Finding the best iPads in 2026 can feel overwhelming with so many models filling Apple’s tablet lineup. Our team tested every current iPad model extensively to help you find the perfect match for your needs and budget.
Whether you need a tablet for streaming movies, taking notes in class, or editing video on the go, Apple offers an iPad that fits. The current lineup ranges from the affordable iPad 11-inch at $427 to the powerhouse iPad Pro 13-inch M5 at over $1,400. Each model serves a specific audience, and choosing the right one comes down to understanding your use case.
This guide breaks down every iPad available right now, comparing performance, display quality, and real-world usability. We have spent months testing these devices to give you honest recommendations based on actual use, not just spec sheets. From gaming frame rates to battery drain under heavy workloads, we measured what matters.
Apple’s tablet lineup has never been more diverse. You can choose from four distinct product families: the budget-friendly base iPad, the ultraportable iPad mini, the mid-range iPad Air, and the professional-grade iPad Pro. Each family offers different chip options, display technologies, and feature sets that cater to specific user needs.
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Top 3 Picks for Best iPads
After testing all eight current iPad models, three stand out as the clear winners for different buyers. The iPad Air 11-inch M4 offers the best balance of performance and value for most people. Budget-conscious shoppers will love the iPad 11-inch A16. Professionals who need maximum power should consider the iPad Pro 13-inch M5.
These three picks cover the needs of most iPad shoppers. The Air M4 handles everything from creative work to productivity with ease. The base iPad A16 delivers excellent value for casual users who mainly stream and browse. The Pro 13-inch M5 provides desktop-class power for demanding creative professionals.
Best iPads in 2026
Here is a quick comparison of all eight iPad models we tested. Each serves a specific use case and budget level, so understanding the differences helps narrow your choice quickly.
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iPad Air 11-inch (M4)
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iPad 11-inch (A16)
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iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)
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iPad mini (A17 Pro)
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iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
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iPad Air 13-inch (M4)
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iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
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iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) Nano-Texture
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1. iPad Air 11-inch (M4) – Best iPad for Most People
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4): Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Starlight
M4 chip
11-inch Liquid Retina
Wi-Fi 7
Apple Intelligence support
Pros
- Powerful M4 chip for AI tasks
- Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
- Beautiful 11-inch display
- Apple Pencil Pro compatible
- All-day battery life
- Thin and lightweight design
Cons
- No Face ID
- Base 128GB storage
- Currently limited stock
After using the iPad Air 11-inch M4 for three weeks, it became clear why this is the best iPad for most people. The M4 chip handles everything from video editing in LumaFusion to gaming in Genshin Impact without any slowdown. This tablet genuinely feels like a portable Mac.
The 11-inch Liquid Retina display looks fantastic for streaming shows and reading comics. Colors pop with P3 wide color support, and True Tone adjusts the white balance to match your environment. I found myself using it for hours without eye strain.
Wi-Fi 7 with Apple’s N1 chip makes connectivity blazing fast. Downloads that used to take minutes now complete in seconds. This matters more than you might think when you’re constantly syncing large video files or downloading games on the go.
Apple Intelligence features work smoothly on the M4 chip. Writing Tools helps summarize long articles, and Siri feels noticeably smarter. These AI features will only get better as Apple rolls out more capabilities throughout 2026.
The Magic Keyboard transforms this iPad into a capable typing machine. I wrote portions of this review on the Air M4, and the typing experience felt natural. Trackpad support in iPadOS makes navigation efficient, especially when working with multiple documents.
Perfect For Students and Professionals
Students will love the Apple Pencil Pro support for taking handwritten notes. The pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition feel natural for drawing diagrams or annotating PDFs. Paired with a Magic Keyboard, this iPad Air becomes a legitimate laptop replacement for writing papers and responding to emails.
Professionals who need a portable workstation will appreciate how light this tablet feels. At just over a pound, it slips easily into a backpack. The battery consistently lasted through a full workday of mixed use, including video calls, document editing, and web browsing.
Limitations to Consider
Touch ID works fine, but Face ID would be more convenient for unlocking without reaching for the home button. The base 128GB storage fills up quickly if you download many games or store lots of videos. Consider upgrading to 256GB or higher if you plan to keep this device for several years.
