Here’s a SiMPL Guide to Find the One That Fits You Best!
Finding the perfect iPad can feel overwhelming with so many versions on the market. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a quick overview of the latest iPads (from 2020 onwards) to help you find the best fit.
Latest iPads (2020 – 2024)
“Regular” iPad
- iPad 9th Generation (2021): 10.2-inch | A13 | Lightning | First Generation Apple Pencil | iPadOS 18.0.1
- iPad 10th Generation (2022): 10.9-inch | A14 Bionic | USB-C | First Generation Apple Pencil (via adapter) / New USB-C Apple Pencil | iPadOS 18.0.1
iPad Mini
- iPad Mini 6th Generation (2021): 8.3-inch | A15 | USB-C | Second Generation Apple Pencil | iPadOS 18.0.1
iPad Air
- iPad Air 4th Generation (2020): 10.9-inch | A14 | USB-C | Second Generation Apple Pencil | iPadOS 18.0.1
- iPad Air 5th Generation (2022): 10.9-inch | M1 | USB-C | Second Generation Apple Pencil | iPadOS 18.0.1
- iPad Air 6th Generation (2024): 11-inch | M2 | USB-C | Apple Pencil Pro / New USB-C Apple Pencil | iPadOS 18.0.1
- iPad Air 13” (2024): 13-inch | M2 | USB-C | Apple Pencil Pro / New USB-C Apple Pencil | iPadOS 18.0.1
iPad Pro
- iPad Pro 11” 4th Generation (2022): 11-inch | M2 | USB-C | Second Generation Apple Pencil | iPadOS 18.0.1
- iPad Pro 12.9” 6th Generation (2022): 12.9-inch | M2 | USB-C | Second Generation Apple Pencil | iPadOS 18.0.1
- iPad Pro 13” 7th Generation (2024): 13-inch | M4 | USB-C | Apple Pencil Pro / New USB-C Apple Pencil | iPadOS 18.0.1
Why did I get here?
Now, if you’re in a similar situation, trying to figure out which iPad to go for, let me walk you through the process. I was previously using a Surface X Pro (an incredible device, no complaints!) until my wife borrowed it… and well, now it’s hers. 😂 So, I decided to fully dive into the Apple ecosystem after getting a MacBook Pro, which I’ve been loving for its seamless, hassle-free experience. Naturally, the next step was to add an iPad to the mix.
After a few weeks of hunting for the perfect iPad, I narrowed it down to a couple of options before landing on the iPad Air 4th Generation. Here’s a quick overview of the ones I considered:
My Top Picks:
- iPad Air 4th Generation (2020): The one I ended up getting. Lightweight, great for travel, and powerful enough for casual tasks.
- iPad Air 5th Generation (2022)
- iPad 9th Generation (2021)
- iPad 10th Generation (2022)
- iPad Pro 12.9” 6th Generation (2022)
Why choose an iPad? And which model? No worries, here’s my process.
First Things First—What Will You Use the iPad For?
Before choosing, ask yourself: what are you planning to use the iPad for? In my case, it’s for traveling and checking out how it stacks up for reading compared to my Kindle. It won’t be my main device, so I wanted something reliable but not necessarily top-tier.
If you’re also after a portable device for casual use, then something like the iPad 9th or 10th generation could be a good fit. But if you’re aiming for more power or versatility, you’ll want to explore the iPad Air or even the iPad Pro.
Breaking Down the iPad Family (2020s Onward)
There are plenty of iPads out there, but to keep things simple, here’s a quick overview of the main models released in the last few years (from 2020 onwards). For those who want a comprehensive list, check out the link at the end!
The “Regular” iPads
Affordable, simple, and perfect for everyday tasks.
•iPad 9th Generation (2021): 10.2-inch screen, A13 Bionic chip, Lightning port, compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil. Great for casual users and one of the best budget options out there.
•iPad 10th Generation (2022): 10.9-inch screen, A14 Bionic chip, USB-C, and compatible with both the 1st generation Apple Pencil (via adapter) and the new USB-C Pencil. Slightly more powerful and updated with USB-C.
iPad Mini
For portability lovers, the iPad Mini is compact and powerful.
•iPad Mini 6th Generation (2021): 8.3-inch screen, A15 Bionic chip, USB-C, compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. Perfect if you want something small and portable.
iPad Air
A fantastic middle-ground option between the regular iPads and the iPad Pro.
•iPad Air 4th Generation (2020): 10.9-inch screen, A14 Bionic chip, USB-C, compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. This is the one I went with—light, powerful, and a great fit for travel and reading.
•iPad Air 5th Generation (2022): Also 10.9 inches, but it comes with the M1 chip. If you need a little more power for things like photo editing, this is a fantastic choice.
iPad Pro
For the power users—this is where Apple really flexes its muscle.
•iPad Pro 12.9” 6th Generation (2022): 12.9-inch screen, M2 chip, USB-C, and compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. This is the beast of the iPad family, with a huge display and top-tier performance.
Which One is Right for You?
If you’re like me and looking for something lightweight that can handle travel and basic tasks, the iPad Air or iPad 9th/10th generation will do just fine. If you need more screen space and power, though, the iPad Pro is worth the investment.
Hustle-Free Links to Help You Decide:
Still confused? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here’s a link to the full list of iPads (from 2010 onward) that includes all the details like screen sizes, charging ports, and Apple Pencil compatibility. This should give you a complete picture of what each model offers so you can make the best choice for you.
I hope this guide makes it easier for you to navigate the world of iPads and find the one that fits your needs. Trust me, once you’ve got your setup dialed in, it’s smooth sailing from there!