iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
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iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series)
Starting at
£481.05£749.00 new
iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
Starting at
£496.00£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) and iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)?
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the screen size and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) starts at £481.05, £14.95 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series). The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Weight
- The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
- The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a lighter build: 460 g vs 617 g.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) specs
The iPad Air 6 and iPad Air 7 offer distinct choices depending on what you value most in a tablet. The iPad Air 6 features a larger 13 inch screen with higher brightness and a sharper resolution, making it suitable if you want more room for viewing and detailed visuals. The iPad Air 7 is lighter and more compact with an 11 inch screen, which suits those who prefer portability. Both run the same operating system version and have 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB storage as standard. They differ in processor generation and wireless capabilities. Choose the iPad Air 6 for a larger, brighter display and Wi-Fi 6E, or the iPad Air 7 for a lighter device with the newer M3 chip and Wi-Fi 6.
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) price
Colour
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) battery life and software updates
Their durability in terms of software support is comparable.
Software Updates
The iPad Air 6 and iPad Air 7 both support iPadOS 18, ensuring you can run the latest features and apps available on this system. This means either device will stay current with new updates for the same length of time.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) performance
Performance is shaped by processor and memory. Both iPads come with 8 GB of RAM and the same storage options, but their processors differ, which affects processing power and efficiency.
Processor Difference
The iPad Air 6 uses the Apple M2 chip, while the iPad Air 7 is equipped with the newer Apple M3 processor. This may influence how each device handles demanding tasks or future software optimisations. Both have 8 GB RAM, keeping everyday apps running smoothly.
Storage Flexibility
Both models offer the same range of storage options from 128 GB up to 1 TB, so you can choose how much space you need for apps, files and media without compromise between the two.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) screen
The screens differ notably in size, resolution and brightness, which impacts viewing experience depending on your priorities like workspace size or outdoor visibility.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 6 has a larger 13 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels, offering a roomier workspace and sharper visuals. The iPad Air 7 features a smaller 11 inch screen with a 2360 by 1640 resolution, making it more compact and easier to hold on the go.
Brightness Levels
With 600 nits brightness, the iPad Air 6 delivers a brighter display, which can help when using the device in well-lit environments or outdoors. The iPad Air 7 has 500 nits brightness, still suitable for most indoor use but slightly less bright.
Common Display Features
Both models have the same pixel density of 264 ppi, use standard display glass, feature True Tone technology and refresh at 60 Hz, ensuring consistent colour accuracy and smooth visuals for everyday use.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) camera
Audio and camera features are identical on both devices, giving you consistent quality for video calls, photography and media playback.
Camera Quality
Both iPads have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras, allowing for clear video calls and detailed photos. They also support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, suitable for high-resolution video capture.
Sound Experience
Each device includes stereo speakers tuned for landscape use, providing balanced audio whether you are watching videos or taking calls.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) size and design
Other features include connectivity, size, weight and compatibility details that influence day-to-day use and portability.
Weight and Dimensions
The iPad Air 7 is lighter at 460 g compared to the iPad Air 6's 617 g, making it easier to carry and hold for extended periods. It is also smaller in width and height, fitting better in compact spaces or bags.
Wireless and SIM Options
The iPad Air 6 supports Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax, offering enhanced wireless performance in compatible networks, while the iPad Air 7 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. Both use eSIM but the iPad Air 7 does not have a SIM port.
Bluetooth and Ports
Both tablets use Bluetooth 5.3 and feature a USB Type-C connector for charging and headphones, supporting similar accessory compatibility and connectivity.
Other Features
Neither device includes Face ID or a LiDAR scanner. Both support Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C models and have touch input. Their body thickness is comparable, with the iPad Air 7 measured in millimetres and the iPad Air 6 in centimetres.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) or iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £481.05, £14.95 less than the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch)
Buy the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) if
- you want a lighter build (460 g vs 617 g)
- you want the newer model (2025)
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) FAQs
iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) vs iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) comes down to the screen size and weight. The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) has a lighter build: 460 g vs 617 g.
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £481.05 compared with £496 for the iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series).
The iPad Air 6 (2024, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Air 7 (2025, M3 series) adds a lighter build (460 g vs 617 g). Refurbished, it costs £14.95 more (from £496 vs £481.05).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB refurbished.
