Which iPad Apple released most recently
Apple releases new iPad models throughout the year across four main product lines: iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini. The most recent models as of early 2024 are the iPad Pro with M4 chip (11-inch and 13-inch), iPad Air with M2 chip (11-inch and 13-inch), the standard iPad with A14 chip, and iPad mini with A17 Pro chip. Each line targets different uses and budgets, so "the new iPad" depends on which model you're looking at and when it was released.
Apple typically announces new iPads in spring and fall, though the schedule varies. If you're shopping now, check Apple's official website or your retailer's current inventory to see which models are actually in stock, since older versions sometimes remain available alongside newer ones. You can also check your own device by going to Settings, then General, then About — the Model line will tell you exactly which iPad you own.
Key Takeaways
- iPad Pro is the most powerful line, designed for video editing, graphic design, and professional work, with the newest M4 chip offering desktop-level performance.
- iPad Air sits between Pro and standard iPad in price and power, using the M2 chip and working well for most creative tasks without the premium cost.
- The standard iPad is the most affordable option and handles email, web browsing, reading, and light creative work with its A14 chip.
- iPad mini offers the same power as the standard iPad but in a smaller 8.3-inch screen, useful if you want portability or one-handed use.
- Storage, screen size, and whether you need cellular connectivity are the practical choices that affect price more than the chip itself.
iPad Pro: Power for professional work
The iPad Pro with M4 chip is Apple's flagship tablet, built for people doing serious creative work. The M4 is the same chip family used in MacBook Pro laptops, so it handles video editing in Final Cut Pro, photo editing in Lightroom, 3D design, and running multiple demanding apps at once without lag. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, with the larger screen useful if you're editing video or working with detailed graphics.
iPad Pro also includes the best screen on any iPad: a Liquid Retina display with high refresh rate (120Hz), meaning scrolling and drawing feel smoother than on other models. If you use an Apple Pencil for design work, the responsiveness difference is noticeable. The trade-off is price — iPad Pro costs significantly more than other lines, starting around $1,000 for the base 11-inch model.
Storage matters more on iPad Pro because video files and design projects take up space quickly. Base storage is 256GB, but you may want 512GB or higher if you work with video regularly. The larger screen also makes it better for detailed work where you need to see fine details without zooming in constantly.
iPad Air: Middle ground between power and price
iPad Air uses the M2 chip, which is one generation older than iPad Pro's M4 but still handles creative work, multitasking, and demanding apps without problems. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes like iPad Pro, and the screen is very good — Liquid Retina with 120Hz refresh rate — though not quite as bright as Pro. For most people doing photo editing, illustration, note-taking, or video work, iPad Air performs nearly as well as Pro while costing $200 to $300 less.
iPad Air is the practical choice if you want a powerful tablet for creative work but don't need the absolute top performance. The M2 chip is still fast enough that you won't feel held back unless you're doing heavy 4K video editing or running specialized professional software. Many designers and content creators choose iPad Air because the performance-to-price ratio makes more sense than paying extra for the M4 when the M2 handles their actual work smoothly.
Standard iPad: Everyday use and learning
The standard iPad uses the A14 chip, which is less powerful than M2 or M4 but handles everyday tasks smoothly: email, web browsing, reading, note-taking, light photo editing, and streaming video. It comes in a 10.9-inch screen size and costs the least of any iPad line, making it the entry point for people new to tablets or buying for a child.
The A14 chip is the same one used in iPhone 12, so it's proven and reliable. You won't run into performance problems unless you're trying to edit 4K video or run heavy design software. For schoolwork, reading, casual creativity, and general use, the standard iPad is more than capable. Storage on the standard iPad starts at 64GB, which is enough for apps and documents but tight if you store a lot of video or photos locally. Consider 256GB if you plan to keep large files on the device.
iPad mini: Portability in a smaller screen
iPad mini has the A17 Pro chip and comes in a much smaller 8.3-inch screen. It's designed for people who want tablet power but need something that fits in a large bag or backpack, or who prefer one-handed use. The smaller screen makes it less ideal for video editing or detailed design work, but it's excellent for reading, note-taking, drawing, and everyday apps.
iPad mini costs slightly more than the standard iPad despite having similar performance, because the smaller size and design command a premium. If screen size matters more to you than portability, the standard iPad is the better value. If you already carry a larger iPad and want a second device for travel or reading, iPad mini fills that role well. The compact size also makes it popular for people who want a tablet they can hold comfortably for long reading sessions without arm fatigue.
Storage, cellular, and other practical choices
Once you've picked which iPad line fits your needs, the next decision is storage capacity. All models come in 64GB or 256GB at minimum (iPad Pro starts at 256GB). Storage doesn't affect speed — a 256GB iPad runs the same as a 64GB model — but it determines how much you can store locally. If you use cloud storage like iCloud or Google Drive for most files, 64GB or 128GB is usually enough. If you work with large video files or keep your entire photo library on the device, go to 256GB or higher.
Cellular connectivity is optional on all models. Wi-Fi only is cheaper and works fine if you're always near Wi-Fi. Cellular adds cost but lets you use data anywhere, useful if you travel or work away from home regularly. Cellular models also include GPS, which Wi-Fi models lack.
The Apple Pencil is sold separately and varies by model — iPad Pro and Air use the newer Pencil Pro, while standard iPad and mini use older Pencil versions. If you plan to draw or take handwritten notes, budget for a Pencil and check which version your iPad uses before buying.
How to check which iPad you have now
If you already own an iPad and want to know which model it is, go to Settings, then General, then About. Look for the line that says "Model" — it will show iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, or iPad mini. The chip name appears on the same screen under "Chip". This tells you exactly what you're working with and helps you decide whether an upgrade makes sense for what you do.
The About screen also shows your current storage capacity and iOS version. Knowing your exact model is useful when shopping for accessories like cases, screen protectors, or Apple Pencils, since different iPad lines use different versions that aren't interchangeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the new iPad Pro worth the extra cost over iPad Air?
Only if you do professional video editing, 3D design, or other heavy creative work where the M4 chip's extra power saves you time. For most people, iPad Air handles photo editing, illustration, and multitasking just as smoothly. The M4 is faster, but the difference in everyday use is small.
Can I use the same Apple Pencil on all iPad models?
No. iPad Pro and iPad Air use Pencil Pro, while standard iPad and iPad mini use older Pencil versions. Check which Pencil your specific model supports before buying, because they're not interchangeable and cost $100 to $130 each.
How much storage do I actually need?
If you use cloud storage for photos and documents, 64GB or 128GB is usually enough. If you edit video, keep your entire photo library locally, or work with large design files, jump to 256GB or 512GB. Storage doesn't affect speed, only how much you can keep on the device.
Should I buy the newest iPad or wait for the next release?
If the current model does what you need, buy it now. Apple releases new iPads throughout the year, so there's always a newer version coming in a few months. Waiting for the next release means you miss months of use for a small performance gain most people won't notice.
What's the difference between Wi-Fi and cellular iPad?
Cellular models cost $150 to $200 more and let you use mobile data anywhere. Wi-Fi models need a Wi-Fi network. Cellular also includes GPS. Buy cellular only if you regularly work away from Wi-Fi or need GPS navigation.