We break down all the newest devices, explain what generation is the latest iPad, and expand on what makes each one stand apart from the others. The latest iPad packs an A13 Bionic processor — the same as the iPhone 11 series — though it’s not noticeably faster than its predecessor. Aesthetically, the iPad Mini 6 boasts slimmer bezels than its predecessor and also packs a long-overdue USB-C port. The new iPad Mini packs Apple’s A15 Bionic processor, the same as the iPhone 13 series, and there’s 64GB or 256GB of onboard storage. Paired with iPadOS 15, everything runs like clockwork and there’s no lack of processing power here for handling the latest apps, games, and everyday tasks. It’s also the smallest iPad to offer second-generation Apple Pencil support, and with iPadOS 15, you can use the Scribble handwriting to text feature.
If you’re in the market for a super compact, portable, powerful tablet, the new iPad Mini ticks all the boxes, though there’s been a price bump this generation too, with the 64GB model coming in at $499. There’s USB-C charging rather than lightning, though battery life is a bit of a letdown and with heavy use, you’ll likely need to reach for your charger by the end of the day.
With one glance you’ll notice the fifth-generation iPad Pro follows the same design as Apple’s flagship phones, so it’s certainly attractive.
The newest iPad Pro received a significant upgrade with Apple’s new in-house M1 processor chip, which our tests found to be an improvement when it comes to performance. If you’re interested in the larger version, it comes with a significantly upgraded Liquid Retina XDR display for better visuals, too We want to note; this choice is still the most expensive iPad by far, starting at $749 for the 128GB Wi-Fi 11-inch and skyrocketing to $2,299 for the 2TB (yes, it can really have that much storage) cellular 12.9-inch model.
iPad Pro (5th generation)
Significant upgrades over the previous generation include the new Apple M1 processor, the addition of 5G support in cellular models, support for Thunderbolt 3 and USB4, and for the 12.9-inch model, a new mini LED Liquid Retina XDR display. [6] The iPad’s general availability was temporarily constrained by an ongoing chip shortage of 2020 and 2021. In spite of minor differences in weight and thickness due to hardware upgrades, the tablet is virtually identical to its predecessor. The fifth generation iPad Pro debuted support of Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 with its USB-C port.
The 12.9-inch model, in contrasts, boasts mini LED HDR display called the Liquid Retina XDR display built in with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, full screen brightness of 1000 nits and a peak brightness of 1600 nits (HDR). [15] Both models support True Tone, ProMotion, 120 Hz variable refresh rate, and P3 wide colour gamut. Besides the second generation Apple Pencil, the Smart Keyboard Folio, and the Magic Keyboard, the tablet also supports third-party external accessories such as game controllers (Sony Playstation and Microsoft XBOX games controllers, but not Nintendo Switch). Apple’s fifth-generation iPad Pro can also be used with many other peripherals that transform it into a versatile computer.
Some reviewers said that its overboosted processor was limited by iPadOS and the lack of professional macOS applications,[20][21] while other criticized the placement of its camera system. [22] The Verge criticized the lack of multiuser support like the Mac but praised the Mini-LED and cameras.
iPad Pro: History, specs, pricing, review, deals, and rumors
This iPad promises to fill any professional user’s needs with a stunning display and high specs. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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 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. 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
New automation triggers based on the current reading of a HomeKit-enabled humidity, air quality, or light level sensor 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 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
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
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 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. 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
TV app adds the option to restart a live sports game already in progress and pause, rewind, or fast-forward. Fixes an issue that may cause Braille devices to slow down or stop responding when navigating text in Mail. With iPad OS 14, Apple has redesigned widgets for the Home Screen and added a new enhanced sidebar, compact calls function, and Scribble. There is a new Siri intelligence feature that helps the virtual assistant adapt to your preferring music application.
Option to save and download episodes, automatically adding them to your library for quick access. Option to save and download episodes, automatically adding them to your library for quick access. on the iPad Updates to the Music app, including swipe gestures, a lyrics sharing feature, and more. 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. 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. 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.
Here’s everything we know so far about the 2022 iPad Pro
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this iPad could feature a glass back to enable wireless charging, most likely via MagSafe. Wireless charging replaces the usual power cable with an inductive mat, which makes it easier for users to top up their device’s battery. Wireless charging will likely be slower than directly plugging in a charger to the iPad’s Thunderbolt port, which will remain as part of the next models.
