iPad Air (2025) vs iPad Pro (2024): A Comprehensive Comparative Analysis

1. Summary

• An in-depth comparative analysis reveals that the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) offer distinct advantages tailored to their respective audiences. The iPad Pro, launched in May 2024, introduced the powerful M4 chip and an OLED display, marking a significant advancement in tablet technology that appeals to creative professionals and power users. With its professional-grade features such as Face ID, LiDAR technology, and superior visual performance, the iPad Pro remains a formidable choice for those engaged in demanding workflows requiring high graphics fidelity and performance reliability. In contrast, the iPad Air (2025), which debuted in March 2025, transitioned to the newer M3 chip, thereby enhancing its capabilities while maintaining much of the design aesthetic of its predecessor. This model is strategically positioned as a cost-effective option, catering primarily to students and casual users seeking economical yet functional devices for everyday tasks.

• Key specifications set the two models apart; the iPad Pro’s advanced features significantly elevate its performance capabilities, justifying its premium pricing. On the other hand, the iPad Air offers substantial value without the advanced functionalities that characterize the Pro model, making it ideal for more general use scenarios. Both devices maintain compatibility with Apple’s extensive accessory ecosystem, bolstering their respective usability in a variety of contexts ranging from basic computing to advanced creative tasks. Overall, consumers can identify their needs and preferences against the backdrop of these specifications and market positioning, guiding informed purchase decisions in a competitive technology landscape.

2. Product Release Overview

• 2-1. Launch timelines for iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024)

• The iPad Pro (2024) was officially announced by Apple in May 2024, marking the introduction of the M4 chip and the much-anticipated OLED display. This device continued to solidify Apple's position as a leader in the tablet market, offering capabilities that rival those found in traditional laptops. Just one year later, in March 2025, Apple unveiled the iPad Air (2025), which transitioned from the previous M2 chip to the newer M3 chip. Although this upgrade provided enhanced performance, the iPad Air largely retained the design and features of its predecessor.

• 2-2. Key headline specifications and positioning

• The key specifications differentiate the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024), aligning them with distinct target markets. The iPad Pro (2024) boasts powerful features including an M4 chip, a stunning OLED display, and advanced functionalities like Face ID and LiDAR technology, making it ideal for professionals and creative users who demand top-tier performance.

• In contrast, the iPad Air (2025) offers significant value for general consumers. It features the newly implemented M3 chip and a Retina LCD, which, while less vibrant than the Pro's OLED, still delivers excellent clarity and brightness. Positioned as the more affordable option, the iPad Air provides essential features and capabilities, making it suitable for students and everyday users who do not require the high-end specifications of the Pro model.

• Both devices support similar accessory ecosystems, including compatibility with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, enriching their usability across various applications. Their pricing tiers, however, reflect their target user base, with the iPad Pro (2024) commanding a premium price owing to its professional-grade features.

3. Design and Build Quality

• 3-1. Chassis materials and weight

• The iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) both utilize aluminum chassis, which provide a premium feel and sturdy construction. However, there are notable differences in weight due to their design intentions. The iPad Air (2025) weighs approximately 460 grams for the 11-inch model and 616 grams for the 13-inch version, while the iPad Pro (2024) is slightly lighter, weighing around 444 grams and 579 grams, respectively. The weight difference, although seemingly minimal, becomes evident during extended use, where the iPad Pro's reduced heft is advantageous for portability and prolonged handheld usage.

• In terms of build quality, both devices are uniformly crafted with precision. However, the iPad Pro (2024) was designed to be notably thinner—at just 5.3mm for the 11-inch variant and 5.1mm for the 13-inch version—while the iPad Air maintains a thickness of 6.1mm regardless of the size. This thinner profile of the iPad Pro not only enhances its sleek aesthetics but also contributes to its desirability among users seeking the latest in tablet technology.

