Key facts
- The newest iPad models are the M4-powered iPad Air, launched in March 2026.
- The current iPad lineup includes the M5-powered iPad Pro, standard iPad with A16 chip, and iPad Mini with A17 Pro chip.
- The iPad Air models come in 11- and 13-inch sizes and feature M4 processors for improved performance in creative tasks and AI.
- The iPad Pro models, also in 11- and 13-inch sizes, are powered by the M5 processor, offering significant gains in AI and 3D performance.
- Connectivity upgrades across the new models include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support.
Apple's iPad lineup can be confusing due to a lack of a simple numbering system, making it difficult to distinguish newer models from older ones. To clarify, Apple has released updated iPad Air and iPad Pro models, alongside refreshed standard iPad and iPad Mini versions.
The newest iPad Air models, launched in March 2026, feature M4 processors and are available in 11- and 13-inch sizes. Apple states these chips offer up to a 30% performance boost, with enhanced memory bandwidth designed to better handle AI-driven tasks and improve performance in gaming and creative work. These models also include connectivity upgrades such as Apple's C1X modem for faster cellular performance and the N1 wireless chip supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The design remains similar to previous generations, featuring a Liquid Retina LED display, Touch ID, and 12MP cameras. Both sizes support the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the newer Apple Pencil Pro. Storage options range from 128GB to 1TB. The 11-inch model now starts at $749, and the 13-inch starts at $949.
The latest iPad Pro models arrived in October 2025, also in 11- and 13-inch sizes. These high-end tablets are powered by Apple's M5 processor, which the company claims delivers up to a 3.5x boost in AI performance compared to the previous generation. The M5 chip is designed for demanding applications, advanced AI workflows, and high-end games, offering improved graphical performance and memory bandwidth for smoother multitasking. The starting price for the iPad Pro is $1,199.
Apple's current lineup also includes the standard 11th-generation iPad with an A16 chip, released in March 2025 with a starting price of $449, and the 7th-generation iPad Mini with an A17 Pro chip, released in October 2024 for $599.