Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Even though I’m an iPad Pro user, I’ve always appreciated the iPad Air for how much power it delivers at a significantly lower price. It’s often considered the go-to recommendation for the best value iPad if you want to do more than just the basics.
I picked one up six months ago, right at launch, and while it hasn’t been my primary device, I’ve used it for a variety of tasks — and it’s been a fantastic beta testing device.
But with iPadOS 26 bringing multitasking and new features to every iPad, is the M3 iPad Air still the best value? Or does the 11th-generation iPad make more sense for most people?
✏️Written version: slatepad.org/2025/09/27/m3-ipad-air-six-months-later-review
Check out the ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case + Pencil Bundle for the iPad Air 11-inch (2025). Snap it on, get typing, and protect your iPad in style.
👉 Get it here with 25% off - esrtech.com/products/ipad-air-11-2025-rebound-magnetic-keyboard-case-360-pencil-bundle?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=slatepad25ANI
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00:00 – Intro
00:55 – Design
01:34 – Performance & M3 Chip
02:56 – Battery Life After 6 Months
03:39 – iPadOS 26 on M3 iPad Air
07:49 – What Apple Needs to Fix Next
09:09 – Conclusions and Recommendations
Even though I’m an iPad Pro user, I’ve always appreciated the iPad Air for how much power it delivers at a significantly lower price. It’s often considered the go-to recommendation for the best value iPad if you want to do more than just the basics.
I picked one up six months ago, right at launch, and while it hasn’t been my primary device, I’ve used it for a variety of tasks — and it’s been a fantastic beta testing device.
But with iPadOS 26 bringing multitasking and new features to every iPad, is the M3 iPad Air still the best value? Or does the 11th-generation iPad make more sense for most people?
✏️Written version: slatepad.org/2025/09/27/m3-ipad-air-six-months-later-review
Check out the ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case + Pencil Bundle for the iPad Air 11-inch (2025). Snap it on, get typing, and protect your iPad in style.
👉 Get it here with 25% off - esrtech.com/products/ipad-air-11-2025-rebound-magnetic-keyboard-case-360-pencil-bundle?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=slatepad25ANI
💸 Use discount code: slatepad25ANI
00:00 – Intro
00:55 – Design
01:34 – Performance & M3 Chip
02:56 – Battery Life After 6 Months
03:39 – iPadOS 26 on M3 iPad Air
07:49 – What Apple Needs to Fix Next
09:09 – Conclusions and Recommendations
