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Apple's beefiest iPad is a bank-breaker, but creative professionals would be remiss not to have one thanks to its internal processing power and exceptional screen quality.
The 13-inch display packs Apple's “Ultra Retina XDR” tech for a bright, vivid experience. The M4 chip allows for blazing speeds and easy multitasking. You can get it with as little as 256 GB of storage or as much as 2 TB. It comes in silver or black. Feels comfortable in hand.
If you don't need the power and performance, it's better to save and get something less potent.
The 10th-generation iPad features a larger all-screen display, a zippy processor, next-generation connectivity impressive cameras and a plethora of fun color options.
Has a 20% boost in performance over the ninth-generation iPad and offers an impressive 10 hours of battery life. Uses USB-C for charging. The display is 10.9 inches in size (up from 9.7 inches from its predecessor. Works great for basic browsing, streaming, and reading.
This model lacks a headphone jack and doesn't support the second-generation Apple Pencil or newer Apple Pencil Pro.
The iPad Air delivers an outstanding balance between performance, features, and price thanks to its large, immersive screen and powerful M2 chip.
The front-facing camera has been moved to the landscape edge, making it easier to make video calls while using it with a keyboard. The base model features 128 GB of storage, twice as much as last year's iPad Air. It is compatible with Apple's existing Magic Keyboard accessories for the iPad Pro.
This tablet still uses Touch ID as opposed to Face ID for unlocking its display and making payments.
The iPad Air packs a powerful M2 chip, immersive speakers, faster WiFi 6E connectivity, and doubles the storage over its predecessor.
The M2 chip is nearly 50% faster than the M1 chip in the previous iPad, so you'll have no trouble playing games, editing videos, or juggling several apps. The tablet packs loud stereo speakers, has a more convenient camera located along the landscape edge, and comes in new, brighter colors.
The 11-inch iPad Air works with the new Apple Pencil Pro but not the newest Magic Keyboard.
The 6th-generation iPad Mini brings styling and features from the Pro and Air down to a highly portable size without sacrificing performance and features.
Features a sleek, modern design with minimal bezels that are softly rounded at the corners. For crisp and clear video calls, the iPad features a 12MP wide-angle front camera. Its A15 processor is fast and capable for most apps. Stereo speakers are now in landscape orientation.
Although it supports the Apple Pencil, Apple doesn't sell a compatible Magic Keyboard. The screen can sometimes feel cramped.
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Apple iPads are some of the best tablets in the world. They set the standard for other brands and delight consumers with a user-friendly design.
While each iPad may have different specs, each includes the core apps users need. Plus, it has an expansive marketplace where users can download thousands of popular apps from the App Store to do just about anything else.
The latest models have some serious hardware under the hood. They can handle anything from simple spreadsheets to high-resolution video editing.
In fact, there are many versions of iPad available. Each has its own feature set and style. Read on for everything you need to know to discover your ideal iPad and to compare it to our favorites.
On May 7, Apple announced that it will be releasing new versions of the iPad Air and iPad Pro — which haven’t received a major update since October 2022. Set to go on sale on May 15, these new models feature stunning designs and cutting-edge performance and capabilities that Apple fans won’t want to miss out on.
The thinnest product Apple has ever designed, the new lightweight 13-inch iPad Pro is a mere 5.1 millimeters thick. It features a groundbreaking Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED technology and the powerful new M4 chip, which takes the iPad Pro to a whole new level. It also supports some new Apple accessories, including the more advanced Apple Pencil Pro and the lighter, thinner Magic Keyboard. In addition to a 13-inch model, the iPad Pro also comes in an 11-inch design (which is 5.3 millimeters thick). Prices for the iPad Pro start at $999.
The new iPad Air, the more affordable of the two tablets (it starts at $599), is available, for the first time ever, in two sizes: an 11-inch model and a 13-inch model. It features Apple’s M2 chip, new AI capabilities and faster Wi-Fi. It also supports the new Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. And to improve your video calls, its front-facing ultra-wide 12 MP camera is now located along the tablet's longer landscape edge, which is similar to the iPad Pro.
The first thing to know about the iPad is that there are four different base models.
Here are some of the core differences between them.
The iPad Mini has a 8.3-inch screen. It is the smallest tablet in the family.
Some of the iPad Mini’s perks include a featherweight and compact design, long-lasting battery life, bright LED display, and a lower price.
It’s a top option for getting work done on the go. And, with Apple Pencil support, it’s an inexpensive way to create digital art.
The iPad is one of the most popular iPads. It strikes a balance between performance and price.
This 10.2-inch iPad is speedy enough to satisfy the majority of users. Its LED backlit display is vibrant and colorful.
The most current version supports the Apple Pencil, Apple’s unique stylus. If you want something basic yet versatile, you can’t go wrong with this model.
The iPad Air is functionally between the standard iPad and the premium iPad Pro.
It has a little bit more of everything. The 10.5-inch screen makes it slightly larger. The iPad Air's A14 Bionic chip makes it noticeably faster. Plus, it only weighs 1 pound.
The iPad Pro blurs the line between what computers and tablets are capable of.
This ultra-wide model has a powerful 8-core CPU and a gorgeous Liquid Retina XDR display. It also has a series of sharp 10MP and 12MP cameras.
