Compare iPad pro generations. iPad Pro

iPad Pro

The new iPad Pro is powered by the A12Z processor and features a new camera setup on the back. Apple has also unveiled a new Magic Keyboard with a trackpad for iPad Pro.

The iPad Pro is Apple’s professional tablet choice. This iPad promises to fill any professional user’s needs with a stunning display and high specs. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Table of contents

• iPadOS 15.1
• iPadOS 15.2
• iPadOS 15.3
• iPadOS 15.4
• iPadOS 15.5
• iPadOS 15.6
• iPadOS 15.7 features
• iPadOS 14

• 11-inch iPad Pro and accessories:
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro and accessories:

History

The first-generation iPad Pro was first available in November of 2015 with a giant 12.9-inch screen. Later in March of 2016, Apple announced a smaller version, with a 9.7-inch display. Apple also introduced the first-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard with this iPad

The Apple Pencil was a key accessory to this iPad since it rejects the user’s palm while in use and is designed for low latency to enable smooth marking on the screen. The Smart Keyboard makes it easier for the user to take notes and work anywhere with the iPad.

The second generation arrived in June of 2017, featuring the A10X Fusion processor and up to 512GB of storage. The 9.7-inch model was replaced with a 10.5-inch version.

In October of 2018, Apple introduced the third-generation iPad Pro, giving the tablet its biggest update yet. With a bezel-less design, the 12.9-inch model became smaller, while Apple replaced the 10.5-inch version for the first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro.

Apple added Face ID to the tablet, with the ability to unlock the iPad in any orientation. This was also the first mobile product from the company to feature a USB-C port. With up to 1TB of storage, Apple also introduced the second-generation Apple Pencil, now charging when attached to the iPad’s side, and a new Smart Keyboard Folio that protects the iPad when closed.

In March of 2020, Apple introduced the fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the second-generation 11-inch model. These iPads were the first product to feature a redesigned camera module and the LiDAR Scanner.

in April of 2021, Apple unveiled the fifth-generation iPad Pro with the M1 chip, Thunderbolt port, 5G support, and the mini-LED display technology in the 12.9-inch model.

iPad Pro Specs and Accessories

Apple sells today the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation) and the 11-inch model (third generation). Both versions feature the M1 chip, which is up to 50% faster than the A12Z Bionic in the previous model, 5G support, a Thunderbolt port, and up to 2TB of storage.

For the first time, Apple says the models with more than 1TB of storage have 16GB of RAM, and versions with less than 1TB of storage have 8GB of RAM.

The iPad Pro uses Face ID technology and has a redesigned camera module, with 12MP Wide Len, 10MP Ultra Wide Len, and a LiDAR Scanner, which is used for AR applications and helps to enhance FOCUS while recording videos or taking pictures.

The TrueDepth camera now has a 12MP Ultra Wide Len with the “Center Stage” feature, which always puts the user in the center of a video call.

With up to ten hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or up to nine hours using a cellular data network, this iPad is available in Silver and Space Gray.

The fifth-generation Pro model works with the Magic Keyboard, featuring a trackpad, backlighted keys, a hinge to adjust the viewing angle, and a USB-C port for pass-through charging. It’s available in white and black. This model also uses the second-generation Apple Pencil, which charges attached to the iPad. You can learn more about the 2021 iPad Pro here.

iPadOS 15

The iPad Pro runs iPadOS 15. Previewed during the WWDC21 keynote, the operating system brings a redesigned Home Screen with widgets and App Library support.

In the productivity section, Apple, unfortunately, didn’t bring all the features pro users wanted to take full advantage of their new M1 iPad Pro, even though, later this year, it will be possible to create apps using Swift Playgrounds, as you can learn more about it here

There’s a new multitasking menu on the top of the screen. When you click there, it’s possible to see what configurations you can use on Split View or just go to Slide Over with just a tap.