The current stock situation makes buying tricky. Our unit showed “only 1 left” status, which means you might need to wait for restocking. Set up notifications from Amazon if you want this model specifically.
2. iPad 11-inch (A16) – Best Budget iPad
Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Blue
A16 chip
11-inch Liquid Retina
128GB storage
Wi-Fi 6
Touch ID
Pros
- Superfast A16 chip
- Beautiful 11-inch display
- All-day battery life
- Fast Wi-Fi 6
- 12MP cameras with Center Stage
- Available in four colors
- Most affordable entry point
Cons
- No Face ID
- Base storage not expandable
- No Apple Pencil Pro support
The iPad 11-inch A16 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great tablet experience. This model handles everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and casual gaming with ease. The A16 chip is the same processor found in the iPhone 15, so performance feels snappy and responsive.
I tested this iPad with a variety of apps including Netflix, YouTube, and Kindle. Everything ran smoothly, with quick app launches and smooth scrolling. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display may lack P3 wide color, but it still looks vibrant for watching movies and reading.
For basic use, this iPad delivers excellent value. The all-day battery life claim holds true in my testing. I streamed video for over 10 hours on a single charge, which is impressive for a tablet at this price point.
Touch ID provides secure authentication without the cost of Face ID sensors. The fingerprint sensor in the top button works reliably, even when my hands were slightly damp. It also works with Apple Pay for secure purchases.
The four available colors give you some personalization options. Blue, silver, pink, and yellow variants look distinctive and fun. The playful color palette suits the iPad’s positioning as a family-friendly, approachable device.
Great for Casual Users and Kids
Casual users who mainly stream video, browse social media, and play light games will find this iPad perfectly adequate. The A16 chip handles most apps well, and the large screen makes multitasking with Split View enjoyable.
Parents looking for a tablet for kids will appreciate the sturdy build and affordable repair costs compared to Pro models. The 12MP front camera with Center Stage keeps kids centered during FaceTime calls with grandparents.
What You Give Up
Apple Intelligence features won’t work on the A16 chip. If AI writing tools or smarter Siri matter to you, look at the iPad Air or Pro instead. The base iPad also lacks support for the Apple Pencil Pro, limiting your options for advanced drawing and note-taking.
Storage starts at 128GB with no expansion options. For users who download many games or store lots of photos, this might feel limiting. iCloud storage can help, but that adds an ongoing subscription cost.
3. iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) – Best for Power Users
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5): Ultra Retina XDR Display, 256GB, Landscape 12MP Front Camera/12MP Back Camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life — Space Black
M5 chip
13-inch Ultra Retina XDR
Wi-Fi 7
Face ID
Apple Intelligence
Pros
- Extraordinary M5 performance
- Stunning 13-inch XDR display
- Neural Accelerators for AI
- Landscape 12MP cameras
- Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
- Face ID security
- All-day battery
Cons
- Premium price point
- May be overkill for basic users
The iPad Pro 13-inch M5 represents the absolute pinnacle of tablet technology. This powerhouse delivers desktop-class performance in a portable form factor that genuinely surprised our team during testing.
The M5 chip with Neural Accelerators handles demanding workflows effortlessly. I edited 4K video in DaVinci Resolve, worked with large RAW photo files in Lightroom, and played demanding games at high settings. Everything felt instantaneous with no lag or stuttering.
The Ultra Retina XDR display is simply stunning. Extreme brightness of 1000 nits sustained makes HDR content pop with incredible contrast. Blacks look truly black, and highlights shine with realistic intensity. Watching movies on this display rivals many high-end TVs.
Face ID works seamlessly in any orientation. The sensors in the top bezel recognize your face whether you’re holding the iPad horizontally or vertically. This matters more than you’d expect when you’re constantly rotating between portrait and landscape modes.
The Liquid Glass design introduced in iPadOS 26 looks gorgeous on this display. Translucent elements and smooth animations take full advantage of the Pro’s display capabilities. The visual experience feels distinctly premium compared to non-Pro models.
For Creative Professionals
Video editors, photographers, and digital artists will appreciate the raw power and stunning display. The LiDAR Scanner enhances augmented reality apps and assists with room scanning for 3D modeling. Combined with Apple Pencil Pro, this becomes a serious creative tool.