With lifelike color accuracy, video game console-like graphics, and blazing-fast WiFi, the iPad Pro is suitable for creatives, gamers, and anyone who wants to enjoy the best video streaming.
If you’re not sure which iPad would suit you, answer these questions first:
Is it for work or for personal use? If you plan to take your iPad out for daily work or play, consider its form factor.
A model that is lightweight and small is easy to take with you. Word processing and online tasks are easily done on more affordable models. If you just need an iPad for mobile games and video streaming, cheaper may be better for you.
On the other hand, if you enjoy fast and fluid gaming, high resolution streaming, and the convenience of using multiple programs at once, a pricier iPad with premium components is well worth it.
Will you need internet access outside of your home? All iPads are available in two connectivity variations: WiFi and WiFi + Cellular.
If you buy a WiFi iPad, it will only be able to use WiFi to connect to the internet. If you buy a WiFi + Cellular iPad, you can access LTE internet anywhere.
While the ability to get online from anywhere in more places is a nice perk, keep in mind that cellular data may incur an additional charge to your data plan.
What size best fits your lifestyle? iPads are available in a wide range of sizes, from the diminutive 7.9-inch iPad Mini to the extra-large 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
While a larger screen size may be better for high-end gaming and movies, a smaller iPad is best for portability and getting work done on the go.
How do the features of different iPads stack up against one another?
While every iPad is worth considering, the one for you may stand apart from the pack because of a few key specifications.
Power users who plan on typing on their iPad on a regular basis will want to learn which keyboards are compatible with each iPad.
For example, Apple’s Smart Keyboard works well with the core iPad, but it is incompatible with the superior Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio.
Serious typists should consider the newer iPad Air or iPad Pro for their premium keyboard accessories.
All iPads feature multiple cameras for taking photos and live video calls via FaceTime. But some models are equipped with advanced cameras.
More affordable iPads have adequate front- and rear-facing cameras, such as the core iPad’s 8MP Wide camera.
If you really want to impress with your photography skills, though, the iPad Pro’s 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras make it a must-have tablet.
It may be tempting to save money by opting for the lowest amount of storage offered.
However, you will appreciate the larger storage capacity of your new iPad when you are loading it up with apps, games, and other content.
Our advice: budget for the largest amount of storage possible. We think you will be happy you did.
Get the most out of your iPad with these essential accessories.
Stylus - Apple Pencil
All iPads support the Apple Pencil, and it is a must-have for digital artists and note-takers. The second-generation Apple Pencil is the best solution available for pixel perfect writing. Plus, its design has been improved over the first-generation Apple Pencil. It can charge wirelessly, and it has a flat edge so it does not roll off surfaces.
Note, however, that some older iPads do not support the second-generation Apple Pencil.
Case - Twelve South BookBook for iPad
There are hundreds of iPad cases out there. There are super thin sleeves, rugged shells, and everything in between.
We like the BookBook series from Twelve South. It’s a case designed to look like an encyclopedia-style book. It’s got an adjustable kickstand, easy storage for an Apple Pencil, and full access to the front camera. When you’re not using it, your iPad stays safely hidden as an ordinary book. (Make sure the one you buy matches the size of iPad you own.)
Earbuds - AirPods Pro
Since iPads are optimized for portability, why not take the opportunity to enjoy your favorite music and streaming apps on the go?
Between their battery life of over 24 hours, powerful bass, and active noise cancellation, a pair of AirPods Pro is a top accessory for anyone who travels with their iPad.
Keyboard - Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro
This innovatively designed keyboard doubles as a protective case. One of the most useful features of the Magic Keyboard is its highly adjustable magnetic stand. It provides users with the perfect angle for comfortable typing, no matter where they are.
The most affordable iPads start between $329 and $529. This covers the iPad Mini and core iPad models. Both are optimized for portability. They have all of the mainline features you should expect to see in an iPad, but they lack the power and gorgeous displays of pricier models.
You can customize your own iPad Air for anywhere between $599 and $750. These colorful tablets have a variety of features. Blazing-fast WiFi speeds, a sharp display, and a rugged design are a few. The iPad Air gives a superior experience that is worth it for work or play.
Dedicated mobile gamers and creative professionals can customize and buy an iPad Pro for anywhere between $799 and $2,399. The price depends on the specs. Most iPad Pro owners will not come close to spending over $2,000 on this tablet. But even at its lower specs, it gives a desktop-like performance and has a gorgeous display.
A. Yes. Her name is Siri. You verbal commands to do a wide range of things with Siri’s help, such as “Call Grandpa,” “Set a timer for an hour,” or “Take a selfie.”
New iPad owners should take a little time to see what Siri can do.
A. Yes. While the iPad can offer some extended functionality when paired with other Apple products running the iOS operating system, like being able to answer an incoming phone call on your Apple Watch, Mac, or smartphone, iPads still shine as standalone devices.
If you are an Android or Windows user and unsure if an iPad is the best long-term fit for you, it may be worth investing in a cheaper model to give iOS a trial run before committing to one of Apple’s premium tablets.
A. Modern iPads feature a simple Thunderbolt/USB 4 port or Lightning port for recharging.
The latest Apple iPads are designed to wirelessly connect with the vast majority of accessories, such as game controllers and earbuds.
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