Mario Bautista
Apple is preparing to launch the next iteration of the iPad Air, potentially ahead of schedule. The next tablet is expected to receive “internal improvements,” with reliable rumors suggesting these upgrades will be the main focus for the iPad Air 7.
When Will the iPad Air 7 Generation Be Released?
In October 2024, journalist Mark Gurman shared Apple’s product release plans for 2025. In addition to a new iPhone SE, the next iPad Air is expected “early next year.” If correct, this timing would place the iPad Air 7th generation release date just a year after the current model, which would be a smaller gap than the two-year cadence we’ve seen for the last few Airs: q
- iPad Air 6 — May 2024
- iPad Air 5 — March 2022
- iPad Air 4 — October 2020
Lifewire’s Release Date Estimate
We could see the iPad Air 7 in early 2025.
iPad Air 7 Generation Price Rumors
At this time, nobody knows for sure how much the iPad Air 7 will cost. But if past trends are any indication, this tablet will cost just as much as the last few, all of which started at $599. However, the iPad Air from 2019 was $100 cheaper, so the company might use this extended gap as an opportunity to increase the price again.
As you’d expect, additional options will cost more. For the current iPad Air, a larger screen, the highest storage option, and cellular abilities shoot the total price over $1,400.
Pre-Order Information
Pre-orders should start the same day Apple unveils this iPad. We’ll drop the link here when it happens.
iPad Air 7 Generation Features
The iPad will run iPadOS, but the specific version depends on its release date. If it’s launched in early 2025, it will come with iPadOS 18. However, if it’s released in late 2025 or 2026, it will feature iPadOS 19. Regardless of the timing, this launch will be another chance for Apple to showcase Apple Intelligence features.
According to Gurman, the company will also introduce an updated Magic Keyboard for both models. He says “These will bring some of the features of the iPad Pro keyboard down-market.”
iPad Air 7 Specs and Hardware
Looking at the last few iPad Air models, we can make some educated predictions about the hardware for the 2025 iPad Air. Mark Gurman says the new tablets will “focus on internal improvements,” but remember that nothing is official yet, so these details could and probably will change over the coming months as we uncover leaks.
Display
The 6th-gen iPad Air introduced a second screen size that will no doubt be carried into this iPad; so, 13 inches and 11 inches should be your options. This is supported by Gurman’s mention of two codenames: J607 and J637. While the overall design might stay relatively unchanged, we could see slimmer bezels.
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 models, it could further narrow the gap between the Air and Pro, a decision that could weaken the case for choosing the higher-end tablet over the Air (i.e. Apple probably won’t do it, but you never know). ProMotion on the iPad Air would provide a smoother scrolling and gaming experience and give it a more premium feel.
Processor and Performance
Apple will likely continue upgrading the processor to maintain its competitive performance edge. Given the progression from the M1 to the M2 chip between the last two generations of this tablet, the next iPad Air could feature the M3 chip (released in late 2023), which would improve CPU and GPU performance and provide greater energy efficiency. For reference, Apple says the M2 chip is “nearly 50 percent faster” than the M1.
Something else to consider is the fourth-generation M series chip. Currently, the iPad Pro is the sole M4 product from the company. But the upcoming M4 iMac and M4 MacBook Pro have us wondering if Apple will want this iPad to benefit from the upgrade, too.
Camera and Connectivity
We expect to see camera improvements, though they might be incremental. A slight upgrade in the front-facing camera for better Center Stage support could improve video calls, and we think Apple will keep the landscape camera they introduced in the 2024 iPad Air. On the rear camera, we could see a slight bump in resolution or additional features like stereo recording.
Speed and connectivity could also improve with Wi-Fi 7 support. While no existing iPads support this, it’s not a stretch to consider since it’s already available in all four iPhone 16 models.
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