Apple is preparing to release the next iPad Air model sooner than planned. The next tablet is expected to come with “internal improvements,” and there are credible rumors suggesting that these upgrades will be the main focus of the iPad Air 7.
When will iPad Air 7th generation be released?
In October 2024, journalist Mark Garman spoke about Apple’s product release plans for 2025. In addition to the new iPhone SE, the next iPad Air is expected to arrive “early next year.” If the timing is right, the iPad Air 7th generation will be released just one year after the current model, which is a shorter gap than the two-year gap we’ve seen with the last few Airs.
- iPad Air 6 — May 2024
- iPad Air 5 — March 2022
- iPad Air 4 — October 2020
Planned release date for Lifewire
iPad Air 7 may arrive in early 2025.
iPad Air 7th generation price rumors
At this point, no one knows how much the iPad Air 7 will cost. But based on past trends, this tablet will cost about the same as the last few models, all starting at $599. However, the 2019 iPad Air was $100 cheaper, so the company may use this widening gap as an opportunity to raise prices again.
As you can imagine, adding options costs more. The current iPad Air comes with a larger screen, best storage options, and cellular capabilities for a total price tag of more than $1,400.
Pre-order information
Pre-orders should open the same day Apple announces this iPad. In that case, drop the link here.
iPad Air 7th generation features
iPad runs iPadOS, but the specific version varies by release date. If released in early 2025, it will be equipped with iPadOS 18. However, if it is released in late 2025 or 2026, it will be equipped with iPadOS 19. Regardless of the timing, this launch will be another opportunity for Apple to show off its Apple Intelligence capabilities.
Garman said the company will also introduce an updated Magic Keyboard in both models. “These will reduce the market price of some of the features of the iPad Pro keyboard,” he said.
iPad Air 7 specifications and hardware
By looking at some past iPad Air models, we can make some educated predictions about the iPad Air’s hardware in 2025. Mark Garman says the new tablet is “focused on improvements under the hood,” but since nothing has been officially announced yet, these details will likely be revealed in the coming days as the leak becomes known. Keep in mind that it can and probably will change in months.
screen
The 6th generation iPad Air introduced a second screen size that will definitely carry over to this iPad as well. So 13 inches and 11 inches should be your options. This is supported by Garman’s mention of two codenames: J607 and J637. The overall design may remain relatively unchanged, but the bezels are likely to be slimmer.
Apple might consider adding a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate to the iPad Air. However, since this feature is currently exclusive to the Pro model, the gap between the Air and Pro could narrow further, which could weaken the case for choosing a higher-end tablet over the Air (i.e., Apple probably You won’t) I get that, but you’ll never know). ProMotion on iPad Air provides a smoother scrolling and gaming experience, giving it a more premium feel.
Processor and performance
Apple is likely to continue upgrading its processors to maintain its competitive performance advantage. Given the tablet’s advancement from the M1 chip to the M2 chip over the past two generations, the next iPad Air could feature an M3 chip (released in late 2023), which would boost CPU and GPU performance. and improve energy efficiency. For reference, Apple says the M2 chip is “nearly 50% faster” than the M1.
Another thing to consider is the 4th generation M-series chips. Currently, the iPad Pro is the company’s only M4 product. But with the upcoming M4 iMac and M4 MacBook Pro, we suspect Apple wants to bring the benefits of upgrades to this iPad as well.
Camera and connectivity
Although incremental, camera improvements are expected. Video calling could be improved with a slight upgrade to the front-facing camera to better support Center Stage, and Apple is likely to keep the landscape camera it introduced with the 2024 iPad Air. The rear camera sees a slight increase in resolution and additional features such as stereo recording.
Wi-Fi 7 support may also improve speed and connectivity. Existing iPads don’t support this, but it’s already available on all four iPhone 16 models, so it makes sense to consider it.
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