The experience with an external keyboard allows users to get more done with all-new keyboard shortcuts and a redesign of the menu bar.

With the Quick Note feature, users can use the Apple Pencil to add a quick note. They just need to slide the pencil through the bottom right corner to the center of the screen and start writing.

iPadOS 15 is already out, with version 15.0.1 also available. Learn more about it here. In a future update, Apple will bring SharePlay for the iPad, which will let users share their screens, listen to Apple Music songs together, or watch Apple TV, HBO Max, Disney, and others while in a call.

iPadOS 15.1

One month after releasing iPadOS 15, Apple released iPadOS 15.1 notable, the company finally brought SharePlay support for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Unfortunately, Universal Control wasn’t one of the features added with this new version. Here’s what else is new:

• Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan) support in the Translate app and for system-wide translation
• New automation triggers based on the current reading of a HomeKit-enabled humidity, air quality, or light level sensor
• New pre-built actions let you overlay text on images or gifs, plus a new collection of games lets you pass the time with Siri

iPadOS 15.2

Five weeks after releasing iPadOS 15.1, Apple is releasing iPadOS 15.2. It brings more features that were expected to launch alongside iPadOS 15. Here are the top features of this version:

• Apple Music Voice Plan is a new subscription tier that gives you access to all songs, playlists, and stations in Apple Music using Siri
• App Privacy Report in Settings lets you see how often apps have accessed your location, photos, camera, microphone, contacts, and more during the last seven days, as well as their network activity
• Communication safety setting gives parents the ability to enable warnings for children when they receive or send photos that contain nudity
• Digital Legacy allows you to designate people as Legacy Contacts so they can access your iCloud account and personal information in the event of your death
• Apple TV app: Store tab lets you browse, buy, and rent movies and TV Shows all in one place

iPadOS 15.3

Six weeks after releasing iPadOS 15.2, Apple is releasing iPadOS 15.3. This update foregoes new features in favor of under-the-hood bug fixes and improvements. One of the most notable changes here is a fix for a Safari vulnerability that may have been leaking your browsing history and Google ID data to the websites you visited.

iPadOS 15.4

iPadOS 15.4 finally brings one of the most important features expected from iPadOS 15 and that got delayed: Universal Control. Here’s everything new with iPadOS 15.4:

• Universal Control: This feature allows you to control your Mac and iPad using the same keyboard and mouse/trackpad. Universal Control needs iPadOS 15.4 and macOS Monterey 12.3;
• New Siri voice: Siri has a fifth American voice. Apple says a member of the LGBTQ community recorded the voice and it’s non-binary;
• emoji: iPadOS 15.4 also brings new emojis. You can discover all of the new characters here;
• Shortcuts automation: Adds support for running Personal Automations in the background without requiring a pesky banner notification.

iPadOS 15.5

Different from other software updates, iPadOS 15.5 only improves the Podcast app experience, as Apple focused on Wallet changes for the iPhone this time:

• Apple Podcasts includes a new setting to limit episodes stored on your iPhone and automatically delete older ones

iPadOS 15.6

iPadOS 15.6 is yet another small update for iPad users. Here’s what’s news:

• TV app adds the option to restart a live sports game already in progress and pause, rewind, or fast-forward.
• Fixes an issue where Settings may continue to display that device storage is full even if it is available.
• Fixes an issue that may cause Braille devices to slow down or stop responding when navigating text in Mail.
• Fixes an issue in Safari where a tab may revert to a previous page.

iPadOS 15.7 features

Apple released iPadOS 15.7 with bug fixes while the company readies iPadOS 16.

iPadOS 14

With iPad OS 14, Apple has redesigned widgets for the Home Screen and added a new enhanced sidebar, compact calls function, and Scribble. With this function, you don’t have to put your Apple Pencil away to do other things. You can write by hand in any text field across iPadOS, and your words automatically convert to text.

Messages received pinned conversations, group photos, and inline replies. It’s possible to mention people in iMessage now and give your Memoji a more personalized look.