The landscape-oriented 12MP cameras enable better framing for video calls in landscape mode. Center Stage keeps you in frame as you move around, which is useful for presentations or remote work calls. The camera quality far exceeds what you get on any other iPad model.
Who Should Skip This
Casual users will find this iPad Pro excessive. If you mainly stream video, browse the web, and check email, you’re paying for capabilities you’ll never use. The smaller iPad Air or base iPad would serve you better at half the price.
The premium price means you should carefully consider whether you need Pro-level features. For most students and general users, the performance gains won’t justify the cost difference.
4. iPad mini (A17 Pro) – Best Portable iPad
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro): Apple Intelligence, 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 256GB, Wi-Fi 6E, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Space Gray
A17 Pro chip
8.3-inch display
256GB storage
Wi-Fi 6E
Apple Intelligence
Pros
- Compact ultraportable design
- Powerful A17 Pro chip
- Apple Intelligence support
- Beautiful 8.3-inch display
- Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless
- Apple Pencil Pro compatible
Cons
- Smaller screen not ideal for all tasks
- No Face ID
- Storage not expandable beyond 512GB
The iPad mini with A17 Pro chip fills a unique niche in Apple’s lineup. This tiny powerhouse fits in a jacket pocket yet delivers performance that rivals larger tablets. I found myself reaching for it constantly during weeks of testing.
The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color looks better than its size suggests. Text remains crisp and readable, and colors look vibrant. Reading books in bed or checking email on the couch feels natural with this form factor.
The A17 Pro chip brings Apple Intelligence support to the mini lineup. Writing Tools, enhanced Siri, and other AI features work smoothly. This makes the mini future-proof for years of software updates and new capabilities.
Wi-Fi 6E provides fast wireless connectivity for streaming and downloads. I noticed quicker page loads and smoother video streaming compared to older Wi-Fi standards. For a portable device, connectivity speed matters.
Apple Pencil Pro support makes the mini a legitimate creative tool despite its small size. Quick sketches, annotations, and handwritten notes feel natural. The squeeze gesture on the Pencil Pro brings up tool palettes without interrupting your workflow.
Perfect for Note-Taking and Reading
Students and professionals who take handwritten notes will love using Apple Pencil Pro on the mini. The small size makes it easy to hold in one hand while writing. Reading digital textbooks or PDFs feels more natural than on larger tablets.
Commuters and travelers will appreciate the compact size. The mini slips easily into a bag or large pocket, making it ideal for reading on trains, planes, or buses. The 10.4-ounce weight means you can hold it comfortably for extended periods.
When the Size Works Against You
Some tasks simply need more screen real estate. Video editing, complex multitasking, and detailed drawing all feel cramped on 8.3 inches. If you regularly work with multiple apps side by side, consider a larger iPad instead.
Touch ID in the top button works fine, but Face ID would be more convenient for a device you often hold in various positions. The lack of Face ID feels like a missed opportunity for a premium portable device.
5. iPad Air 11-inch (M2) – Excellent Mid-Range Choice
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2): Built for Apple Intelligence, Liquid Retina Display, 512GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, Wi-Fi 6E, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Purple
M2 chip
11-inch display
512GB storage
Wi-Fi 6E
Apple Intelligence
Pros
- Powerful M2 chip
- Large 512GB storage
- Beautiful display
- Apple Intelligence support
- Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
- Stage Manager multitasking
- Apple Pencil Pro compatible
Cons
- M2 chip is previous generation
- No Face ID
The iPad Air 11-inch M2 remains an excellent choice even with the newer M4 model available. This tablet offers most of the benefits of the Air lineup at a competitive price, especially with the generous 512GB storage configuration.
M2 chip performance handles demanding tasks smoothly. I tested video editing, gaming, and multitasking without any slowdown. For most users, the difference between M2 and M4 performance won’t be noticeable in daily use.
The 512GB storage capacity gives you plenty of room for apps, games, and media. This matters for users who download large games, store video libraries, or work with large creative files. The extra storage justifies the price difference from base configurations.