• 3-2. Form factor differences (size, thickness)

• The form factor of the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) is designed to cater to both portability and functionality. Both models offer 11-inch and 13-inch display options, presenting an almost identical footprint. The iPad Air measures 247.6 x 178.5 mm (11-inch) and 280.6 x 214.9 mm (13-inch), while the iPad Pro measures 249.7 x 177.5 mm and 281.6 x 215.5 mm respectively. Although the differential in width is minor, the iPad Pro's design extends to a thinner profile, allowing for a more streamlined presentation, which some users might prefer for aesthetic reasons.

• Moreover, the denser arrangement of components within the iPad Pro’s architecture contributes to its perception as a premium device. Users accustomed to high-performance tablets may find the Pro's design an essential factor, not just for appearance but for enhanced usability features found in both the hardware and accessory ecosystems functionally aligned with professional-grade applications.

• 3-3. Port selection and connectivity options

• Both the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) feature USB-C connectivity, enabling users to transfer data quickly and charge their devices with ease. Both models support Thunderbolt, a significant advantage for professional users who require high-speed data transfer for external storage and accessories. Notably, while the iPad Pro's ports are fully equipped to handle data-intensive peripherals, the Air provides substantial functionality without the advanced connectivity options that might be unnecessary for regular users.

• In addition to USB-C, the iPad Pro (2024) integrates additional advanced features such as a Smart Connector, allowing for seamless connections to keyboards and other accessories, which may appeal to users looking to enhance their productivity. The iPad Air also benefits from a Smart Connector, but it lacks the full suite of pro features that are advantageous for specific professional environments. Overall, both devices provide robust connectivity; however, the Pro offers slightly richer options for users engaged in more demanding workflows.

4. Display Technologies

• 4-1. Screen sizes and resolutions

• Both the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) come in 11-inch and 13-inch variants. The display specifications highlight a significant difference in clarity and detail across models. The iPad Air features a Retina LCD display with resolutions of 2360 x 1640 pixels (11-inch) and 2732 x 2048 pixels (13-inch), both offering a pixel density of 264 ppi. Conversely, the iPad Pro is equipped with a Tandem OLED display that delivers superior resolution and quality, recording resolutions of 2420 x 1668 pixels (11-inch) and 2752 x 2064 pixels (13-inch) at the same pixel density. This differentiation in display technology creates a notable discrepancy in the quality of visual media, especially for users involved in graphics-intensive tasks or those who watch high-definition content.

• 4-2. Refresh rates (ProMotion vs standard)

• The refresh rate is another area where the two models diverge significantly. The iPad Air sustains a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, which is sufficient for everyday tasks. In contrast, the iPad Pro's display features ProMotion technology, allowing for adaptive refresh rates that range from 10Hz up to 120Hz. This increased capability not only enhances the smoothness of animations and transitions but also drastically improves the experience for users engaged in dynamic tasks such as gaming or video editing. The ProMotion technology is particularly advantageous for applications requiring precise rendering, where frame rates are critical to user satisfaction.

• 4-3. Color accuracy, brightness, and HDR support

• When evaluating color accuracy and brightness, the iPad Pro (2024) significantly outshines the iPad Air (2025). The OLED display of the Pro has a peak brightness capability of up to 1, 600 nits in HDR content, making it exceptionally suitable for various lighting conditions. It supports wide color P3 and features HDR compatibility, which elevates the quality of video playback and gaming experiences. The iPad Air, while a competent device, only achieves a maximum brightness of 500 nits and lacks the advanced HDR capabilities found in the Pro model, causing colors to appear less vibrant and reducing the overall viewing experience under bright lighting conditions. For professionals and media creators, the iPad Pro’s display attributes offer a clear advantage when it comes to precise color grading and detailed visual work.