In April, Apple released iPadOS 14.5, with some major changes in the iPadOS 14 cycle:

• App Tracking Transparency: iPadOS 14.5 includes the new App Tracking Transparency feature. This requires that applications ask permission from users before tracking them across other apps and websites. For example, when you open the app, you’ll see a prompt that says the app would like to track you across other apps and services. There will be two options from which to choose: “Ask App Not to Track” or “Allow.”
• Siri: There is a new Siri intelligence feature that helps the virtual assistant adapt to your preferring music application. Apple also added two additional Siri voice options from which to choose. The company has said that these changes are part of its ongoing commitment to diversity.
• Emoji: iPadOS 14.5 adds over 200 new emojis.
• Podcasts: Podcasts Show Pages are redesigned to make it easier to start listening to a podcast. Option to save and download episodes, automatically adding them to your library for quick access. Top Charts and popular categories in Search help discover new shows.
• Horizontal boot screen on the iPad
• Updates to theMusic app, including swipe gestures, a lyrics sharing feature, and more.

Even though Apple gave the option for users to stay on iPadOS 14.8 and not update to iPadOS 15, the company now recommends users to update their devices, as it won’t release new updates to iPadOS 14.

Pricing

iPad Pro (2021) pricing starts at 799 for the 11-inch model, with a 128GB storage option, and Wi-Fi only. The can go up to 2,399 with the 12.9-inch model, 2TB storage option, and Wi-Fi Cellular. Here are the full of the third-generation 11-inch model and the fifth-generation 12.9-inch version Apple sell:

11-inch iPad Pro and accessories:

• 128GB with Wi-Fi: 799
• 128GB with Wi-Fi Cellular: 949
• 256GB with Wi-Fi: 899
• 256GB with Wi-Fi Cellular: 1,049
• 512GB with Wi-Fi: 1,099
• 512GB with Wi-Fi Cellular: 1,249
• 1TB with Wi-Fi: 1,299
• 1TB with Wi-Fi Cellular: 1,499
• 2TB with Wi-Fi: 1899
• 2TB with Wi-Fi Cellular: 2.099
• Magic Keyboard (11-inch): 299
• Apple Pencil (2nd gen): 129

12.9-inch iPad Pro and accessories:

• 128GB with Wi-Fi: 1099
• 128GB with Wi-Fi Cellular: 1,299
• 256GB with Wi-Fi: 1,199
• 256GB with Wi-Fi Cellular: 1,399
• 512GB with Wi-Fi: 1,399
• 512GB with Wi-Fi Cellular: 1,599
• 1TB with Wi-Fi: 1,799
• 1TB with Wi-Fi Cellular: 1,999
• 2TB with Wi-Fi: 2,199
• 2TB with Wi-Fi Cellular: 2,399
• Magic Keyboard (11-inch): 349
• Apple Pencil (2nd gen): 129

Lower may be available from Apple’s official Amazon store. You can also find the Magic Keyboard and second-generation Apple Pencil.

21 iPad Pro Launch

The fifth generation launched on May 21. Orders started on April 30, 2021.

Fifth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro review

In our video review of the fifth-generation iPad Pro, we say this is the perfect model to upgrade if you want the power of the M1 chip on the iPad but it still needs a better software update to unleash its full power.

Hardware-wise this is the complete package. The 2021 iPad is basically a Mac computer without macOS. But it’s so much more than a Mac, and that’s what makes the iPad such a compelling product. The iPad has a display that’s better than any MacBook, can connect to the Internet independent of Wi-Fi, has a better speaker system, features easy Face ID authentication, works with the Apple Pencil, and so much more.

If Apple can provide big enhancements in areas like multitasking, external display support, and file management, I think the iPad will finally be able to compete with the Mac and be the laptop replacement that so many people have wanted it to be.

Deals

Over at 9to5Toys, you can find the best deals on the iPad Pro and other Apple products. Download the 9to5Toys iPhone app to receive push notifications for new deals as well.

