Apple has just unveiled the first two entries in its 2025 iPad lineup, but choosing the right one feels tougher than ever in today's landscape.

Less than a year after updating it with the M2 chip and introducing a larger-screen option, Apple gave the iPad Air another hardware refresh with a power bump. To boost its already formidable productivity chops, Apple also treated the iPad Air to a new, more affordably priced Magic Keyboard with a dedicated function row.

The iPad Air gets a minor spec bump for 2025, but that spec bump ensures the mid-tier iPad remains fast and responsive.