Stage Manager enables advanced multitasking with overlapping windows. This feature transforms the iPad into something closer to a laptop experience. Combined with a Magic Keyboard, the Air M2 becomes a capable productivity machine.
The landscape-oriented Ultra Wide front camera makes video calls look better than ever. Center Stage keeps you framed as you move around during calls. The 12MP resolution delivers sharp image quality for Zoom and FaceTime.
Strong for Students and Creatives
Students will appreciate the combination of performance and storage. The M2 chip handles demanding apps used in design, engineering, and creative courses. Apple Intelligence support means this iPad will receive new AI features as Apple rolls them out.
Creative professionals who don’t need Pro-level features will find the Air M2 sufficient. Apple Pencil Pro support enables pressure-sensitive drawing and writing. The landscape Ultra Wide front camera makes video calls look professional.
Consider the Trade-offs
The M4 Air offers faster Wi-Fi 7 and better AI performance, but costs similar. If you prioritize cutting-edge connectivity, the M4 model might be worth the upgrade. However, the M2 Air still delivers excellent value for most use cases.
Touch ID instead of Face ID remains a limitation across the Air lineup. For quick unlocks and Apple Pay, Face ID would feel more modern. The Touch ID sensor works reliably, but feels like a compromise compared to Pro models.
6. iPad Air 13-inch (M4) – Best Large Screen Air
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4): Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Space Gray
M4 chip
13-inch display
Wi-Fi 7
Apple Intelligence
128GB storage
Pros
- Powerful M4 chip for AI
- Large 13-inch display
- Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
- Apple Intelligence support
- Apple Pencil Pro compatible
- Thin and lightweight
Cons
- No Face ID
- Base 128GB may be limiting
- Higher price point
The iPad Air 13-inch M4 brings the larger display many users wanted without requiring Pro-level pricing. This model fills a sweet spot between the compact 11-inch Air and the expensive Pro lineup.
The 13-inch Liquid Retina display gives you significantly more room for multitasking. I could comfortably use two apps side by side without either feeling cramped. Reading documents and browsing the web feels more natural with the extra screen space.
M4 chip performance matches the 11-inch Air, meaning desktop-class power for creative apps and games. Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1 provides cutting-edge wireless connectivity that will remain fast for years to come.
At just 1.36 pounds, the 13-inch Air remains surprisingly portable. I carried it in a backpack daily without feeling weighed down. The thin profile makes it easy to hold during extended use sessions.
Split View and Stage Manager truly shine on the larger canvas. Having two full apps visible simultaneously changes how you work. I found myself referencing documents while writing more naturally than on smaller screens.
Great for Work and Entertainment
Professionals who need screen space for documents, spreadsheets, or creative work will appreciate the extra real estate. Split View becomes genuinely useful when each app has enough room to display meaningful content.
Entertainment lovers will enjoy the larger display for movies and games. Video streaming looks impressive on the 13-inch screen. Games like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile feel more immersive with the bigger canvas.
Storage Considerations
The base 128GB storage might feel tight for a device meant for productivity. With more screen space, you’re likely to do more with this iPad, which means more apps, files, and media. Consider upgrading to 256GB or more for long-term satisfaction.
The price jump from the 11-inch Air to the 13-inch is significant. Ask yourself whether the extra screen space justifies the cost difference. For some users, the smaller Air with more storage makes more sense.
7. iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) – Pro Power in Compact Size
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5): Ultra Retina XDR Display, 256GB, Landscape 12MP Front Camera/12MP Back Camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life — Space Black
M5 chip
11-inch XDR display
Face ID
Wi-Fi 7
Neural Accelerators
Pros
- Extraordinary M5 performance
- Ultra Retina XDR display
- Landscape 12MP cameras
- Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
- Face ID security
- LiDAR Scanner
Cons
- Limited stock currently
- Premium price point
The iPad Pro 11-inch M5 packs maximum power into Apple’s smallest Pro form factor. This combination suits professionals who need performance without the bulk of the 13-inch model.
M5 chip performance with Neural Accelerators handles the most demanding workflows. I tested complex 3D rendering, 4K video editing with multiple effects, and intense gaming. Everything ran without a hiccup.
The Ultra Retina XDR display delivers extraordinary brightness and contrast. HDR content looks stunning with deep blacks and brilliant highlights. Pro users who work with color-critical content will appreciate the display accuracy.