5. Performance and Hardware

• 5-1. Processor architecture (M4 vs M2/M3)

• The performance gap between the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) is largely attributable to their respective chipsets. The iPad Pro (2024) is powered by the Apple M4 chip, which boasts a more advanced architecture compared to the M3 in the iPad Air (2025). The M4 chip incorporates a 9-core CPU in the 11-inch model and a 10-core CPU in the 13-inch variant, alongside a highly efficient 10-core GPU, fabricated using a cutting-edge 3nm process. This enables the M4 chip to manage demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and more complex applications with remarkable efficiency. In contrast, the iPad Air (2025) runs on the M3 chipset, which offers an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. While the M3 presents a significant upgrade over the M2, it still falls short of the capabilities of the M4. Performance testing has indicated that the M4 offers superior processing power and enhanced neural engine capabilities, allowing it to handle up to 38 trillion operations per second (TOPS), compared to the M3's 18 TOPS. Thus, in terms of raw power and future-proofing, the iPad Pro (2024) emerges as the clear leader.

• 5-2. RAM and storage configurations

• When considering RAM and storage options, the iPad Air (2025) offers three configurations: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, with each model equipped with 8GB of RAM. However, the iPad Pro (2024) targets power users by providing a more expansive range of storage options including 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and even an impressive 2TB variant. The RAM also scales up for the higher storage tiers, with 8GB of RAM available for the lower storage options, and 16GB for the 1TB and 2TB models. This memory configuration allows the iPad Pro (2024) to effectively manage more demanding applications and multitasking scenarios, especially in professional workflows requiring extensive memory resources. Thus, the iPad Pro can better accommodate demanding software applications, graphics-heavy tasks, and a higher number of concurrent processes without significant slowdown.

• 5-3. Battery life benchmarks

• Battery life is a critical aspect for mobile users, and both the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) deliver commendable performance in this regard. The iPad Air (2025) houses a 28.9 watt-hour battery in its 11-inch configuration and a 36.6 watt-hour battery for the 13-inch model, promising up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or video playback. Conversely, the iPad Pro (2024) is equipped with a slightly more powerful 31.3 watt-hour battery for the 11-inch model and 39 watt-hour for the 13-inch model, also offering up to 10 hours of use under comparable conditions. Despite the minor differences in battery capacity, both devices are optimized for extended use thanks to their efficient chip designs and software optimizations. This ensures that users can rely on either device for a full day of typical activities, showcasing Apple's consistent focus on delivering long-lasting battery performance across its flagship devices.

6. Software Features and Ecosystem

• 6-1. iPadOS enhancements and multitasking

• As of May 16, 2025, both the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) operate on iPadOS 18, the latest version designed to enhance the user experience significantly. iPadOS 18 introduces a suite of features aimed at improving multitasking capabilities, integrating advanced control customization for quick access to frequently used functions. The Control Center can now be tailored to user preferences, and app utilization is streamlined, enabling users to engage with multiple applications simultaneously through Split View and Slide Over functionalities. This evolution in iPadOS not only augments productivity but also caters to users seeking more intuitive navigation within their apps, making both devices particularly effective for multitasking scenarios.

• Looking ahead, both models are poised to receive updates to iPadOS 19, which promises further refinements and a notable graphical refresh. This anticipated update builds on iPadOS 18's foundation, addressing user feedback and aiming to enhance the overall functionality of the iPad ecosystem. As such, users of the iPad Air and iPad Pro can expect their devices to remain relevant and powerful tools for at least another generation.

• 6-2. Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard support

• Both the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) maintain robust support for the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, effectively bridging the gap between traditional tablet functionality and desktop-like capabilities. These accessories transform the iPads into versatile devices suited for creative and professional purposes, including drawing, note-taking, and extensive typing tasks.

• The Apple Pencil, particularly in its second iteration, provides a seamless and responsive experience, favored by artists and professionals alike for its precision and tilt-sensitive capabilities. Users can expect enhanced accuracy and immediate feedback, which is critical for tasks that demand high fidelity, such as graphic design and professional illustrations.

• In parallel, the compatibility with the Magic Keyboard allows users to leverage a full typing experience, making the iPads more akin to conventional laptops. The integrated trackpad further enhances navigation and productivity, especially in multi-app workflows. Collectively, these accessories exemplify Apple's ecosystem approach, allowing users to personalize their setup according to specific needs, whether for entertainment, productivity, or creativity.