Rumors

After a year since Apple released the M1 iPad Pro, there are some rumors about its next generation.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and supply chain analyst Ross Young, Apple will not add a miniLED display to the new 11-inch iPad Pro model, keeping this technology for the larger version.

Kuo’s report also corroborates that the 2022 iPad Pro will likely keep the same screen sizes as the current generation, which are 11 and 12.9 inches. In December of 2021, Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter gave Apple customers a tidbit of what to expect from the new iPad Pro.

He says that Apple is planning a new iPad Pro design with support for wireless charging, as well as updates to the lower-end iPad Air and entry-level iPad.

In January 2022, 9to5Mac was able to report that Apple is indeed working on a new iPad Pro, but it won’t feature a full glass back. The company is planning to grow the Apple logo with glass material so it can charge the device through MagSafe support. An M2 chip is also expected.

According to Gurman, these new iPad Pro should be available in the near future, around October or November.

iPad Size Comparison Chart: Every iPad Generation Compared

Apple makes a bunch of iPads these days, and they’re all slightly different with respect to size, dimensions, specs, and design. Here’s a simple size comparison chart to show you how they’re all different…

iPad Size Comparison Chart – Models and Sizes

The latest iPad Pro models are the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 and the iPad Pro 11, both of which are detailed above. You can still buy Apple’s older iPad Pro models, though you will have to do it through a third-party refurbished specialist like Gazelle – and you will save around 40% doing this too!

iPad Air Sizes

The iPad Air, launched in 2019, is Apple’s second-tier flagship. Sitting just below the iPad Pro in terms of pricing, the iPad Air is designed to offer a premium iPad experience, just without the imposing price tag of the iPad Pro.

The iPad Air is designed for pleasure, as a second screen to enjoy content on and the web, whereas the iPad Pro is designed as a work machine that also doubles as an awesome tablet.

The iPad Air, like the iPad Pro, however, does support the Apple Pencil, and you can pair wireless keyboards and mouse devices to it. The iPad Air just lacks some of the performance-punch you’ll find inside the iPad Pro.

iPad Size

The iPad is Apple’s entry-level iPad. It is designed to be cost-effective, powerful, simple to use, and is the one to go for if you’re after a relatively cheap Apple iPad.

The iPad does not pack in the same level of spec or hardware as the iPad Pro or iPad Air. This is why it retails for a lot less. It is still a great device, though, but it’s not quite as powerful as the iPad Air and iPad Pro.

If you’re just looking for a basic iPad, something to browse the web on, respond to emails, and run apps and games on, the entry-level iPad is a great option – it’s cheap, it runs all the same apps and games as the iPad Pro and iPad Air, and it looks gorgeous too.

iPad mini Sizes

The iPad mini is the smallest iPad Apple makes; it has a 7.9in display and is great for those that are looking for a more portable iPad option. The iPad mini will fit pretty much anywhere – from your jacket to a purse. And this makes it a great device for those that travel a lot.

The iPad mini carries more or less the same specifications and hardware as the standard, entry-level iPad; you have 3GB of RAM, Apple’s A12 Bionic chipset, and up to 256GB of storage, though there is also a 64GB model available which is considerably cheaper.

The iPad mini is a popular choice with consumers that want a smaller second screen, something that is more able and can be used with a single hand. The iPad mini is great for reading books on, browsing the web, playing games, and working/catching up with email on. It also supports the Apple Pencil too, so you can make notes on it as well.

What iPad Should I Buy?

Apple’s iPad comes in many shapes and sizes. You have several models to choose from at the moment: ]

The iPad is Apple’s entry-level iPad; it’s the cheapest option and is ideal for casual users. The iPad Air is designed for tablet users that want a slightly more premium experience than what you get on Apple’s standard iPad.

The iPad Air has better specs, a nicer design, and has more performance. It also costs slightly more too, though when you factor in its performance, this is to be expected.