In January 2022, 9to5Mac was able to discover that Apple hit a roadblock in its plans to redesign the iPad Pro with MagSafe. While the company was testing a full glass back on the iPad Pro 2022, it became a drawback as it would make the product easier to damage and also much more fragile. The prototype also has stronger magnets to prevent accidents, and it supports charges at faster speeds than MagSafe for iPhone. Although it was rumored that the 11-inch model would switch the LCD panel for a miniLED display, analysts Ross Young and Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple will keep the LCD technology for the smaller iPad due to high costs of production – although it could change to an OLED display in a following iteration of the product. Not only that, but as you already read in this roundup, Apple is likely to introduce the ability to charge the 2022 iPad Pro with a MagSafe charger that’s even faster than the one available for the iPhone. The report speculates that these new connectors could “assist in powering peripherals” that connect to the Thunderbolt/USB-C port on the iPad Pro.
It’s also worth noting that iPadOS 16 will let device makers create drivers for the iPad with the addition of DriverKit support.
iPad – Compare Models
Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video, or listening to music Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video, or listening to music
Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video, or listening to music Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video, or listening to music Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video, or listening to music
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iPad generations: these are all the iPad models to date
This page will give you the important iPad generations that currently represent a great buy. That’s why we’ve listed the most current iPad in each of the main areas: Pro, Air, classic and mini.
Specifications Display size: 11in or 12.9in Processor: 8-core M1 processor Storage options : Up to 2TB Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd generation Screen: Mini LED Liquid Retina XDR Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at very.co.uk (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Faster performance + Powerful camera + Strong 5G coverage + More storage Reasons to avoid – Pricey, and accessories cost extra The latest Pro also has the best iPad camera you can get, with an ISP and LIDAR scanner for great low-light detail, an ultrawide 12MP sensor giving you a 120-degree field of view, and Center Stage, a software feature that automatically follows you during video calls.
When we reviewed it, we found the latest iPad Pro is perfect as a drawing tablet, especially when teamed with the Apple Pencil, and it has lots of cool features for video editors, 3D artists and other creative pros. If you just want a tablet for watching Netflix and a bit of light web use, one of the cheaper iPads on this list will probably be all you need, and you might be better off saving the money.
Specifications Display size: 11in or 12.9in Processor: A12Z Bionic Storage options : 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd generation Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Large screen + Up to 1TB of storage Reasons to avoid – Still expensive considering it’s been super-seeded – Less portable than other iPads Despite the arrival of the Apple iPad Pro 2021 (see above), this 2020 release remains a great option for professional creatives who want a tablet to work on.
Like the newer iPad Pro, this device also comes in an 11in option, and a larger 12.9in version, which allows extra space for design work when paired with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. So unless you’re doing a lot of resource-intensive work such as video or photo editing, it’s very tempting to go for this more affordable model. Although it carries a less powerful chip than the latest iPad Air (see below), it still has some advantages over that model, such as built-in Face ID. Apple iPad Pro (2018, 3rd generation) Pro-level features but not worth the price considering its age.
Specifications Display size: 11in or 12.9in Processor: A12X Bionic Storage options : 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd generation Today’s Best Deals View at Currys (opens in new tab) View at Currys (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Large screen + Up to 1TB of storage Reasons to avoid – 12.9-inch model is bulky – Hard purchase to justify with two newer models available Unless you find a good deal at retailer that’s still looking to offload stock we’d such a big difference in price with the later models, you’re probably going to want one of the newer iPad Pro generations.
Specifications Display size: 10.9in Processor: M1 Storage options : 64GB, 256GB Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd generation Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) View at very.co.uk (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Now with the same processor as the iPad Pro + Stunning display + Very versatile Reasons to avoid – Quite close in price to the iPad Pro
Apple’s made its midrange tablet a whole lot more pro-like, giving it the same M1 processor as the 2021 iPad Pros.
When we reviewed the new tablet, we found that the chip combined with a superb 1640 x 2360 Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen means the iPad Air is now well and truly an iPad Pro-lite at a more affordable price – although only just, because the price difference is now really very close unless you find a discount. Specifications Display size: 10.9in Processor: A14 Bionic Storage options : 64GB, 256GB Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd generation Today’s Best Deals View at Currys (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Beautiful full-screen display + Extremely powerful Reasons to avoid – Quite expensive and still not a Pro – No Face ID
Specifications Display size: 10.5in Processor: A12 Bionic Storage options : 64GB, 256GB Apple Pencil compatibility: 2nd generation Today’s Best Deals View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) View at argos.co.uk (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Cheaper than new iPad Air + 256GB storage option Reasons to avoid – Harder to get hold of – Chunky bezels Specifications Display size: 10.2in Processor: A13 Bionic Storage options : 64GB, 256GB Apple Pencil compatibility: 1st generation Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at very.co.uk (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent value for money + Compatible with + Huge storage Reasons to avoid – No new design
While it looks almost identical to 2020’s iteration, this model boasts Apple’s TrueTone tech, allowing the screen image to adjust to the ambient lighting wherever you are. The camera is also upgraded, growing to 12MP with Apple’s Center Stage features, first seen on the iPad Pro of 2020. Other than that, the 2021 model has the same 10.2in 1620 x 2160 LCD screen as the 8th generation, with a max 500 nits brightness, which will be just fine for most users. Specifications Display size: 10.2in Processor: A12 Bionic Storage options : 32GB, 128GB Apple Pencil compatibility: 1st generation Today’s Best Deals View at AO.com (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent value for money + Includes all essential iPad features Reasons to avoid – Thick bezels – Lacks advanced features
Specifications Display size: 10.2in Processor: A10 Fusion Storage options : 32GB, 128GB Apple Pencil compatibility: 1st generation Today’s Best Deals Preorder at Laptops Direct (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Very affordable + Lots of key iPad features Reasons to avoid – Slower A10 processor – Old design You might notice the difference if you want to do more demanding tasks, but if you just need a simple, affordable tablet, you won’t go far wrong with this iPad model.
