Apple sells 4 different types of iPads. Here are the latest models you can buy, including the new iPad and iPad Air.
Apple is releasing its newest iPads, the 11th-generation iPad (A16) and M3 iPad Air, in March 2025. Here's a full breakdown of the latest iPad lineup.
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Apple doesn't give new iPad models simple numbers like the iPhone series, which can complicate shopping for newer or older iPads. The best way to approach Apple's tablet lineup is to consider and work backward from the latest iPad models, which we detail below.
Apple is releasing its newest iPads, the 11th-generation standard iPad (A16) and the M3 iPad Air models, on March 12. In 2025, the company now sells six different tablets in new condition, listed below from newest to oldest:
- iPad: 11th-generation, A16 (2025)
- iPad Air 13-inch, M3 (2025)
- iPad Air 11-inch, M3 (2025)
- iPad Mini: 7th generation, A17 Pro (2024)
- iPad Pro 13-inch, M4 (2024)
- iPad Pro 11-inch, M4 (2024)
Determining which iPad best suits your needs can be difficult, as many features and specs overlap. Below is a full breakdown of the latest iPads in the four current model types, arranged in descending order of release. For further assessment, check out our guide to the best iPads.
The new standard iPad
Apple launched a new standard iPad, the 11th-generation iPad with an A16 chipset, for release on March 12, 2025.
The new entry-level iPad is solely an internal upgrade from its predecessor, the 10th-generation iPad from 2022. Apple claims the new tablet's A16 chip makes it nearly 30% faster than the previous model, which ran on the A14 Bionic processor. However, the almost three-year-old A16 processor means the standard iPad remains the sole tablet in Apple's current lineup that is incompatible with Apple Intelligence. Apple
The only other upgrade from the 10th-generation iPad is that Apple increased the 11th-generation iPad's base storage from 64GB to 128GB while keeping the same entry-level price of $349. The company also added a new 526GB storage tier.
The 11th-generation iPad otherwise retains the same design and features as the 10th-generation iPad, including Touch ID, USB-C, a landscape-oriented 12MP front camera, a 12MP wide rear camera, and support for the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and first-generation Apple Pencil.
The 11th-generation iPad's model number for its WiFi + Cellular version is A3355. Apple has yet to list the model number for the standard WiFi model.
See our guide to the 2025 iPad launch for more information.
The new iPad Air models
Alongside the latest standard iPad, Apple updated its iPad Air line, launching new 11-inch and 13-inch M3 iPad Air models for release on March 12, 2025.
Relative to the standard iPad's upgrades, the new iPad Air models represent an even slighter internal upgrade, as their M3 chipsets won't provide significantly better short-term performance than the M2 chips in last year's models. However, Apple claims the M3 iPad Air models are twice as fast as the M1 iPad Airs (released in 2022), and those upgrading from any older iPad will see a drastic increase in performance. Apple
With the same starting prices as last year's M2 models — $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch — the M3 iPad Airs also retain the same Liquid Retina LED displays, Touch ID, landscape-oriented 12MP front camera, 12MP wide rear camera, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C).
Alongside the M3 iPad Airs, Apple introduced a new Magic Keyboard for recent iPad Air models. It features a larger trackpad and a new function row that previous Air-compatible keyboards lacked.
The model numbers for the WiFi + Cellular versions of the 11-inch and 13-inch M3 iPad Air are A3269 and A3269, respectively. Apple has yet to list model numbers for the standard WiFi models.
See our guide to the 2025 iPad Air launch for more information.
The latest iPad Mini
Apple released its latest iPad Mini, the seventh-generation iPad Mini (A17 Pro), in October 2024.
Starting at $499, the seventh-generation iPad Mini is a mid-range option between the standard iPad and the latest premium iPad Pro and Air models. If you're looking for the perfect balance between portability and performance, the iPad Mini could be calling your name. Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
The latest iPad Mini continues Apple's modern tablet design with narrow borders and flat edges. It features the same 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display as its predecessor, the sixth-generation iPad Mini.