The iPad mini is an odd one; it’s the smallest iPad Apple makes (it has a 7.9in display) and is only slightly larger than the iPhone 11 Pro Max (that phone has a 6.7in display). The iPad mini is fairly cheap too.

The iPad mini is ideal for users that want portability – the iPad mini will fit easily inside a bag or jacket

If you want a proper work machine, something that can replace your laptop, you’ll want to go with the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro is the most powerful iPad Apple makes; it supports keywords, mouse, and trackpads and, thanks to the latest build of iPadOS, it functions just like a MacBook.

If you want a machine you can work on and consume media on, the iPad Pro is essentially unbeatable. Even when you compare it to other hybrid PCs like Microsoft’s Surface X Pro.

Wrapping Up…

As you can see from the table and comparison chart above, Apple has made a fair few iPads over the years. The iPad line-up, either its standard models or Pro models, are updated every year, although the iPad Pro models are updated at a slower rate. As of right now, Apple’s latest iPads are as follows:

Latest iPad Models:

If you’re in the UK, AO carries ALL of Apple’s latest iPad models (see the full range here). And for the USA, your best bet is BH Photo – it has all models of the iPad, including older, cheaper models.

Alternatively, if you want to save 40% on the price of an iPad, you could go the refurbished route and pick one up via Gazelle – doing this will let you get a higher spec model with more storage for a lot less than buying new. And the refurbished iPads look and function as good as new. And check out Apple Pencil Tips Tricks: Get The Most Out Of The Apple Pencil! And check out This is The Best iPad For Drawing – Here’s Why!

iPad vs iPad Pro: Which is best for you in 2022?

Apple currently sells five different iPad models. Two entry-level iPad versions (nine and tenth generations), the iPad mini 6, iPad Air 5, and the recently-announced iPad Pro in two sizes. If you want to discover which iPad is the best choice for you in 2022, fear no more.

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iPad 9: the budget choice for everyday tasks

Released in 2021, the iPad 9 offers everything you’d expect from an iPad. A great display with a Lightning port, headphone jack, support for the first-gen Pencil, and a 329 price point – 299 if you are a student.

This tablet comes with the A13 Bionic chip and a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera with a Center Stage feature so you can make video calls and always be at the center of the image. This iPad is the best choice for those who just want a bigger screen at the cheapest price for everyday tasks or studying.

iPad 10: the iPad you know but with more to love

Released at the end of 2022, the iPad 10 brings a new design to the most-affordable Apple tablet. With a 10.9-inch display, it has fewer bezels, three fun colors (and a silver option), the A14 Bionic chip, and USB-C connectivity.

This iPad comes in 64GB and 256GB of storage, brings 5G connectivity, and a Magic Keyboard Folio that can work as a keyboard or just a regular Folio case. Another interesting feature of this tablet is that the camera is placed in landscape mode, so it’s better for video calls.

The price point, on the other hand, is 449. This iPad is the best choice for those who want a new design, make a lot of video calls, and don’t want to pay much more for another tablet from Apple.

iPad mini 6: power comes in a smaller size as well

Alongside iPad 9, the iPad mini 6 is the oldest iPad available in the 2022 lineup. It was introduced in September of 2021 and brings the A15 Bionic chip in an 8.7-inch body. It has the Center Stage feature, support for the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil, and comes in four different colors.

With 5G support and USB-C connectivity, this tablet can be useful for video and photo editing even with this smaller size. The Touch ID sensor is on the upper side of this iPad.

The iPad mini 6 is the perfect option for those who want a very powerful and capable tablet that can even fit in their Its price point starts at 499.

iPad Air: Now powered with the M1 chip

The iPad line can get confusing mostly because of the M1 iPad Air. It has a 10.9-inch display, the M1 chip, four different colors, Center Stage feature, but offers some software functions not available to other iPads, such as Stage Manager, which arrives with iPadOS 16.1.

