There aren’t any dangerous iPads. That’s the perfect information about Apple’s pill lineup: 15 years after Steve Jobs first debuted the gadget, the iPad is the perfect pill available on the market, and it’s not notably shut. Apple’s App Retailer is gigantic and stuffed with nice apps, Apple’s efficiency and battery life are constantly glorious, and the iPad remains to be the corporate’s most versatile gadget. That’s one straightforward reply to your query: sure, if you would like a pill you can purchase an iPad. Even final 12 months’s iPad, or heck, last-last 12 months’s iPad remains to be a strong gadget. Shopping for an older however higher gadget — final 12 months’s Professional as a substitute of this 12 months’s Air, as an example — is a tried and true iPad formulation.
However which of all these good iPads do you have to purchase? That’s by no means been extra sophisticated. Apple sells six completely different iPads — the Professional in two sizes, the Air in two sizes, the Mini, and the common ol’ iPad — all of which include completely different specs and accent choices. It’s all an excessive amount of.
I’ve examined each iPad presently available on the market and have been an iPad person and reviewer for the reason that very first mannequin. (I’m fairly certain I acquired a job in 2010 as a result of I had a brand-new iPad with me on the interview, however that’s one other story.) After utilizing all these tablets and equipment, I believe I will help you make the selection.
The only strategy to decide an iPad is by strategy of elimination. First, there’s your finances: you’ll be able to spend $350 on an iPad, you’ll be able to spend $2,728 on an iPad, or you’ll be able to spend absolutely anything in between. You must also determine whether or not you want an Apple Pencil and which one has the options you want, as a result of not each iPad helps each mannequin. The identical goes for the keyboard attachments. Between value and equipment, your selection is likely to be immediately apparent.
Extra broadly, although, your iPad-buying journey begins with two essential questions. The primary is: what sort of iPad person are you? There are roughly two sorts. The primary and most typical iPad person largely makes use of it like a bigger iPhone: it’s a much bigger display on which to ship emails, do the crossword, watch Netflix, and different pretty informal actions. The second kind of iPad person, however, makes use of it like a touchscreen Mac: it’s for video modifying, 3D modeling, creating shows, crushing spreadsheets, and usually Doing Work of all types. You’ll additionally e mail and Netflix, after all, however you need your iPad to be a main computing gadget.
I believe most individuals fall into the primary class. (Actually, I additionally assume lots of people who consider they fall into the second class… largely don’t.)
What to contemplate when shopping for an iPad:
iPads are extremely versatile devices, so we check them in as many real-world methods as attainable. We use them for video chats, we play high-end video games and informal ones, we edit complicated video, we go to sleep on the sofa watching Netflix. We pay shut consideration to efficiency, battery life, sturdiness, and compatibility with vital apps and equipment. We’ve reviewed each iPad available on the market, together with their most vital opponents, and monitor software program updates intently as they modify the units’ enchantment.
Sure, that is apparent, but it surely’s good to know the way a lot you wish to spend earlier than procuring — in any other case, you danger succumbing to Apple’s unimaginable capacity to all the time get you spending just a bit extra. You may get a brand new iPad for as little as $350, or you’ll be able to spend nicely over $1,000 for a high mannequin. Realizing how a lot you wish to pay will information you to the precise fashions. It’d even information you to older fashions; generally the last-gen iPad, at a steep low cost, could be the one to purchase.
The most typical iPad dimension nowadays has a roughly 11-inch display. That is most likely the precise dimension for most individuals: 11 inches is good for all kinds of issues and is versatile for each holding in your palms and utilizing with a keyboard. When you primarily plan to make use of your iPad for studying, you would possibly wish to go along with one thing smaller; for those who intend to switch a laptop computer with an iPad, you may want a much bigger mannequin. Be warned, although: a 13-inch iPad is a very humongous factor.
Apple’s accent compatibility is considerably fragmented throughout its iPad lineup. It has a number of completely different Pencil stylus fashions, quite a lot of completely different keyboard attachments, and all kinds of case choices. Whereas some iPad fashions share equipment with others, not all of them do, so if you wish to use a particular accent along with your iPad, it’s vital to verify each are suitable before you purchase them.
The second query is extra sophisticated to reply, and it’s what makes the iPad-buying course of so difficult proper now: how lengthy do you anticipate to maintain your iPad? When you’re searching for a tool for the youngsters to beat up or one thing that can be your journey companion till you inevitably depart it someplace, you’re going to finish up with a really completely different gadget than for those who’re procuring on your most important laptop for the subsequent decade. Normally, for those who deal with your iPad, I believe you’ll be able to fairly anticipate it to final at the least 5 years — in order that’s the timeline I take note of as we undergo this information.