The seventh-generation iPad Mini runs on the A17 Pro processor from the iPhone 15 Pro models, making it the least expensive iPad model that can run Apple Intelligence. The powerful processor also runs apps and games quickly and smoothly, whether basic or intensive.
Upgrades from the previous sixth-generation iPad Mini include support for Apple Pencil Pro, though the new model has lost support for the second-generation Apple Pencil. The seventh-generation iPad Mini also supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C). Base storage has also been upgraded from 64GB in the previous generation to 128GB, and it's available in 256GB and 512GB options.
The seventh-generation iPad Mini's model numbers are A2993 for the standard WiFi model and A2995 for the WiFi + Cellular model.
The latest iPad Pro models
Apple's most premium tablet last received a major update in May 2024, when the company launched the latest 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models.
Apple debuted its M4 processor on the iPad Pros alongside a slate of AI-focused enhancements that make the high-end tablets more powerful and tailored for productivity than ever before. Apple
At launch, the iPad Pros were dubbed Apple's "thinnest" products to date. The 11-inch and 13-inch models boast slim designs at depths of 5.3mm and 5.1mm, respectively, thinner than the latest iPad Air models.
Apple introduced a "Tandem OLED" design for the iPad Pro displays, allowing for enhanced brightness and clarity relative to the Pro line's previous LED and mini-LED displays.
Apple released a new Magic Keyboard in 2024 specifically for the latest iPad Pro models. It features a function row and a larger trackpad, which brought the iPad Pro closer to a viable laptop replacement. The latest iPad Pros are compatible with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the newer Apple Pencil Pro; the latter offers a "squeeze" sensor and a gyroscope that enable a suite of new features.
The generational improvements to the iPad Pro line resulted in higher prices. Whereas the previous iPad Pro line started at $799, the latest 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $999, and the 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,299.
The latest 11-inch iPad Pros model numbers are A2836 for the standard WiFi model and A2837 for the WiFi + Cellular model. For the 13-inch iPad Pros, the model numbers are A2925 for the standard WiFi model and A2926 for the WiFi + Cellular model.
Read our guide to the 2024 iPad Pro launch for more information.
How to figure out which iPad you own
All the latest iPads look similar now that each current model has Apple's modern tablet design language, but a model number distinguishes each iPad model within and between generations.
As noted in bold at the end of each section above, the iPad model number is a four-number code preceded by a letter, such as "A2995," for the WiFi + Cellular model of the latest seventh-generation iPad Mini.
If you're unsure which iPad model you own, you can find your iPad's model number in the Settings app by tapping General > About. In the top section, you'll either find the model number (e.g., A2995) or a "part number" indicated by a mix of numbers and letters with a slash (in the form of XXXXXXX/A). If you see the latter, tap to reveal the one-letter, four-digit model number.
You can also find the model number etched on the back of your iPad.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
Apple's most premium tablet got a minor update in October 2022 with the sixth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and fourth-generation 11-inch iPad Pro. The 12.9-inch Pro is the largest tablet in Apple's lineup, and the only iPad to use Apple's mini-LED display that boasts improved brightness and contrast.
Among the updates from 2022 was Apple's computer-grade M2 processor, also in the 2022 MacBook Air, and support for the new Hover feature with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which offers better accuracy and new interactions.
Both tablets include optional 5G connectivity with support for mmWave 5G networks, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, Face ID, high-refresh-rate 120Hz ProMotion displays, dual-lens cameras, and a Center Stage feature that keeps the selfie camera centered on the subject despite movement.
Taken together, these changes make Apple's iPad Pro tablets more powerful and tailored for productivity than ever before. But they're still best suited for professional creatives and multimedia editors since multitasking for most other work is still easier on a desktop operating system like macOS or Windows.