You may be more likely to spot renewed/refurbished options, but the price of those needs to be significantly cheaper than that of one of the newer iPad models to make it good value. Specifications Display size: 8.3in Processor: A15 Bionic Storage options : 64GB, 256GB Apple Pencil compatibility: 1st generation Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Currys (opens in new tab) View at AO.com (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + New design, new tech + Super portable + Good price for tech Reasons to avoid – Still no Smart Keyboard support
It comes with an A15 Bionic chipset, a USB-C port (at last), and with 5G connectivity, we feel that it’s now more on a par with one of the bigger boys on this page, the iPad Air. Added to that, it now supports the Apple Pencil 2, making it a good choice for creatives on the move. Specifications Display size: 7.9in Processor: A12 Bionic Storage options : 64GB, 256GB Apple Pencil compatibility: 1st generation Today’s Best Deals View at argos.co.uk (opens in new tab) View at argos.co.uk (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Small and light + Affordable price Reasons to avoid – Old design – No Smart Keyboard support Think of this tablet as a more capable Kindle or Kobo for reading or watching content on the go, although it has the iPad’s A12 chip so its performance is by no means weak.
Having said that, we loved this device when we reviewed it on its release, and it remains a good option if you want to look out for a bargain rather than pay the full price of the newer model.
This is the iPad generation that currently offers the best specs in terms of sheer power and capability.
If you’re only looking for a tablet to use for general internet browsing, checking emails and docs, and watching entertainment, you really don’t need an iPad from the latest generation, and you might want to save money by going for an earlier model. Now you’re likely to be able to find the 2020 iPad Pro for around $800/£800 in a sale, but the latest model offers such a boost in performance that we’d generally recommend paying a couple hundred dollars more to get more longevity from your device.
Having said that, the previous iPads models are still great tablets, and many users won’t notice the small differences in loading times.
iPad Pro (5th generation)
Significant upgrades over the previous generation include the new Apple M1 processor, the addition of 5G support in cellular models, support for Thunderbolt 3 and USB4, and for the 12.9-inch model, a new mini LED Liquid Retina XDR display. [6] The iPad’s general availability was temporarily constrained by an ongoing chip shortage of 2020 and 2021. In spite of minor differences in weight and thickness due to hardware upgrades, the tablet is virtually identical to its predecessor.
The fifth generation iPad Pro debuted support of Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 with its USB-C port. The 12.9-inch model, in contrasts, boasts mini LED HDR display called the Liquid Retina XDR display built in with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, full screen brightness of 1000 nits and a peak brightness of 1600 nits (HDR). [15] Both models support True Tone, ProMotion, 120 Hz variable refresh rate, and P3 wide colour gamut.
Besides the second generation Apple Pencil, the Smart Keyboard Folio, and the Magic Keyboard, the tablet also supports third-party external accessories such as game controllers (Sony Playstation and Microsoft XBOX games controllers, but not Nintendo Switch). Apple’s fifth-generation iPad Pro can also be used with many other peripherals that transform it into a versatile computer. Some reviewers said that its overboosted processor was limited by iPadOS and the lack of professional macOS applications,[20][21] while other criticized the placement of its camera system.
[22] The Verge criticized the lack of multiuser support like the Mac but praised the Mini-LED and cameras.
Here’s everything we know so far about the 2022 iPad Pro
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this iPad could feature a glass back to enable wireless charging, most likely via MagSafe. Wireless charging replaces the usual power cable with an inductive mat, which makes it easier for users to top up their device’s battery. Wireless charging will likely be slower than directly plugging in a charger to the iPad’s Thunderbolt port, which will remain as part of the next models. In January 2022, 9to5Mac was able to discover that Apple hit a roadblock in its plans to redesign the iPad Pro with MagSafe.