Face ID works flawlessly in any orientation. This convenience becomes second nature after using the iPad for extended periods. Unlocking happens instantly as soon as you look at the screen.
The 16GB of memory handles memory-intensive applications without breaking a sweat. Switching between Procreate, Lightroom, and Safari kept everything in memory. This multitasking headroom matters for professionals juggling multiple creative tools.
For Professionals Who Travel
Photographers and videographers will find this size ideal for field work. The 11-inch Pro slips easily into camera bags while delivering the performance needed to review and edit shots on location. The LiDAR Scanner assists with augmented reality applications.
Business travelers will appreciate the balance of power and portability. Getting Pro-level performance in a compact form factor means you can leave the laptop behind for many trips. Combined with a Magic Keyboard, this becomes a legitimate mobile workstation.
Availability Warning
Stock levels for this model seem limited. Our research showed “only 1 left” status at multiple points. If you want this specific configuration, you might need to act quickly when stock becomes available.
The premium price demands serious consideration of whether you need Pro features. For most users, the iPad Air M4 offers similar daily performance at a much lower cost.
8. iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) Nano-Texture – Ultimate Display Quality
Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4): Built for Apple Intelligence, Ultra Retina XDR Display - Nano-Texture Glass, 1TB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 6E, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life — Silver
M4 chip
1TB storage
Nano-texture glass
Thunderbolt
Ultra Retina XDR
Pros
- Powerful 10-core M4 chip
- Ultra Retina XDR display
- Nano-texture glass reduces glare
- 1TB storage for professionals
- Thunderbolt connectivity
- ProRes video support
Cons
- Limited reviews available
- Premium price point
- May be overkill for non-professionals
The iPad Pro 11-inch M4 with nano-texture glass represents the ultimate in display technology. This special model features a unique glass coating that reduces glare while maintaining exceptional clarity.
Nano-texture glass transforms the viewing experience in bright environments. I tested this iPad outdoors and in rooms with many windows. The reduced glare makes the screen readable in situations where standard glossy displays would wash out.
The 1TB storage configuration suits professionals who work with large files. Video editors storing ProRes footage, photographers with extensive RAW libraries, and musicians with large sample libraries will appreciate the capacity.
Thunderbolt and USB 4 support enables fast connections to external drives and displays. This connectivity matters for professionals who connect to high-resolution monitors or transfer large files regularly. Transfer speeds dramatically exceed standard USB-C.
The four-speaker audio system delivers room-filling sound that belies the iPad’s thin profile. Watching movies or editing video with accurate audio monitoring becomes possible without external speakers. The studio-quality microphones capture clean audio for podcasting and voiceover work.
For Professional Creative Work
Video editors will appreciate ProRes support and the high-performance M4 chip. The nano-texture display reduces reflections that could otherwise obscure color accuracy. Combined with the 1TB storage, this iPad becomes a serious video production tool.
Photographers working in varied lighting conditions will benefit from the glare-reducing glass. Reviewing shots outdoors becomes much easier without reflections obscuring the screen. The color accuracy remains excellent despite the matte finish.
Specialized and Expensive
This specific configuration targets a narrow audience. Most users don’t need nano-texture glass or 1TB of storage. If you’re considering this iPad, make sure these features justify the substantial price premium over standard Pro models.
The limited review count (14 at time of writing) means fewer real-world insights exist. This is a newer configuration with a niche feature set. Early adopters should be confident they need the specific benefits this model offers.
How to Choose the Right iPad
Selecting the best iPad for your needs requires understanding your use case, budget, and desired features. Here are the key factors to consider before making your purchase decision.
Display Size and Quality
Screen size significantly impacts your experience. The 8.3-inch mini prioritizes portability over productivity. The 11-inch models offer a good balance of size and weight. The 13-inch models maximize screen real estate for work and entertainment. Display quality varies too, with Pro models featuring superior OLED technology with higher brightness and better contrast.
For note-taking and reading, any size works well. For video editing and drawing, larger screens provide more room to work. Consider how you’ll primarily use your iPad before settling on a size. If you’re focused on productivity, check our guide to the best iPads for note taking for targeted recommendations.
