Less than a year after updating it with the M2 chip and introducing a larger-screen option, Apple gave the iPad Air another hardware refresh with a power bump. To boost its already formidable productivity chops, Apple also treated the iPad Air to a new, more affordably priced Magic Keyboard with a dedicated function row.

As for the stylus experience, the iPad A16 supports the basic Apple Pencil USB-C, while the iPad Air M3 can be used with both the Pencil USB-C and Apple Pencil Pro. Here are the differences:

Apple has just unveiled the first two entries in its 2025 iPad lineup, but choosing the right one feels tougher than ever in today's landscape.