When detailing the specifications of this product, the iPad Air has better display technologies, up to 256GB of storage, and support for the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.

Released at the beginning of 2022, the iPad Air with M1 chips is perfect for those who want a tablet as powerful as a Mac, with a big screen, and that comes with the practice of having useful accessories, but without paying for the extra cost of the iPad Pro. The Air model starts at 599.

iPad Pro: the 2022 highlight with the M2 chip

An object of desire, the iPad Pro is the most expensive Apple tablet. It comes in two sizes, 11-inch with an LCD screen and 12.9-inch with a miniLED display – both with ProMotion technology. With up to 2TB of storage and 16GB of RAM, the M2 iPad Pro is aimed at the most demanding users.

It’s the only iPad that supports Face ID and has two main cameras (Wide and Ultra Wide) plus the LiDAR scanner. With a Thunderbolt port, this iPad is as fast as the new M2 MacBook Air and supports the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and the new Magic Keyboard. The 12.9-inch model has exclusive features arriving with iPadOS 16.1, such as Reference Mode for those who need a second monitor to edit photos and videos.

The 2022 iPad Pro is the best option for the most demanding users that don’t see money as a problem, as this tablet can get more pricey than a Mac. It starts at 799 for the 11-inch model and 1,099 for the 12.9-inch version. You may also want to wait for the 2024 iPad Pro if this is too costly for you right now.

Which iPad to choose from in 2022?

There are a ton of iPads to choose. To be honest, it’s very easy to choose one. You need to think: how pretty do I wish a task is performed? All iPads can edit videos, but do I need to edit a 720p or 4K footage? If 4K, will 256GB be enough? If not, the iPad Pro is the only possible option.

If you plan to buy an iPad in 2022 to study, do you need a 12.9-inch miniLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, or a 10.9-inch LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate is more than okay? If you need one of the most powerful processors, does it have to be packed in a bigger screen, or does an 8.7-inch display works?

Last but not least, it’s essential to think about accessories. If you are planning on buying an Apple Pencil, remind yourself that the base-model iPads don’t offer support for the 2nd-gen accessory, which is the only one that attaches to the side of the tablet.

If you can answer these questions, you’ll realize that it’s not hard to choose an iPad in 2022, unless you live in Europe.

This article talks about:

José is a Tech News Reporter at BGR. He has previously covered Apple and iPhone news for 9to5Mac, and was a producer and web editor for Latin America broadcaster TV Globo. He is based out of Brazil.

iPad vs. iPad Air vs. iPad Pro vs. iPad mini: iPad Buying Guide

With four different iPads covering a variety of sizes and ranging from 329 to over 2,000, there are plenty of excellent Apple tablets to choose from. That’s a good thing, but how do you decide which iPad is the right fit for you?

Do you just want to watch videos and use a few apps or are you looking for something that can be a laptop replacement or a creative tool? Use our handy iPad buying guide to get the right Apple slate for your needs and budget.

The iPad Air 5 is still arguably the best iPad for most users, bringing the M1 processor and optional 5G in a more affordable package than the iPad Pros. However, the newly announced iPad Pro 2022 or iPad 2022 could tip the scales away from the iPad Air 5, but we’ll have to see once we get them in for review. At first blush, the new iPad Pros don’t seem like a significant upgrade over the previous models for most users, but the new iPad 2022 may be a spoiler for the Air as it bridges the gap between the base iPad 2021 and the iPad Air 5.

If you’re in the market for a new iPad right then you should take a look at the best iPad deals as there are often excellent discounts on the previous models in the wake of a new iPad launch.

iPad Pro vs. iPad Air vs. iPad mini vs. iPad: Compared

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The iPad lineup is made up of four families: the iPad Pro, the iPad mini, the iPad Air and the iPad. But as you drill down to the individual models, you’ll find plenty of variety in specs, features, and prices. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Common Features

All iPads provide access to more than 1 million apps optimized for the big screen, which is far more than what Android or Windows devices offer. You can also expect a high-quality aluminum unibody design and a bright and crisp display.