I used to say that nearly everybody ought to simply get the bottom iPad. Now, I believe there are two choices value critically contemplating. Regardless of which one you select, all of the fashions on this checklist will obtain Apple’s recently announced iPadOS 26 update this fall.
$299
The Good
- The most cost effective iPad by far
- Is available in plenty of enjoyable colours
- A lot succesful for informal use
The Dangerous
- The worst display within the lineup
- A lot older chip
- No Pencil Professional help
Display screen: 11-inch, 2360 x 1640 decision / Processor: Apple A16 / Storage: 128GB to 512GB Port: USB-C / Mobile: 5G (non-obligatory) / Audio system: stereo / Appropriate equipment: Apple Magic Keyboard Folio, Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Apple’s base mannequin remains to be a extremely good pill and a reasonably whole lot: you could possibly purchase the $349 pill and the (wildly overpriced however nonetheless very good) $250 Magic Keyboard Folio for the value of the iPad Air. Now that it comes with at the least 128GB of storage, I’ve few complaints with this gadget.
The 11-inch display is the precise dimension for many iPad issues, the digital camera is sweet and is positioned in the precise place, it helps the Apple Pencil — although not the newer Pencil Professional — and even its A16 chip is a lot for many informal iPad makes use of. All the opposite iPads have barely nicer screens, notably the antireflective coating that helps mitigate glare, however that’s nearly actually not definitely worth the extra value for many patrons.
Right here’s my reservation: the bottom mannequin iPad is additional behind the Air than ever earlier than, and I fear about how that’ll play out over the subsequent few years. When you determine to start out utilizing your iPad for extra inventive duties, then you definitely would possibly remorse not getting the Air’s M3 chip. If, by some miracle, Apple Intelligence turns into superior within the subsequent few years, you received’t be capable of use it.
When you solely needed an iPad to final a pair years, for on a regular basis iPad duties, I’d let you know to purchase this one with out a second’s hesitation. However there’s an opportunity this one will really feel previous and outdated lengthy earlier than the Air does.
$499
The Good
- M3 chip is quick and new
- Wonderful accent help
- Higher show than the bottom mannequin
The Dangerous
- Has Contact ID, not Face ID
- Way more costly than the bottom mannequin
- AI just isn’t an improve to date
Display screen: 11-inch, 2360 x 1640 decision; 13-inch, 2732 x 2048 decision / Processor: Apple M3 / Storage: 128GB to 1TB / Ports: USB-C / Mobile: 5G (non-obligatory) / Audio system: stereo / Appropriate equipment: Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, Apple Pencil Pro, Pencil USB-C
The iPad Air is meant to be the right center floor of the iPad lineup, and this 12 months’s mannequin will get fairly shut. The brand new M3 chip is simply a tiny improve over the M2 — I don’t even discover it in day-to-day use — however I’ll by no means complain about having newer chips. The largest improve to the Air this 12 months is definitely the brand new Magic Keyboard, which provides a row of perform keys and makes the setup a way more credible laptop computer substitute. (The brand new keyboard additionally works with the M2 Air, and if yow will discover that gadget on sale someplace, it’s nonetheless an important pill.)
The bottom iPad to iPad Air improve is simple sufficient. You get higher equipment, a considerably higher display, and a noticeably higher processor for $250. (You additionally get the choice of a 13-inch gadget for one more $200, however I believe an 11-inch iPad is the precise dimension for most individuals — the 13-inch fashions begin to really feel extra like laptops than tablets.) When you’re taking part in Netflix and searching the net, that $250 received’t get you a lot, however as quickly as you begin noodling round in Last Lower and even GarageBand, you’ll discover the distinction. There’s lots of room to develop into the Air, whereas the bottom iPad might hit its ceiling a lot sooner.
The opposite factor the Air provides that the bottom iPad doesn’t is Apple Intelligence. Proper now, this isn’t an issue: there’s precisely nothing in Apple Intelligence value spending $250 on. However for those who’re an AI believer, you need to know that the bottom iPad received’t get no matter’s coming.
$1180
The Good
- Outrageously highly effective
- Attractive display and design
- Full accent help
The Dangerous
- Outrageously costly
- Like, MacBook Professional-level costly
Display screen: 11-inch, 2420 x 1668 decision 120Hz OLED; 13-inch, 2752 x 2064 decision 120Hz OLED; nano-texture glass non-obligatory / Processor: Apple M4 / Storage: 256GB–2TB / Ports: USB-C / Mobile: 5G (non-obligatory) / Audio system: 4 / Appropriate equipment: Apple Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil Pro, Pencil USB-C
When you’re not anxious about value tags, that is straightforward: the web iPad Professional is my favourite pill of all time. The Tandem OLED display is vibrant and crisp, the pill is barely thicker than its USB-C port, it’s mild, it’s skinny, and it’s about as nicely made as you could possibly anticipate a pill to be. The M4 chip is a lot quick even for high-end video games and ultra-complex creativity apps. It helps the brand new, lighter, higher Magic Keyboard case and the Pencil Professional. I’ve loads of qualms about how highly effective iPadOS is, and the bounds it locations on simply how powerfully you should utilize an iPad, however the M4 Professional is all the pieces you’d need in a pill.
