Apple’s iPad lineup is one of its most celebrated product ranges, and rumors about upcoming updates always stir excitement. Recently, a well-known and generally reliable leaker has made waves by predicting that the next iPad Air 2025 will feature the M3 chip, rather than making the rumored leap to the M4 chip. If true, this move could reflect a more measured approach from Apple to differentiate its iPad models while maintaining a balance between performance and pricing.
A Possible M3-Powered iPad Air?
Apple is expected to announce a refreshed version of the iPad Air in the spring. As part of this update, it’s widely assumed that Apple will enhance its performance by incorporating a newer Apple Silicon chip. However, Evan Blass—better known as “evleaks” in the tech community—has shared details that challenge earlier speculations about the iPad Air’s next processor.
Blass, known for his accuracy in tech leaks, privately shared an image on social media that appears to list details about the upcoming iPad and iPad Air. While much of the information in the image is blurred, one detail stands out: the next iPad Air 2025, referred to as “iPad Air 13,” is tagged with “(M3).” This suggests that the iPad Air will make the jump from the current M2 chip to the M3 chip, rather than the anticipated M4.
Blass has been a prominent figure in the tech-leak world for years, despite taking a brief hiatus in 2014. His track record remains impressive, with notable predictions such as the unveiling of the Apple Vision Pro at WWDC 2023. Though his leaks are less frequent now, they often carry significant weight due to their accuracy.
Countering the M4 Rumors
The revelation about the M3 chip conflicts with previous reports suggesting that the next iPad Air 2025 would skip straight to the M4. Back in early January, a report speculated that Apple would align the iPad Air with the M4 chip, positioning it as a bridge toward the expected M5-powered iPad Pro, which is rumored to debut later in the year. This assumption was partly based on Apple’s prior strategy with the iPad Pro line, where the company jumped from M1 directly to M2.
However, Apple’s chip upgrade strategy isn’t always consistent across product lines. Just because the iPad Pro saw a major leap in chip generation doesn’t necessarily mean the iPad Air 2025 will follow suit. In fact, it may make more strategic sense for Apple to keep the iPad Air on a slightly lower-tier chip. By reserving the M4 for the iPad Pro, Apple can maintain a clear distinction between its mid-range and high-end iPad offerings, giving customers a compelling reason to opt for the more premium (and expensive) Pro models.
The Business Perspective: Why Not M4?
Apple’s decision to limit the iPad Air to the M3 chip could stem from a need to protect the iPad Pro’s appeal. If the iPad Air 2025 were to receive the M4 chip, it might cannibalize sales of the iPad Pro. This is particularly crucial given the challenges Apple has reportedly faced with iPad Pro sales.
Since introducing OLED technology to the iPad Pro, the expected sales boom has not materialized. Reports from early 2025 even indicated that LG Display, which supplies OLED screens for the iPad Pro, had to redirect production resources toward iPhone displays due to underwhelming demand. In this context, offering the M4 chip to the iPad Air could further erode the perceived value of the Pro line, which already struggles to justify its premium pricing in the eyes of many consumers.
What’s Next for the iPad Air?
If the iPad Air 2025 does receive the M3 chip, it still represents a significant performance upgrade from the current M2. The M3, built on a more advanced 3nm process, promises better efficiency and improved performance, making it a worthy addition to the iPad Air without overshadowing the iPad Pro. By strategically positioning the iPad Air with the M3, Apple can cater to customers seeking a balance of power and affordability, while reserving the cutting-edge capabilities of the M4 and beyond for its flagship iPad Pro models.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s approach to the iPad lineup reflects a careful balancing act between innovation, differentiation, and market strategy. While fans may have hoped for the iPad Air to receive the M4 chip, the potential move to the M3 is still a meaningful upgrade. At the same time, it underscores Apple’s commitment to maintaining a clear product hierarchy that encourages consumers to consider the premium features of the iPad Pro.
As always, nothing is official until Apple makes the announcement, but the prospect of an M3-powered iPad Air offers plenty to look forward to for fans of the versatile tablet. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or someone looking for a capable device that doesn’t break the bank, the next iPad Air could strike the perfect balance.
