air models, including the LCD display, resolution, and a refresh rate still capped at 60Hz. The device retains dual 12MP cameras (front and back), supports Apple Intelligence, and includes a USB-C 3.1 port. Connectivity options remain unchanged, with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Touch ID is still integrated into the power button.
A notable update is the redesigned Magic Keyboard, which now features a larger trackpad and an additional row of function keys.
The new iPad Air models are available in the same colour options as their predecessors: Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray.
iPad with A16 chip
As for the entry-level iPad, it has been upgraded with the A16 chip, which first debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro series in 2022. However, the A16 in the 2025 iPad has one fewer CPU and GPU core.
This device won’t support Apple Intelligence, it’s reasonable to assume it has less than 8GB, but the storage has been increased to 128GB, replacing the 64GB option from the tenth-generation iPad.
The only other new feature is the upgrade to Bluetooth 5.3, replacing the Bluetooth 5.2 found in the previous tenth-generation model. Other specifications include an 11-inch 60Hz IPS LCD Liquid Retina display, dual 12MP cameras, and a Touch ID sensor embedded in the power button.
The 2025 iPad is available in Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow colour options.
Pricing and Availability
Apple Malaysia said the new iPad Air with M3 will arrive here “soon,” with prices starting at RM2,799 for the 11-inch model and RM3,699 for the 13-inch variant.
Additionally, the Magic Keyboard will be available at RM1,299 for the 11-inch model and RM1,399 for the 13-inch version.
Meanwhile, the new iPad will also launch in Malaysia soon, with a starting price of RM1,599. Apple has also introduced a new Magic Keyboard Folio for this iPad, priced at RM1,149.