The tablets all come with iPadOS. As with the iPhone the software support from Apple is second to none and you can expect at least 5-6 years of software updates regardless of which model you select.

Also note that all iPad models can be ordered with 4G LTE or 5G capability, which allows you to get online when you’re out of Wi-Fi range. If you’re an iPhone user you may want to forgo the added cost for the cellular iPad and the associated plan as the personal hotspot feature works fairly seamlessly, but it’s a nice option to have.

Reasons to avoid

Simply called the iPad, this 10.2-inch slate is the most affordable Apple tablet, with a starting price of just 329. Despite its lower price, the iPad has plenty of premium specs, including a 2160 x 1620-pixel Retina display, a speedy A13 Bionic processor, Apple Pencil support and dual 8-MP / 12-MP cameras. It comes in 64GB or 128GB capacity.

This model is actually staying around following the release of the iPad (2022) as the new iPad is making the jump to a 449 starting price. Now it earns it with a bump to a 10.9-inch display, an A14 Bionic processor, improved cameras, a USB-C port, and a more modern design that eliminates the home button, but the iPad (2021) is going to remain a strong affordable option.

Best For: Because of its relatively low price and generous screen size, the iPad is a great choice for media consumption, gaming, social media and some light productivity. Although the iPad mini 4 is a better size for small hands, many parents will prefer the iPad’s lower price when choosing a slate for their kids. College students on a budget will also find this model appealing.

Reasons to avoid

The more portable, purse-friendly tablet in the iPad family, the iPad mini is a great handheld device. It features an 8.3-inch display and an A15 chip.

Best For: If you like to read on the couch, in bed, or on the go, the iPad mini is a great size for books, especially comic books. Its relatively small screen makes it easy to type quick social media posts or send off emails, during one-handed use or while standing up. The mini is the best size for kids, but parents may prefer to get the less-expensive iPad.

Reasons to avoid

This 599 iPad Air looks to provide the best mix of pro and consumer features at a price that won’t hurt too much. With support for the current Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, it can be your next 2-in-1, acting as a laptop when you need to be productive.

The biggest differences between it and the entry-level 329 iPad are its larger 10.9-inch screen and blistering fast M1 processor. It also mirrors the iPad Pro with USB-C charging and while it would have been nice to get Face ID, the fingerprint sensor is fast and moving it to the side button gives the Air thinner display bezels and a more modern iPad Pro design.

Best For: Overall, the iPad Air is a great option for most people who aren’t on such a tight budget but don’t need the niche features that make the iPad Pro so expensive. The only reason to consider the upgrade to a Pro now that the Air also features the M1 processor, are the superior cameras, Face ID, and the larger 120Hz displays.

Reasons to avoid

This is what happens when you take the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, increase its screen, shrink its bezels and swap its home button out for Face ID. Oh, and then there’s the Ferrari engine under the hood: Apple’s unbelievable M1 processor still flies in the 2021 iPad Pros.

The iPad Pro 2021 is for the same crowd as the previous models: those without a budget who want the absolute best tablet on the market, as well as professionals and enthusiasts using intensive apps for content creation or editing. Unless Apple changes direction and turns the iPad Pro into a true laptop replacement, the market for this tablet will remain limited.

The iPad Pro (2022) adds a faster M2 processor and Wi-Fi 6E support in both models, but those are the only significant upgrades, so if you can find a good deal on an iPad Pro 2021 then you shouldn’t be worried that you are missing out on much. Most users will never touch the upward limit of even the M1-powered iPad Pros performance.

Best For: Creative pros who love their styluses, want a smaller device and push their iPad to the limits. Also, pros on a budget will go for this model, as it’s just as fast and capable, but starts at 200 less and its 179 Smart Keyboard Folio is 20 less than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro’s keyboard cover.