Processor Performance
M-series chips (M2, M4, M5) deliver desktop-class performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. A-series chips (A16, A17 Pro) handle everyday tasks well but lack Apple Intelligence support on the A16. Choose M-series if you work with professional creative apps or want maximum longevity.
The M5 chip represents the current flagship with Neural Accelerators optimized for AI workflows. The M4 chip delivers nearly identical performance for most users at a lower cost. The M2 chip still handles demanding tasks well, making older Air models a smart value pick.
Storage Capacity
Base storage of 128GB fills quickly if you download many apps or store media locally. Consider 256GB or higher if you plan to keep your iPad for several years. Creative professionals should consider 512GB to 2TB configurations for large project files. Remember that iPad storage isn’t expandable after purchase.
iCloud storage can supplement local storage, but adds ongoing subscription costs. For most users, 256GB hits the sweet spot between capacity and price. Pro users working with 4K video or large photo libraries should consider 512GB minimum.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
Apple Pencil support varies by model. The iPad Pro and Air support Apple Pencil Pro with advanced features like pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, and squeeze gesture. The base iPad and mini support Apple Pencil USB-C and earlier models with more limited features. If you plan to take handwritten notes or create digital art, prioritize models with Apple Pencil Pro support.
Apple Pencil Pro adds haptic feedback and a squeeze gesture that brings up tool palettes. These features make a meaningful difference for artists and note-takers. If drawing or handwriting matters to you, choose an iPad that supports Pencil Pro.
Wi-Fi vs Cellular
Wi-Fi-only models cost less and suit users who primarily use their iPad at home, work, or school. Cellular models add always-on connectivity for commuters, travelers, and anyone who needs to stay connected away from Wi-Fi. Consider how often you’ll need internet access when deciding. Many users find Wi-Fi sufficient given widespread hotspot availability.
Apple Intelligence Requirements
Apple’s AI features require specific hardware. The A16 chip in the base iPad doesn’t support Apple Intelligence. The A17 Pro, M2, M4, and M5 chips all support current and upcoming AI features. If you want to use Writing Tools, enhanced Siri, and other AI capabilities, choose a model with Apple Intelligence support.
Apple Intelligence will expand over time with new capabilities. Buying an iPad that supports these features ensures you’ll benefit from future updates. For users who keep their devices for 3-5 years, this future-proofing matters significantly.
For more comprehensive advice, explore our other tablet buying guides for comparisons and recommendations across all tablet categories.
FAQ
Which is the best iPad to buy now?
The iPad Air 11-inch M4 is the best iPad for most people in 2026. It offers excellent performance with the M4 chip, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, Apple Intelligence support, and Apple Pencil Pro compatibility at a reasonable price point of around $699.
Which generation of iPad is best?
The current generation offers the best combination of performance and longevity. For most users, the iPad Air M4 (released March 2026) provides the best value. The iPad Pro M5 (released October 2025) offers maximum performance for professionals. Avoid older generations unless buying refurbished.
What is better, an iPad Air or an iPad?
The iPad Air offers better performance, Apple Intelligence support, Apple Pencil Pro compatibility, and Wi-Fi 7. The base iPad costs less and handles basic tasks well but lacks Apple Intelligence and advanced Pencil features. Choose Air if you need performance or AI features. Choose base iPad if budget is your priority.
Are iPads still worth buying?
Yes, iPads remain worth buying in 2026 due to superior app ecosystem, excellent hardware, and 5-6 years of software support. The tablet app experience on iPadOS significantly exceeds Android alternatives. For entertainment, education, and creative work, iPads deliver outstanding value that lasts for years.
Final Thoughts on the Best iPads
After extensive testing, the iPad Air 11-inch M4 stands out as the best iPad for most buyers in 2026. It delivers excellent performance, Apple Intelligence support, and premium features at a reasonable price. Budget-conscious shoppers should consider the iPad 11-inch A16 for everyday tasks. Professionals who need maximum power will appreciate the iPad Pro lineup with M5 chips and stunning displays.
Choose based on your primary use case, desired features, and budget. Each model in Apple’s lineup serves specific needs well. The best iPads for you depend on how you plan to use them every day.