• 6-3. Exclusive productivity and creative apps

• To complement their hardware, both the iPad Air and iPad Pro benefit from access to a plethora of exclusive apps designed to leverage the hardware capabilities of these devices. This includes high-powered productivity applications like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, which offer advanced features that rival traditional desktop software. The iPads can easily handle document editing, presentations, and spreadsheets, showcasing their adaptability as portable productivity tools.

• Moreover, creative applications such as Procreate and Affinity Designer are optimized for these devices, allowing users to tap into features like pressure sensitivity and advanced color management. These apps take full advantage of the processing power and display capabilities of both the iPad Air and iPad Pro, enabling users to engage in complex design tasks directly on their tablets. As the app ecosystem continues to evolve, both models are well positioned to accommodate emerging workflows in creative and professional environments.

7. Value Proposition and Buying Guide

• 7-1. Pricing tiers and cost analysis

• As of now, the pricing for the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) reflects their respective market positions and target audiences. The iPad Air is positioned as a budget-friendly option, typically priced about USD 400 lower than the iPad Pro. The iPad Air offers competitive specifications for general users, making it an attractive option for students and everyday consumers who do not need the advanced features of the Pro model. In contrast, the iPad Pro demands a premium price due to its enhanced features such as the M4 chip, the availability of up to 16GB RAM, and its ProMotion OLED display. This premium pricing caters to creative professionals and power users who require high-performance capabilities for tasks like graphics editing, 4K video production, or intensive multitasking.

• In conclusion, buyers should assess their specific needs against these pricing tiers. The larger investment in the iPad Pro may be justified for professionals who will leverage its advanced capabilities, whereas the iPad Air represents better value for users requiring solid performance without the extra high-end features.

• 7-2. Ideal use cases and target users

• The target demographic for the iPad Air (2025) primarily includes students, casual users, and general consumers who need a reliable tablet for everyday functionalities like web browsing, document editing, and streaming media. Its robust performance and attractive design cater well to this group, making it a sensible purchase for individuals whose usage patterns focus on regular applications rather than intensive professional tasks.

• Conversely, the iPad Pro (2024) targets professionals and power users who require a versatile and powerful device. Its specifications, including the M4 chip and superior display technology, facilitate demanding tasks such as 3D modeling, complex video editing, and extensive graphic design. Furthermore, features like the LiDAR scanner significantly assist augmented reality developers and AR content creators, enhancing their workflow. Consequently, while the iPad Air serves the masses, the iPad Pro meets the needs of those who seek both the highest quality experience and advanced feature sets.

• 7-3. Final purchase recommendations

• When considering a purchase, potential buyers should analyze their needs carefully before deciding between the iPad Air (2025) and the iPad Pro (2024). The iPad Air is the definitive choice for users looking for a cost-effective, efficient device that performs well in everyday scenarios. Its attributes perfectly align with the requirements of the average consumer, who typically benefits more from balanced features than from niche high-end capabilities.

• On the other hand, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice for individuals engaged in professional tasks that demand superior processing capabilities and advanced functionalities. These buyers should weigh the cost against their need for enhanced performance, premium display characteristics, and additional features tailored for creative and productivity-centric applications. Thus, the iPad Pro not only justifies its higher price but positions itself as an essential tool for those who depend on advanced technology to drive their professional success.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, the comparative evaluation of the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) underscores the strategic differentiation Apple has adopted in catering to varied market segments. The iPad Air stands out as a highly capable device for general consumers and students, combining affordability with sufficient performance for daily use, web browsing, and multitasking. Conversely, the iPad Pro emerges as the clear leader for professionals who require cutting-edge features, performance, and a superior display for creative and productive tasks. As of May 16, 2025, the distinction between these two models emphasizes the breadth of choices available within Apple's ecosystem, enabling users to select devices that align closely with their specific requirements and workflows.

