The Apple iPad Air 11 (2025) is an exciting addition to Apple’s 2025 lineup, offering the signature blend of style, performance, and functionality that the Air series is known for. This compact version stakes its claim as a versatile choice for users who want top-tier performance in a lighter, more portable design. Here’s everything you need to know about this sleek device.
Design and Build
Straight out of the box, the iPad Air 11 screams elegance with its precision-built aluminum back and frame. At just 6.1 mm thick and weighing only 460 g, it is incredibly portable, making it an ideal companion for productivity on the go. This slimmer, lighter form is a major benefit for users who need practicality without compromising on quality.
Stylus support broadens its appeal to creatives and note-takers alike, with Apple’s Pencil (2nd gen) adding a professional touch to tasks like sketching, drawing, or marking up documents. The color options of Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, and Blue offer a perfect mix of sophistication and personality.
Despite its compact size relative to larger tablets, the iPad Air 11 feels rugged, thanks to the scratch-resistant glass and oleophobic coating that effectively reduce fingerprints and smudges.
Display
The 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display is excellent for its segment. Clocking in with a resolution of 1640 x 2360 pixels (264 ppi), the visuals are crisp, vibrant, and detailed. Colors appear lush and realistic, making this display ideal for enjoying media, editing photos, or simply browsing the web. However, the screen achieves a maximum brightness of 500 nits, which is decent indoors but could struggle under direct sunlight.
While the screen-to-body ratio of 80.9% is respectable, it doesn’t feel as immersive compared to some Pro versions that adopt slimmer bezels. Furthermore, the lack of ProMotion, which would have enabled a 120Hz refresh rate, is a noticeable miss at this price point.
Performance
Performance is where the iPad Air 11 shines. Equipped with Apple’s powerful M3 chipset and an octa-core CPU (four performance cores and four efficiency cores), this tablet delivers flagship-level performance. It handles demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and rendering without breaking a sweat. The Apple GPU with 9-core graphics ensures smooth visuals, whether you’re gaming or multitasking across heavy-duty apps.
Paired with 8GB of RAM and storage options starting at 128GB and going up to 1TB, this device covers a wide range of use cases. However, the lack of a microSD card slot might bother users who rely on external storage options. Software-wise, it ships with iPadOS 18.3.2, which provides access to Apple’s latest multitasking tools, Split View functionality, and regular updates.
Cameras
The camera setup remains functional, if not groundbreaking. The 12 MP rear camera captures punchy and well-detailed shots in good lighting. The f/1.8 aperture and dual-pixel PDAF help maintain solid performance even in low-light conditions, making it a reliable tool for quick snapshots or scanning documents. It also supports 4K video recording at 60fps, which is a treat for vloggers or casual video creators.
The 12 MP front-facing camera impresses with a wide 122° field of view, making it perfect for group video calls and selfies. Center Stage technology keeps the subject centered during video calls, even if you move around. For students and business professionals, this feature is a game-changer for staying connected.
Battery Life
Despite its slim profile, the iPad Air 11 houses a 7606 mAh battery. This translates to around 10 hours of mixed-use battery life, depending on the workload. Whether you’re streaming videos, attending virtual meetings, or working on creative projects, the battery holds its own throughout the day.
Charging is handled via the USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2 port, supporting faster data transfers and enhanced compatibility with a range of accessories. While it doesn’t feature MagSafe or wireless charging, the ability to connect external displays via DisplayPort adds versatility.
Audio and Connectivity
The stereo speakers do an admirable job of delivering clear and balanced sound, making the iPad Air 11 suitable for media consumption or video calls. However, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, which might annoy traditionalists. Thankfully, Bluetooth 5.3 ensures seamless connectivity with wireless headphones or accessories.
The iPad Air 11 supports Wi-Fi 6e for fast internet speeds, along with optional 5G connectivity for always-on access in the cellular models. While it doesn’t sport NFC, the integrated GPS (cellular models only) makes it a capable device for navigation.
Price and Value
Starting at approximately 700 EUR, the iPad Air 11 offers a great balance of value and features. While it might seem steep compared to non-premium tablets, the inclusion of the M3 chip and Apple’s optimized ecosystem ensures long-term reliability and performance. For those looking for a portable yet powerful tool, it bridges the gap between regular tablets and premium iPad Pro models remarkably well.
Potential Drawbacks
While there is plenty to love about the iPad Air 11, there are a few limitations:
- No 120Hz ProMotion display, which would have added smoother visuals and better gaming performance.
- No expandable storage, forcing users to rely on iCloud or built-in storage options.
- Limited GPS functionality to cellular models might deter some users.
- 500 nits brightness is fine indoors but could be limiting for outdoor use in bright sunlight.
Final Verdict
The Apple iPad Air 11 (2025) is a fantastic tablet for those who need a lightweight yet capable device. Its smaller size, excellent performance, and versatile features make it a great option for professionals, students, and casual users alike. While it may lack some high-end features like ProMotion or expandable storage, its M3-powered performance and premium build quality make it an excellent investment.
If you’re looking for a middle ground between Apple’s standard and Pro lines, then the iPad Air 11 offers plenty of bang for your buck, all while maintaining the sleek, intuitive design that Apple is known for.