While the company was testing a full glass back on the iPad Pro 2022, it became a drawback as it would make the product easier to damage and also much more fragile. The prototype also has stronger magnets to prevent accidents, and it supports charges at faster speeds than MagSafe for iPhone.
Although it was rumored that the 11-inch model would switch the LCD panel for a miniLED display, analysts Ross Young and Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple will keep the LCD technology for the smaller iPad due to high costs of production – although it could change to an OLED display in a following iteration of the product. Not only that, but as you already read in this roundup, Apple is likely to introduce the ability to charge the 2022 iPad Pro with a MagSafe charger that’s even faster than the one available for the iPhone.
The report speculates that these new connectors could “assist in powering peripherals” that connect to the Thunderbolt/USB-C port on the iPad Pro. It’s also worth noting that iPadOS 16 will let device makers create drivers for the iPad with the addition of DriverKit support.
iPad Pro: Time to Buy? Reviews, Issues, More
The Magic Keyboard attaches to the iPad Pro through a magnetic connection, and it features cantilevered hinges that allow it to work on a desk or on a lap. A USB-C port is included on the Magic Keyboard for passthrough inductive USB-C charging capabilities, leaving the iPad Pro’s Thunderbolt port free for accessories like external drives and displays.
2021 iPad Pro models work with the second-generation Apple Pencil that was introduced in 2018. It features advanced palm rejection, extreme precision, and imperceptible lag for a paper-like writing experience that’s unmatched by third-party styluses.
Apple sells 5 different types of iPads — here’s which ones are the newest
The oldest tablet in Apple’s current lineup is the iPad Pro series released in April 2021. It makes a big difference, but it’s easy to ask and I can go on to say yay or nay — it’s not the worst way to start a conversation.
What is the Newest iPad Out Right Now? [March 2022]
03, 2022, by Steve Larner to confirm the latest version releases on various iPad models. Note: The latest models may not show the current year because none have replaced them yet. Note: Although we attempt to confirm accuracy on model specifications and comparisons (there’s a lot), the content is subject to potential inaccuracies or outdated information and serves as a guide only. Let’s take a quick look at the specs and features offered by the latest iPad models. As the name suggests, the iPad Pro’s target audience is professionals and business owners. You’ll find the Pro a perfect fit if you’re a photographer, video editor, or graphic designer.
In addition to the integrated FaceID that came on the 2020 iPad Pro, 2021 models also feature highly updated unlocking and security protocols. The fingerprint scanner has an oleophobic coating to resist finger smudges, adding to your peace of mind.
It’s a full Retina screen with excellent color reproduction, superior clarity, and superb detail.
12.9-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi‑Touch display with IPS technology (larger screen) 2D backlighting system for individual LED illumination levels (improves sectional contrast and vibrancy) The latest iPad Operating System (iPadOS 15.5) delivers excellent performance and numerous apps for on-the-go productivity.
If you want a tablet that functions as your primary computer with a keyboard, replacing your laptop, then the extra power and screen size of the Pro will serve you well as an alternative. With more modest requirements, Apple has some outstanding options at affordable prices. It’s a small, lightweight tablet with a decent amount of power for its size. Still, aside from the smaller screen and decrease in storage, the performance difference is hardly noticeable (unless you’re playing the latest games, which can sometimes strain the Air).
Typical users get about 9 hours of battery life per charge on their iPads. Both cameras also feature Center Stage, which follows/centers you as you walk or move during live meetings or video feeds. Center Stage also zooms in/out as people in front of the camera leave or join you. The power of the M1 chipset is superb, and even new games have no trouble running at full speed on this modest device.
In that case, you might appreciate the iPad Pro’s greater power and screen size.
It features a 10.2″ screen with excellent color reproduction, fast response times, and bright graphics.
The chassis sits nicely in your hand and exhibits Apple’s usual design flair. There are hardware compromises the regular iPad has over the Air or Pro models, such as an older chipset.
However, compared to the rest of the iPad lineup’s pricing, this tablet is more than up to the challenge, especially with the slick iPadOS 15 driving the experience and the superior 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera. The build quality is excellent, the screen is top class, and the battery life is also very decent. However, it’s hard to justify grabbing the iPad mini over one of the other options mentioned in this article in most cases.
The mini has plenty of power with some decent hardware, including Apple’s newest A15 Bionic chipset.
In addition, iPadOS 15 provides usability, a decent battery, a superb Retina screen, and compact dimensions with a lightweight advantage. Nothing compares to the iPad Pro if you want power and aren’t concerned with price.
The Apple Store has several excellent drawing and note-taking apps, making the iPad Pencil popular with graphic designers, artists, and those who don’t think typing notes is as convenient as writing things down.
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