Read our full iPad Pro (2022) review.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
Apple released the 10th-generation iPad in October 2022. It starts at $449, a significantly higher price than the ninth-generation iPad that's still available for $329.
The 10th-gen iPad adopts Apple's modern design language with slim bezels around a larger 10.9-inch screen, and it can be easily mistaken for the fifth-gen iPad Air at a glance. It has a USB-C port instead of Lightning. The Touch ID sensor is now integrated into the power button, and the rear camera sees an upgrade from 8 megapixels to 12 megapixels. But the best upgrade is that the ultra-wide FaceTime camera has been repositioned in the landscape position for a better angle of yourself during video calls.
In terms of power, the 10th-gen iPad uses Apple's A14 Bionic chip, the same processor as the iPhone 12. It's worth noting that this new version of Apple's basic iPad only supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which requires an adapter to charge. The 10th-gen iPad also supports mouse input and a Magic Keyboard Folio designed exclusively for it.
Despite its positives and the fact that it's an exceptional tablet, the 10th-gen iPad's $449 price tag makes it a hard tablet to recommend when the $329 ninth-gen iPad is still in the lineup.
Read our full 10th-generation iPad review.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Insider
While the 2022 basic iPad is powerful, the 2022 iPad Air, released in March 2022, steps it up a notch with Apple's computer-grade M1 processor that also powers the 2020 13-inch MacBook Air, Mac Mini, and 24-inch iMac. That's a significant bump in power compared to the A14 Bionic processor in the fourth-gen iPad Air.
In terms of design, the fifth-gen iPad Air shares many similarities with its predecessor, with the same 10.9-inch screen, USB-C port, and Touch ID integrated into the power button. The front camera was upgraded to 12 megapixels, with support for Center Stage, which automatically focuses the camera on you while you move around during a video call.
Other upgrades include 5G connectivity in the WiFi + Cellular models and an enhanced USB-C port for faster transfer of big files between the iPad Air and storage devices. Starting at $599, Apple's iPad Air sits in the current lineup as a step up from the basic iPad and iPad Mini and a worthy alternative to the iPad Pro.
Read our full fifth-generation iPad Air review.
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While a new entry-level iPad is available, we think the 2021 ninth-generation iPad is still a great tablet for most people. At its $329 starting price, it's currently the most affordable iPad you can buy.
With a 10.2-inch touchscreen and A13 Bionic chip, the ninth-gen iPad offers enough power to get you through your basic needs. However, you may want to upgrade to the 256GB model for a bit more storage space if you're planning on using the iPad to download many videos, store many pictures, or play many games.
Like the 10th-gen iPad, the ninth-gen iPad supports the first-gen Apple Pencil, but it doesn't require an adapter as it can plug right into the iPad's Lightning port to recharge. The ultra-wide FaceTime camera supports the Center Stage feature that follows you as you move around on video calls or when recording a video, but it's in portrait position. The display also has Apple's True Tone feature that automatically adjusts the screen to the color temperature of the room you're in.
Read our full ninth-generation iPad review.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
The most recent iPad Mini model is the sixth-generation iPad Mini, which Apple released in September 2021. Starting at $499, the 2021 iPad Mini sits among more premium models like the iPad Air. If you're looking for the perfect balance between portability and performance, the iPad Air could be calling your name.
The 2021 iPad Mini marks a total redesign over previous generations, making for a look that's closer to the iPad Air with narrower borders. The 2021 iPad Mini features a larger 8.3-inch Liquid Retina touch display with True Tone color technology versus the 7.9-inch screens of previous generations. Apple's A15 Bionic processor that's running the iPhone 13 series is also present, and storage is available in 64GB or 256GB.
The latest iPad Mini supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, a USB-C port for charging and connecting accessories, an ultra-wide FaceTime camera with Apple's Center Stage, an improved 12-megapixel rear camera, and a Touch ID sensor built into the power button on the top edge. The WiFi + Cellular models also support 5G networks.
Read our full iPad Mini sixth-generation review.