However oh boy, the value. The Professional begins at $999 for the 11-inch mannequin, and if you would like a keyboard, a Pencil, and even a single storage improve, you’re rapidly a $2,000 buy. If we’re simply speaking a few Netflix and e mail machine, we’re long gone the purpose of diminishing returns. However for those who don’t care, and also you simply need the perfect factor cash can purchase? Right here it’s. You received’t be dissatisfied.
$474
The Good
- Ultimate for one-handed use
- Works with the Pencil Professional
The Dangerous
- Lacking some accent help
- Digicam’s within the unsuitable spot
Display screen: 8.3-inch, 2266 x 1488 decision 60Hz Mini LED / Processor: Apple A17 Professional / Storage: as much as 2TB / Port: USB-C / Mobile: 5G (non-obligatory) / Audio system: quad / Appropriate equipment: Apple Pencil Pro, Pencil USB-C, Smart Folio
You’re both an iPad Mini individual otherwise you’re not. I very a lot am: I’ve used a Mini for years as my gadget for studying in mattress, watching motion pictures on airplanes, and taking part in video games on the go. The web Mini is a little bit of a disappointment, with a barely underpowered processor and an previous design that would have used smaller bezels and a relocated digital camera. However it’s nonetheless the iPad Mini, and it’s nonetheless ok for many pill issues. In order for you an iPad Mini, that is it.
An apart on specs and extras
When you’ve picked an iPad mannequin, you continue to have a bunch of choices to make. And plenty of of them are about specs and options that may value you a whole bunch of {dollars}. Listed here are my suggestions for a number of the stuff you’ll encounter:
- Mobile protection: You most likely don’t want this. Until you reside in a extremely distant place, Wi-Fi is on the market in most locations. That stated, I’ve discovered that I take advantage of cell-equipped iPads way more usually once I can simply pull them out and know they’re linked — there’s one thing about busting it out within the park or on the subway that simply feels nice. Plus, it’s a extremely helpful hotspot for different units. This isn’t the primary place I’d spend my cash, although.
- Storage: This is the primary place I’d spend my cash. All of the iPads now include at the least 128GB of storage, which is a giant improve — 64GB was simply by no means sufficient. Even now, although, I like to recommend springing for 256GB for those who can afford it; you’d be shocked at how rapidly your pictures, movies, and Netflix downloads add up.
- Engraving: Don’t do that. It screws up returns and makes promoting or giving it away tougher. Simply don’t do it.
- Apple Pencil: As a lot as I’d love for this to be an all-purpose accent, it’s actually not. Purchase it (both the USB-C or the Professional) for those who plan to handwrite or draw so much. In any other case, skip it.
- Magic Keyboard: That is the primary accent I’d suggest to most individuals — many individuals kind so much on their iPads, and it’s additionally a useful stand and dock for the pill. You’ll find cheaper keyboard docks than Apple’s, however I haven’t discovered one I like higher. It’s costly irrespective of which mannequin you purchase, although.
My gadget procuring recommendation is all the time to purchase the perfect factor you’ll be able to afford and maintain it for so long as attainable, and that’s extra doable with an iPad than nearly every other gadget class. You probably have the additional $100 to spend on storage, do it. If you wish to improve since you assume AI will get extra highly effective within the subsequent few years, go for it! Simply ensure you know which sort of iPad person you actually are, and get the perfect one you’ll really make use of. Hopefully for a very long time to return.
For the primary time shortly, the iPad lineup feels pretty updated. The Air, Mini, and base mannequin have all been up to date within the final a number of months. The Professional is definitely the oldest gadget within the lineup, and Bloomberg has reported that an M5-powered Professional may very well be coming as quickly as this 12 months.
Apple does look like updating its units extra usually than earlier than, generally on an iPhone-style annual schedule. Clearly, your iPad doesn’t have to be upgraded that usually, and the year-to-year upgrades are typically small. So our recommendation nonetheless holds: for those who want a brand new one, now’s a great time. When you don’t, there appears to all the time be an improve simply across the nook.
Replace, August 1st: Adjusted costs and availability.