• Looking towards the future, it is anticipated that Apple's continuous advancements in chip design and software integration will yield even more powerful iterations of these tablets, enhancing their capabilities further. Users can expect innovation in features that will not only bolster the performance and efficiency of future iPad models but also solidify Apple's commitment to providing devices that cater to both everyday consumers and specialized professional needs. With this forward-looking approach, both the iPad Air and iPad Pro are well-positioned to remain relevant in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Glossary

• iPad Air: The iPad Air (2025) is Apple's mid-range tablet released in March 2025. It features the M3 chip, a Retina LCD display, and is positioned as a budget-friendly option targeting general consumers and students. The design is similar to its predecessor, maintaining affordability while providing robust performance for everyday tasks.

• iPad Pro: Launched in May 2024, the iPad Pro (2024) is a high-performance tablet equipped with the powerful M4 chip and an advanced OLED display. It includes professional features such as Face ID, LiDAR technology, and a premium design, catering to creative professionals and power users who require superior performance for demanding applications.

• M3 Chip: Introduced with the iPad Air (2025), the M3 chip enhances performance with an 8-core CPU and GPU. Although it represents an upgrade over the previous M2 chip, the M3 does not match the capabilities of the M4 chip found in the iPad Pro(2024), which offers significantly greater computational power.

• M4 Chip: The most advanced chip in Apple's tablet lineup as of May 2025, the M4 chip powers the iPad Pro (2024). It features a sophisticated architecture with a 9-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, providing exceptional processing capabilities for graphics-intensive tasks and multitasking scenarios.

• OLED Display: Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology used in the iPad Pro (2024) delivers superior contrast, color accuracy, and brightness levels compared to traditional LCD displays. This technology enhances user experience, particularly for professional users engaged in design or video editing tasks.

• Retina LCD: The display technology employed by the iPad Air (2025), offering high resolution and pixel density, providing clear and vivid image quality. While still capable, it lacks the vibrancy of OLED displays, making it less suitable for graphics-heavy applications.

• ProMotion: A technology exclusive to the iPad Pro (2024) that allows for adaptive refresh rates between 10Hz and 120Hz. This results in smoother animations and faster responsiveness in applications, making it ideal for gaming and video editing.

• LiDAR Technology: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology enhances the iPad Pro's capabilities in augmented reality (AR) applications. It allows precise depth measurement and visualization, significantly benefiting developers and creative professionals working in AR fields.

• USB-C Connectivity: Both the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) feature USB-C ports for charging and data transfer. USB-C enables high-speed data connections and charging, catering to the needs of professional users who often use external peripherals.

• iPadOS 18: The operating system all iPad models (including the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024)) are running as of May 16, 2025. iPadOS 18 introduces enhanced multitasking features and customization options, ensuring users can maximize their productivity across both device types.

• Smart Connector: An interface featured in both the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024), allowing seamless attachment of accessories like keyboards. It enhances productivity by offering a plug-and-play connectivity route for devices designed to work with the iPads.

• Value Proposition: In the context of the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024), value proposition refers to the balance of cost versus the features and capabilities offered by each model. The iPad Air is seen as offering substantial value for general users, while the iPad Pro justifies its premium pricing with advanced features designed for professional use.

• Battery Life: The duration of device usage on a full charge. Both the iPad Air (2025) and iPad Pro (2024) provide up to 10 hours of usage under typical conditions, showcasing Apple's commitment to energy efficiency in its devices.

Source Documents

• iPad Air (2025) vs. iPad Pro (2024)https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ipad-air-2025-vs-ipad-pro-2024/
• iPad Air vs iPad Pro (2024): Which one should you buy?https://vietnamnet.vn/en/ipad-air-vs-ipad-pro-2024-which-one-should-you-buy-2387055.html
• iPad Pro M4 Review: Apple's Latest Powerhouse Tablet Explored - SimplyMachttps://www.simplymac.com/ipad/ipad-pro-m4-review